A visit to the Genadendal Mission Museum is a must. Be transported back in time and get a glimpse of what life was like hundreds of years ago.

The museum is located on the site of the original mission station and consists of various buildings that were used since the mission was established. The buildings were declared a National Monument in 1980 and contain exhibits telling the story of Genadendal.

  • Genadendal Mission Museum Bell
  • Genadendal Mission Museum Mill
  • Genadendal Museum
  • Genadendal Mission Museum Info Centre
  • Genadendal Museum

The church, which is still in use, houses the oldest pipe organ in South Africa. There is a water mill that is still used to make ground flour. The printing exhibit houses the actual Gutenberg printer that Genadendal started printing with and is one of the first printers in the country.

Meander among the authentic huts at the Khoikhoi kraal, imagining what it must have been like to live in one. See where the founding missionary Georg Schmidt’s house was and where the pear tree he taught under once stood. See where his faithful follower Magdelena was laid to rest. You can also visit the house of the 3 missionaries that re-established the mission station after Schmidt left.
The Genadendal Mission Museum also houses a collection of thousands of family heirlooms donated by local residents.

You might also get to see a horse or cow roaming in the church square (aka “die werf”) looking for something to eat.

  • Genadendal Mission Museum Church
  • Genadendal Mission Museum Collection
  • Genadendal-Street
  • genadendal church interior


Tours can be arranged from the Info centre which also has a small shop where you can buy snacks and a few museum keepsakes.

Hours

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 – 17:00
Friday: 8:30 – 15:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 14:00
Sunday: 13:30 – 15:30


Contact Details

028 251 8582


Genadendal Mission Museum Map


Google Reviews

A very worthwhile visit. So much history in this little village.

Andre Hart Avatar Andre Hart
09/09/2018

Loads of fascinating history to be seen and it was a privilege to be shown it all by the former curator himself. Such rich history. Beautiful, quiet area. Worth a weekend visit.

Bradley Abrahams Avatar Bradley Abrahams
18/07/2018



TripAdvisor Reviews

star rating  I hadn't realised how fascinating the history of Genadendal was until I visited the museum. Part of me wonders how much better a place South Africa might have been... read more

avatar thumb Steve C
17/11/2014

star rating  Genadendal Mission Station is an interesting aspect of RSA history.
The buildings are well maintained and area is neat. You can see that until recently is was loving maintained.
We... read more

avatar thumb nickytravels
06/10/2016