CP Nel Museum

CP Nel Museum

CP Nel Museum in Oudtshoorn

The CP Nel Museum, famed for being one of the best small town museums in South Africa, is housed in the former Oudtshoorn Boys High School at 3 Baron van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn. This sandstone building with its prominent clock-tower was  designed by Charles Bullock and erected in 1906. The main theme of the museum is the ostrich industry, focusing on the ostrich feather boom period (1900 – 1914).

• Transport – variety of vehicles including an Oxwagen dating back to 1839, the first car in Oudthoorn an Panhard and the Schacht, a Dutch model from the year 1909
• Bedroom – an early years bedroom scene with beautiful furniture
• Dining Room – the expensive and luxurious furniture used in this room belonged to one of the old “Ostrich Barons”
• Music Room – a variety of historic musical instruments are on display in this room.
• N.A. Smit – room and its contents are depicting past happenings in the building. This was the History classroom of Mr N.A Smit (several places in Oudtshoorn were named after him), teacher at the old Oudtshoorn Boy’s High School.
• Synagogue – the only Synagogue to be situated in a museum and it’s still being used. It has an Ark that is one of the tallest.
• School Hall – filled with historical photographs of students.
• Ostrich Hall – the cultural and natural historic aspects of the ostrich are depicted. You will experience the ostrich industry in its entirety.
• Store – a typical 1911 sales store.
• Military – Reminders of the Second World War, and the brave men who died during the event is to be seen. The museum also specialises in a variety of ancient weaponry.
• Natural History – This is a scene of animals found in the Klein Karoo.
• Street Scene – including a chemist, bank, crockery and clothing displays

Le Roux Town House Museum National Monument

Le Roux Town House Museum, situated at 146 High Street, Oudtshoorn, forms part of the museum. It was built in 1909 and is an attractive house with stained glass panels reflecting the distinct Art Nouveau style. This house also designed by architect Charles Bullock was build for a farmer, Mr. Le Roux as a town house for him and his family. The house was declared a National Monument in 1980.

Visiting Hours

CP Nel Museum:

• Mondays – Fridays: 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00
• (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)

Le Roux Town House Museum:

• Mondays – Fridays: 08:00 – 17:00
• (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)

This listing can also be viewed on the Lalakoi Business Directory