More places of interest in the City of Tshwane

1. AFRICAN WINDOW
   • This is the National Cultural History Museum's newest centre for exhibitions and living culture
   • Appreciation for culture and traditions is promoted through community involvement, educational activities and public programmes comprising song, dance and much more
   • A coffee shop (reservations for traditional meals) and a traditional craft shop/conference facilities/guided tours/archaeology programme/bookings for traditional meals
   Tel: 012 324 6082
   Fax: 012 328 5173
   Address: Visagie Street, Between Bosman and Central Streets, Pretoria Central

 
2. AIR FORCE MUSEUM
   • The Air Force Museum depicts the history of the South African Air Force.
   • This museum houses a collection of old aircrafts, uniforms, missiles, aeronautical displays and paintings.
   • Flying days are held periodically.
   Tel: 012 351 2911/2153/2111
   Address: Route 101 (Old Johannesburg Road) Zwartkop Air Force Base, Old Johannesburg Road, Valhalla

 
3. BURGERS PARK
   • The oldest park in Pretoria and now a national monument, Burgers Park lies adjacent to Melrose House.
   • George Heys, the first owner of Melrose House, in collaboration with the botanist, James Hunter, undertook the layout, which was completed in 1892.
   Tel: 012 358 0524
   Address: Cnr of Andries and Jacob Maré Streets, Pretoria Central

 
4. CHURCH SQUARE
   
   • The Palace of Justice forms part of the Northern Façade of Church Square. Dating from the end of the 19th century, it was designed in the typical Italian Renaissance style, by Dutch architect Sytze Wierda. It is the headquarters of the Gauteng Provincial Division of the Supreme Court.
   • The sculptor Anton van Wouw's statue of Paul Kruger occupies the centre stage on Church Square. While the bronze figures of Kruger and the sentries were cast in Italy at the turn of the century, it was only in1954 that they were installed in their rightful place.
   • The Ou Raadsaal (Old Government Building) on the southern side of the square as designed by Dutch architect Sytze Wierda and erected by JJ Kirkness, a Scotsman from the Orkney Isles in 1887.
   • Parades are held at the square on Wednesdays. Call 082 895 1139 for details.
   Address: Crossing Church and Paul Kruger Streets, Pretoria

 
5. CHURCH STREET CEMETERY HEROES ACRE
   • Established in 1867, the central part of the historical Church Street cemetery, known as Heroes Acre, contains the graves of many prominent citizens and public figures.
   • Among them is "Breaker" Morant, an Australian, executed for the murder of missionaries during the Second Anglo-Boer War.
   Address: Cnr Church Street and DF Malan Drive
   Facilities: Accessible to the disabled

 
6. CITY HALL
   • Built to celebrate Pretoria's city status, obtained in 1931.
   • Designed by FG McIntosh and John Lockwood Hall.
   • The two statues in front of the building depict the Voortrekker leaders, Marthinus Pretorius and his father Andries.
   • Marthinus Pretorius established Pretoria in 1855 and named it in honour of his father.
   Tel: 012 358 8949
   Address: Cnr of Visagie and Paul Kruger Streets

 
7. CORRECTIONAL SERVICE MUSEUM
   • This museum is the only one of its kind in South Africa.
   • It portrays the development of the penal system and displays the hobbies of prisoners and illegal items manufactured by them.
   Tel: 012 314 1766
   Address: Prison Reserve, Central Prison, Potgieter Street

 
8. DIAMOND HILL BATTLE FIELD
   • The Battle of Diamond Hill or Donkerhoek took place on 11 and 12 June 1900 between 14000 English troops and 4000 Boer fighters.
   • Three Boer fighters and 19 English troops died.
   • In 1960 and 1963, many troops and fighters from remote cemeteries were reburied at the Diamond Hill Garden of Remembrance.


9. FORT KLAPPERKOP
   • One of the forts built by the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek under President Paul Kruger.
   • Declared a National Monument in 1938.
   • Offers beautiful views of the city.
   Tel: 012 346 7703
   Address: Johann Rissik Drive

 
10. FORT WEST
    • Fort West Village, a 389ha property with more than 250 historic buildings, is situated 10km west of Church Square, halfway to Hartbeespoort Dam.
    • It was founded as a self-sustained village in 1880 and was previously known as Fort West Institute. It was set up by an act of Parliament to house lepers.
    • The property includes the largest Gauteng fort, built by the French firm Schneider of Le Creusot (of Long Tom cannon fame) for the Anglo Boer War.
    • The area has been set out for "urban village" residential development in 2003
    Tel 083 360 2999

 
11. FREEDOM PARK
    • Freedom Park is being built to commemorate the country's political history and to celebrate its cultural and natural heritage.
    • The 35-hectare site will, once completed, comprise a museum and Garden of Remembrance, with statues and sculptures to honour ordinary South Africans who contributed to the country's development.
    • The site is seen as a tribute to the truth and reconciliation process.
    Tel 012 361 0021
    Address: Entrance off Potgieter Street. Across Pretoria Central Prison, Salvokop

 
12. GEOSCIENCE MUSEUM
    The museum is housed in the Transvaal Museum building and displays a fascinating collection of precious and semi-precious stones.
    Tel: 012 322 7122
    Address: Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria Central

 
13. JAN CILLIERS PARK
    • Indigenous park with water features and views of the city
    • Also known as Protea Park
    Tel: 012 358 0524/0257
    Address: Cnr Wenning & Broderick Streets, Groenkloof

 
14. KRUGER HOUSE MUSEUM
    • This museum exhibits the possessions of President and Mrs Kruger during their years of residence in the Kruger House (1884-1901).
    • Tributes presented to the president and the Boers during the Anglo Boer War, are also displayed here.
    Tel: 012 326 9172
    Address: 60 Church Street west, Pretoria Central

 
15. MAGNOLIA DELL
    • One of Pretoria's most beautiful parks, it is a popular venue for art and crafts markets.
    • Tea garden and restaurant available
    • Ideal for picnics
    Tel: 012 993 1557
    Address: Cnr Queen Wilhelmina Drive & University Road, Bailey's Muckleneuk

 
16. MARIAMMEN TEMPLE
    • The Mariammen Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple in Pretoria - it was established in 1905.
    • The Temple is dedicated to Mariammen, the goddess who controls smallpox and other infectious diseases.
    • Visitors are requested to remove their shoes when entering the cellar or Assembly Hall
    Address: Sixth Street, Asiatic Bazaar (Marabastad) City Centre

 
17. NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS
    • Sister garden to the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town
    • Showcases many southern African plants in all their seasonal guises
    • Guided walks by arrangement
    Tel: 012 843 5000
    Address: 2 Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria

 
18. NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
    • The finest zoo in South Africa and one of the best in the world
    • The Pretoria Zoo is an 80-hectare oasis nestled in the heart of Pretoria's city centre.
    • It houses 97 mammal species, 161 bird species, 279 fish species, 106 reptile species and seven amphibian species.
    • At least 4 300 animals call the Pretoria Zoo home.
    Tel: 012 328 3265 Address: Boom Street, City Centre

 
19. NATIONAL FILM VIDEO AND SOUND ARCHIVES
    These Archives collect, conserve and exhibit audiovisual material on South Africa.
    Tel: 012 343 9767
    Address: Cnr of Johan and Wessels Streets Arcadia

 
20. PIONEER MUSEUM
    • The house at the Pioneer Museum is a T-shaped dwelling with a thatched roof, dung smeared floor and pioneer furniture dating from 1848.
    • The outside oven and outbuildings can also be viewed.
    • A tanning pit, wagon shed, water furrow, threshing floor, water mill, animals, and duck-pond can be seen.
    • Guided tours and demonstration must be booked in advance
    • Picnic and braai facilities available
    Tel: 012 803 6086/7
    Address: Pretoria Road, Silverton

 
21. SAFF MEMORIAL
    • Built on Bays Hills, the memorial offers a clear view of the Air Force Base in Zwartkop and the top of the Pretoria's Voortrekker Monument.
    • The design takes the shape of a triangular star-pattern comprised of three wings, of which one forms a neutral chapel for small services.
    • The memorial is about the height of six storeys and symbolises flight.
    • The Garden of Remembrance is set out for approximately 3 000 members of SAAF who died during war.
    Tel: 012 351 2911/2153
    Address: Old Johannesburg Road

 
22. SA MINT
    • The Mint's history dates back to 1892 when Paul Kruger ordered a mint press from Germany
    • The press is still in working order and can be seen at the museum
    • The Mint's modern factory was opened in 1992 and is regarded as one of the most modern mints in the world
    Tel: 012 677 2342
    Address: Between Ben Schoeman and Old Johannesburg Road.
    Off Old Johannesburg Road (R101), Brakfontein

 
23. SAMMY MARKS SQUARE
    • Offers a wonderful array of speciality stores integrated with the piazza and spacious malls.
    • The Sammy Marks building is the only remaining neo-Dutch architectural example in Gauteng.
    • The Square Centre houses the City Council Public Library.
    Tel: 012 358 4931 / 4775
    Address: Cnr Church and Van der Walt streets, parking off Vermeulen street, Pretoria

 
24. SAMMY MARKS MUSEUM
    • The splendid Victorian mansion, which dates from 1884, was once the residence of the magnate Sammy Marks
    • He made a significance contribution to the industrial, mining and agricultural development of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.
    Tel: 012 802 1150
    Restaurant: 012 802 1485
    Address: Route 104,Old Bronkhorstspruit Road (Off N4 highway, take Hans Strijdom off-ramp and follow the signs).

 
25. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM
    This is a true "hands on" museum and the only one of its kind in South Africa that unfolds the wonders of science and technology.
    Tel: 012 322 6406
    Address: Didacta Building, 211 Skinner Street

 
26. SECURICOR LOFTUS
    • Named after one of South Africa's previous rugby heavyweights, Loftus Versveld was renamed Securicor Loftus in 2003.
    • The field is home ground to the Blue Bulls rugy team and the Mamelodi Sundowns soccer team
    • Loftus is a popular venue for big international music shows and live events
    Address: Cnr of Lynnwood Road and Kirkness Street

 
27. SMUTS HOUSE MUSEUM
    The many aspects of the life of Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870-1950) - statesman, lawyer, botanist, philosopher, farmer and family man - can be seen in this wood and iron house in the country environment of the Field Marshall's farm, Doornkloof.
    Tel: 012 667 1176
    Address: Nelmapius Road (M31), Irene

 
28. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK
    • At 150 metres high, the Reserve Bank is the tallest building in Pretoria.
    • The building is a combination of reflecting glass and black Rustenburg granite.
    • The architects Burg Dohery and Bryant built the 37-storey building.
    • The open square in front of the building is decorated with fountains and terraces.
    • The stainless steel, non-representational sculpture, "Untitled", by Johan van Heerden (1930) was especially commissioned to compliment the building.
    Tel: 012 313 3911
    Address: Between Church and Vermeulen Streets, on Prinsloo Street

 
29. SPRINGBOK PARK
    Indigenous park and National Monument that is very popular for wedding photos
    Tel: 012 344 3840
    Address: Cnr Schoeman and Grosvenor Streets, Hatfield

 
30. STATE THEATRE
    • Designed by Hans and Roelf Botha, the architects responsible for the design of Strijdom Square, the State Theatre covers the Eastern portion of the block, housing five theatres and a square on the corner of Church and Prinsloo Streets.
    • On completion in 1981, it was the largest centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Commissioned art by South African artists decorate the inside walls and foyers.
    Tel: 012 392 4000/60
    Address: Cnr Church Street and Prinsloo Streets, Pretoria Central

 
31. THE IRENE CONCENTRATION CAMP CEMETRY
    • During the Anglo Boer War concentration camps were set up for Boer families.
    • The number of people in the Irene camp on 31 August 1901 was 4655 people.
    • More than 1200 deaths occurred at the camp. A total of 1149 names can be seen on the 80 memorial stones.
    Address: Irene residential area

 
32. TRANSVAAL MUSEUM
    The natural science museum houses the finest selection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects as well as remarkable display of fossils, pre-historic man and geological and archaeological material. Tel: 012 322 7632
    Address: Paul Kruger Street South, Pretoria Central

 
33. UNION BUILDINGS
    • The Union Buildings are the administrative headquarters of the government and stand majestically on Meintjieskop, overlooking Pretoria.
    • At the time it was built, it was the largest building project in South Africa.
    • In 1901 the foundation was laid and on November 26 of the same year the cornerstone was laid.
    • The massive building was completed in November 1913, at a cost of 1 180,000 pounds.
    • On the grounds are the Delvillle Wood War Memorials, a tribute to South African troops who died during the First World War, and statues of South Africa's Prime Minister's: General Louis Botha (on horseback), JBM Hertzhorg and JC Smuts.
    • The Union Buildings are surrounded on all sides by beautiful gardens.
    Tel: 012 300 5200
    Address: Church Street, City Centre

 
34. VOORTREKKER MONUMENT AND MUSEUM
    • The Voortrekker Monument was erected to commemorate the centenary of the Great Trek when Dutch and German pioneers from the Cape of Good Hope travelled by ox-wagon to the northern parts of South Africa.
    • A series of maps at the museum charts the most important migratory patterns in the history of Southern Africa. The focus is on the lifestyles of the Voortrekkers, as well as life after the Great Trek (1835-1852).
    • Fort Schanskop can also be seen from the Voortrekker Monument
    Tel: 012 323 6770 - Monument
    Tel: 012 323 0682 - Museum
    Tel: 012 71-5560 - Fort Schanskop
    Address: Eeufees Road (M7)

 
35. WILLEM PRINSLOO AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
    This museum has as its theme the development of agriculture in the Transvaal. It features an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, farming equipment and examples of implements used on a farm.
    Tel: 012 734 4171
    Address: Route 104, Old Bronkhorstspruit Road

 
36. VENNING PARK
    • Formal park with roses and water features
    • Lovely tea garden/restaurant available
    Tel: 012 344 3840
    Address: Cnr Schoeman & Eastwood Streets, Arcadia