In 1912, a single-theme museum was established, focusing on the Church of the Vow. The museum was built in 1840 to fulfil the vow made by the Voortrekkers before the Battle of Blood River on the 16th December 1838. From the 1990s, the museum has changed from a single-theme museum to a multi-cultural institution under the National Department of Arts and Culture and has been awarded funds for transformation.
Several unique items form part of the exhibitions at the Voortrekker Museum. One of them is an oxwagon, reputed to be the second oldest in South Africa. Built in 1824, this oxwagon was used by Voortrekker Albert Smit during the Great Trek. Piet Retief's water bottle, found with his remains at Kwa Matiwane can also be seen as well as King Dingane’s chair carved by hand from a solid piece of wood.
The Voortrekker Museum has started a new series of craft workshops this year which is proving to be very popular. This forms part of the Outreach Programme, which is trying to make a positive contribution towards poverty alleviation in the province. Members of the community receive training (mostly free) in basic craft skills, and are then encouraged to sell the completed items at our quarterly Msunduzi Morning Markets.
Visiting Hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 9:00 - 16:00
Saturdays: 9:00 - 13:00
