Bloemfontein is an interesting city with many popular and interesting places to see and experience, but some of the most interesting places can be a little hard to find.
Museums
A variety of museums can be found in Bloemfontein, including the National Museum, Hertzog House, First Raadsaal, Old Presidency, Queens Fort Military Museum in the Old Fort, Freshford House Museum, the War Museum at the National Women's Memorial, the Free State Education Museum, the Unit Museum of I Special Service Battalion, National Afrikaans Literature Museum, Free State Agricultural Museum, the SA Armour Museum at Tempe Military Base, the Rugby Museum of Choet Visser, the Jukskei Museum of Hercules Taljaard and the collection of veteran and classic cars, motorcycles and motor-mobilia of Waldie Greyvenstein.
President Brand Street in Bloemfontein has been declared a national conservation area and adds to the city's graceful charm with buildings and monuments of historical significance, including the South African Court of Appeal, Fourth Raadsaal, City Hall and the Supreme Court of South Africa.
The National Museum in Charles Street in Bloemfontein displays one of the largest collections of fossils and other archaeological finds in the Republic of South Africa. The Florisbad skull, which is of particular interest to archaeologists who specialise in the prehistoric predecessors of modern man, is a certain highlight in the National Museum exhibits. A realistic reconstruction of a Bloemfontein street scene from in 1900 is also on display.
Hertzog House
Major Henry Douglas Warden erected the First Raadsaal in 1949. This modest building with its dung floors and thatched roof was used as a school building, church and social venue, and housed almost all of the original civil institutions in Bloemfontein's early days. The First Raadsaal is a museum where the origin of Bloemfontein is depicted. The Waenhuis Museum is located Behind the First Raadsaal.
The Old Presidency
The Old Fort in Church Street, on the brow of the hill overlooking the centre of Bloemfontein, was built during 1848 as a stronghold against native raids. Near the entrance to the Old Fort is a monument in honour of the burgers of the Orange Free State Republic who fell in the Basotho War. The Old Fort now houses the Queen's Fort Military Museum, depicting all the armed conflicts that took place in the Free State since 1820. The outside exhibits include various armoured vehicles, various cannon, and an Impala Fighter Jet.
The Freshford House Museum is a snapshot of the old-world charms of a home in Kellner Street in Bloemfontein, which was built by architect John Edwin Harrison in 1897. The National Museum restored the old house to its former glory, to offer visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of 1890.
The impressively simple sandstone shrine of the National Women's Memorial is a celebrated example of South African sculpture art created by Anton von Wouw. The War Museum on the same grounds, houses an exhibit that uniquely tells the story of the Anglo Boer War.
The Free State Education Museum was opened on 26 April 1986 and serves as an archive for the Free State Education Department. Visits are by appointment only.
Unit Museum of I Special Service Battalion tells the story of the special battalion that was born during the Great Depression, to save the South African youth from a total loss of self-confidence, as well as moral and physical well being. The Great Depression was a time of grim circumstances, caused by massive and prolonged unemployment. Articles in the museum exhibition dates from the period around 1933.
The fine Cape Dutch architecture of the Old Government Building in Maitland Street in Bloemfontein, today houses the National Afrikaans Literary Museum (Nasionale Afrikaanse Letterkundige Museum).
The Free State Agricultural Museum at Glen Agricultural College, to the northwest of Bloemfontein, is a living museum that depicts daily farming activities and implements from various eras. The Free State Agricultural Museum preserves various aspects of farming culture for future generations.
The SA Armour Museum, on the grounds of Tempe Military Base, exhibits various items dealing specifically with military armour. The SA Armour Museum consists of an indoor-, outdoor-, and reference library area.
Jukskei Museum of Hercules Taljaard
The Rugby Museum of Choet Visser in Bloemfontein is one of the largest private collections of its kind in the world. Viewings can be arranged with the owner.
The collection of veteran and classic cars, motorcycles and motor-mobilia of Waldie Greyvenstein contains items related to the motorcar, of more than 100 years. Viewings can be arranged with the owner.
Other Bloemfontein Landmarks
The Jubileum Building was constructed in the 1920's as a venue for reading and refreshments for young people.
Bloemfontein City Hall is a stately sandstone building in President Brand Street, which was designed by Sir Gordon Leith.
Bloemfontein railway station buildings
The University of the Free State was founded in 1855 and received university status in 1950. The "red square" in front of the main sandstone buildings is a peaceful garden with relaxing water features and sculptures.
Oliewenhuis, the stately neo-Cape Dutch manor house in the Arboretum suburb of Bloemfontein, was built to accommodate Governors-General and Heads of State during their visits to Bloemfontein. In 1985, it became the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, home to some of the cultural treasures of South Africa, and a place where Bloemfontein residents and visitors can enjoy regular art exhibitions from a variety of local and other artists.
Bloemfontein's Orchid House is a modern nursery at the foot of Naval Hill in Hamilton Park. Visiting hours during the week are from 10:00 - 16:00, and over weekends, from 10:00 - 17:00. Stepping into the Orchid House transports you into the heart of a tropical oasis of lush greenery and rare, colourful Orchids. A circular wooden walkway takes you on a journey of discovery around this tiny jungle full of charm. Also nearby, is a fragrance garden for the blind.
Bloemfontein Zoo is open every day of the year from 08:00 to 18:00 in summer and from 08:00 to 17:00 in winter. The Bloemfontein Zoo houses the largest collection of primates in South Africa, as well as an interesting variety of birds and numerous other animals.
Maselspoort, or more accurately, Aventura Maselspoort, is a delightful resort less than 30 km from Bloemfontein, on the banks of the Modder River, where residents of Bloemfontein can enjoy various recreational activities and water sports.
Boiden Observatory
President Brand Cemetery is located opposite the Old Fort. Many men and women who lost their lives during the Anglo Boer War were buried here. The President's Acre, in President Avenue, is the last resting place of former South African State Presidents.
Hertzog Square
Hoffman Square lies in the centre of the Bloemfontein central business district, between Maitland Street and St Andrews Street. The monument on Hoffman Square was erected in remembrance of the Bloemfontein men who died fighting in the First and Second World Wars.
The Setshabelo Centre is the old Ramskraal Prison, which has been changed into an education centre. The Setshabelo Centre encourages local entrepreneurship and teaches arts, crafts and culture.
The Digareteneng Houses in Bochabela in Bloemfontein were built in 1952. Their incredible purpose was to hide the squatters in Bochabela from King George V of England, on his 1952 visit to Bloemfontein!
The Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre and Stadium is one of the biggest and most modern of its kind in southern Africa. The Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre and Stadium offers facilities for various different sports.
New Clare Township was the residential section for the coloured people of Bloemfontein, before their forced relocation to the location of Heidedal.
The Free State National Botanical Garden is the only botanical garden in the Free State. It is situated in Rayton, on the outskirts of Bloemfontein.
Soetdoring Nature Reserve is only 45 km outside of Bloemfontein. A predator park with lion, Cape wild dogs and other predators, gives visitors an opportunity to witness feedings. Soetdoring Nature reserve is also a good spot for a family picnic or angling on the banks of the Modder River.
Prominent Bloemfontein Churches
The founder of Bloemfontein, Major Henry Douglas Warden, laid the foundation stone of the Victorian building known as the Anglican Cathedral in 1850.
The Twin Tower Church (Tweetoringkerk in Afrikaans) is a very visible landmark, at the top of the Floreat Promenade near the centre of Bloemfontein. When approaching Bloemfontein from the south, via Church Street, it is obvious why the Twin Tower Church is considered a prominent character among the buildings that constitute the City of Bloemfontein. The church was completed in 1880 on the site of a much smaller church. The last three presidents of the old Republic Of The Orange Free State took the oath of presidential office in the Twin Tower Church. Regular Sunday assemblies of the Dutch Reformed Church are still held here.
Bloemfontein Theatres
The Sand du Plessis Theatre, one of the world's most modern and technically advanced theatres when completed in 1985, features a beautiful, glittering interior in gold and marble. The Sand du Plessis Theatre is the headquarters for PACOFS, the association for the performing arts in the Free State. Regular performances from every discipline in the performing arts make the Sand Du Plessis Theatre Bloemfontein's window to local art and culture. Other Bloemfontein theatres include the Civic Theatre, Sterrewag Theatre, Odeon Auditorium and Andre Hugenot Theatre.
Modern Buildings
The Mangaung Civic Centre, known as the Bram Fisher Building, is a modern glass building that has been serving as the headquarters for the Mangaung local Municipality since 1992.
The CR Swart Building in Bloemfontein houses offices of Free State Provincial Administration and PACOFS. A revolving restaurant on the 26th floor offers diners a 360-degree view of the city of Bloemfontein.
The Lebohang Building, opposite the Sand Du Plessis Theatre in President Boshoff Street, houses Free State Provincial Administration offices. Its western glass and concrete panel creates an impressive display at sunset or at night, when illuminated from inside.
One of the founder members of the ANC, Thomas Maphikela, built Maphikela House in 1926. Maphikela House was used as a guesthouse and meeting place for visiting members of the executive committee of the ANC.
Watery Places In Bloemfontein
The charming fountain, for which Bloemfontein was named, is depicted in a concrete column and mosaic of the city's emblem in Selborne Street.
The Loch Logan Waterfront is an innovative waterfront-style project on the eastern banks of Loch Logan, a dam in the Bloem Spruit, which runs through the city of Bloemfontein. The Loch Logan Waterfront offers entertainment, good restaurants, sociable pubs and shopping for all ages.
Close by the Loch Logan Waterfront are Bloemfontein's series of modern sport stadia for rugby, cricket, athletics, hockey and tennis as well as an Olympic standard swimming pool.
Loch Logan is a popular place for a braai or get-together, but it's also the venue of the monthly Volksblad Art Market in Bloemfontein, where art and handcrafted items are offered for sale in a flea-market setting. Many artists, crafters and hobbyists from Bloemfontein and surrounding areas proudly display their wares and items to the admiring public next to the Bloemfontein Zoo, on the lush lawns of Kings Park.
State President Swart Park is the largest of Bloemfontein's many recreational spots, with lots of sculptured flowerbeds, rolling lawns and shady spots.
The Prince of Wales opened Kings Park in 1925.
Bloemfontein Libraries
Bloemfontein Public Library (GA Fichardt Bequest)
Cultural Events
Some of the annual cultural events hosted by Bloemfontein include:
- The Rose Festival in October
- The Free State Agricultural Show in March
- Macuffe Arts Festival
Mangaung Tourism
Visitors to Bloemfontein can contact the Tourist Information Office, for free, friendly and professional assistance in finding accommodation and planning their itinerary.
The Tourist Information Office is located at the Mangaung Tourism Centre in Park Road, Willows, and can be contacted at telephone numbers (051) 405 8489 or (051) 405 8490.
