President Pretorius Museum in Potchefstroom, North West

The President Pretorius Museum is situated in the town of Potchefstroom in the North West Province, South Africa.

The Museum is an old Cape-Style dwelling, built and owed by Marthinus Wessel Pretorius, first State President of the South African republic and founder of the city of Pretoria.

President Pretorius made the town his home and the homestead, built in 1868, included a coach house, stable and Smithy. The gardens include a tranquil farmyard, typical of the urban Boer culture. This culture has unfortunately waned over the generations, but is still a huge contributor to the South African identity. The President Pretorius Museum has been declared a National Monument.

The President Pretorius Museum and Totius House Museum are managed by the Potchefstroom Museum which are all in close proximity to each other and are all well worth a visit.

Things to do and see

• Guided Tours (by arrangement only)
• Coach House
• Stable & Smithy
• Potchefstroom Museum
• Totius House Museum

Admission

No Admission fee is charged.

Mondayto Friday, 10h00 - 17h00 (closed between 13h00 and 14h00)

Saturday, 09h00 - 13h00

Sunday, 14h30 - 16h30

Climate

Potchefstroom experiences its rainfall in the mid-summer months, with December and January seeing the highest levels.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 29˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 2˚C and 18˚C.

Transport

Road trips from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom will take approximately one and a half hours (123 km) via the N12.