Oliewenhuis Art Museum

Bloemfontein

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One of South Africa’s most striking art galleries, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum occupies an exquisite 1935 mansion set in beautiful gardens. An imaginative and poignant contemporary photographic exhibition gives a good insight into modern South Africa. The museum also holds a collection of works by South African artists, including Thomas Baines.

The on-site tea room (closed Monday; mains R40 to R195) serves everything from coffee and cake to T-bone steak. There's a functioning, if slightly scary, carousel in the gardens, plus lawns for kids to run around on.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    Naval Hill

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    During the Anglo-Boer War, this was the site of the British naval-gun emplacements. There are good views from the top of the hill, which is also home to…

  • Anglo-Boer War Museum

    Anglo-Boer War Museum

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  • National Women’s Memorial

    National Women’s Memorial

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  • Loch Logan Waterfront

    Loch Logan Waterfront

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    Yes, Bloem has a Waterfront, modelled on Cape Town’s. Although it’s a bit tacky, Loch Logan Waterfront is more pleasant than a shopping mall. It’s outside…

  • Orchid House

    Orchid House

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    This glasshouse has a beautiful, if small, collection of flowers and some dazzling orchids. The surrounding Hamilton Park is an ideal place to take the…

  • National Museum

    National Museum

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    A great recreation of a 19th-century street, complete with sound effects, is the most interesting display at this museum. It also has a shop and a cafe.

  • Franklin Nature Reserve

    Franklin Nature Reserve

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    Atop Naval hill, the Franklin Nature Reserve is a great place for a walk or a short drive to spot zebras, antelope and giraffes.

  • Twin-Towered Church

    Twin-Towered Church

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    A Dutch Reformed church on Floreat Ave that serves as a good landmark for orientation.

View more attractions

Nearby Bloemfontein attractions

1. Orchid House

0.22 MILES

This glasshouse has a beautiful, if small, collection of flowers and some dazzling orchids. The surrounding Hamilton Park is an ideal place to take the…

2. Franklin Nature Reserve

0.51 MILES

Atop Naval hill, the Franklin Nature Reserve is a great place for a walk or a short drive to spot zebras, antelope and giraffes.

3. Naval Hill

0.54 MILES

During the Anglo-Boer War, this was the site of the British naval-gun emplacements. There are good views from the top of the hill, which is also home to…

4. National Museum

1.03 MILES

A great recreation of a 19th-century street, complete with sound effects, is the most interesting display at this museum. It also has a shop and a cafe.

5. Loch Logan Waterfront

1.09 MILES

Yes, Bloem has a Waterfront, modelled on Cape Town’s. Although it’s a bit tacky, Loch Logan Waterfront is more pleasant than a shopping mall. It’s outside…

6. Twin-Towered Church

1.11 MILES

A Dutch Reformed church on Floreat Ave that serves as a good landmark for orientation.

8. National Women’s Memorial

2.85 MILES

Commemorating the 26,000 women and children who died in British concentration camps during the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War, the National Women’s Memorial…