Pretoria Art Museum 60th anniversary celebration,
free entry
from 20 to 26 May 2024
On Monday, 20 May 2024, I had the pleasure of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Pretoria Art Museum. This event coincided with International Museum Day.
The Pretoria Art Museum first opened its doors in 1964, and it offers a rich historical account of the City of Tshwane’s art collection that dates to the early 1930s. The museum remains a relevant part of Tshwane in order to attract tourism, not only for people who do not live in the city, but for ordinary Tshwane residents as well.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, visitors will not be charged an entry fee from 20 to 26 May 2024. The museum offers a diverse offering that keeps it relevant with those interested in political history and contemporary Southern African art.
My short address at the opening event on Monday was dedicated to highlighting that museums are places of diversity for everyone. The Pretoria Art Museum is a source of inspiration. The goal of exhibitions is to stimulate interest in diverse fields of inquiry regarding items, epochs, religions, philosophies and scientific ideas.
In some countries, educational institutions and museums have symbiotic partnerships to enhance teaching and research. In the studies of palaeontology, culture, anthropology, history, geology, arts, and so forth, museums are fountains of information.
Museums need our support as communities. Many museums are non-profit entities or are public institutions that rely on taxpayers for sustainability. Their primary mission is to educate and inspire audiences but they need the support of tourists, visitors, members and donors to keep on fulfilling those missions.
In being responsible for community and social development services, I plead with residents and stakeholders to support the Pretoria Art Museum and other museums as first venues for entertainment.
I am also extending the plea for other heritage facilities which are in dire need of support. On Wednesday, we will oversee the reopening of Melrose House Museum, which was closed due to roof renovations. This historical house, built between 1886 and 1888, offers visitors a historical account of South Africa’s history in the early 1900s.