Old Residency Museum in Graaff-Reinet, Oos-Kaap

The Old Residency Museum is situated in the town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

This former Residency is a fine example of a 19^th Century H-Shaped shaped home and be found diagonally across from Reinet House in Parsonage Street. Johannes Gerber purchased the property in 1819 and it seems he built the home at this time. The property changed hands many times and in 1916 the South African Government acquired the property for use as the residence for the Magistrate until 1978. The building was declared a National Monument on 8 June 1962.

The Museum houses one of the finest collections of sporting rifles in the country as well as memorabilia from the Midland Regiment. It also has a variety of antique musical instruments and a display on the history of Graaff-Reinet.

The four Museums, namely Reinet House, Old Library, Old Residency and Urquhart House are all governed by a Board of Trustees, and are subsidised by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. The Military History Museum was recently added to this group of Museums which are all unique cultural gems and an integral part of the town, making Graaff-Reinet one of the most historically significant sites in South Africa. All these buildings are either in the same complex or in close proximity to each other and are all well worth a visit.

Things to do and see

• Guided & Educational Tours
• Harriet Rabone Drawing Room
• Music Room
• Jan Felix Lategan Collection of Historical Firearms
• William Roe Photographic Exhibition
• Second Hand Books on Sales

Admission

A nominal admission fee is charged. Please contact the Museum directly to confirm pricing.

Monday to Thursday, 08h00 - 16h00

Friday, 08h00 - 16h00

Weekends & Public Holidays, 09h00 - 13h00

Climate

Rainfall occurs mainly in the autumn months, with March seeing the highest levels. Winter nights can drop below freezing.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 11˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 2˚C and 16˚C.

Transport

There are flights into Port Elizabeth International Airport, from all major cities in South Africa, on a daily basis. Car hire facilities are available and the airport is approximately 264 km from Graaff-Reinet.