Africa
South Africa
Free State
Bloemfontein
Things to Do in Bloemfontein
Anglo Boer War Museum
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Anglo Boer War Museum

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See all things to do
Anglo Boer War Museum
4.5
201
#1 of 41 things to do in Bloemfontein
History Museums
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8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly. The War Museum in Bloemfontein provides an understanding of the background against which the Anglo-Boer War took place through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibitions. The course and development of the war unfolds in front of your eyes as you progress through the museum. You are also afforded a glimpse into the life and suffering endured in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. We are immensely proud of this historical landmark in South Africa, and urge everyone who wants to understand this part of South African history, to pay us a visit.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
69
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,291 contributions
War of the Boer Republics: an excellent account
Before you go you should realize that this is a museum about war, not about peace. The war was waged by two relatively small Boer republics against the most powerful nation in the world at the time Britain. It started as a white men's war and was triggered by control over newly discovered diamond and goldmines in Transvaal (Kimberley and Jo'burg area). Eventually the Boer republics lost and colonial power Britain prevailed.

The war effort is very well documented, not just with information in writing, but also with photos, paintings, maquettes and real size replicas of for instance tents and people. The scorched earth tactics by the British army: setting fire to the Boer farms and displacing their women, children and workers and confining them to concentration camps where tens of thousands of them died, caused in an international outcry, but it also proved an effective strategy to force the Boer commanders and militants on their knees. the British victory proved to be a Pyrrhic victory as their losses were significant as well. Moreover, the British had to find a way to bring the different population groups together to sustain development of their colonies.

I left the museum with ambiguous feelings. On the one hand admiration for the toughness and courage of the Boers, while at the same time considering the hopelessness of their situation already from the beginning of the war in 1899.

The museum is on a well-guarded compound with many other exhibits and memorials. It is located 3.3 km south of the center of Bloemfontein.

Bring your passport or identity card as without it you can not enter the premises.
Entrance fee to the museum is 20 Rand.

It is allowed to take photos.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sofia R
Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan75 contributions
Disappointing
Family
We were quite disappointed by that visit for various reasons: it takes a 4 hour drive from Jobourg to get to the museum. It’s a place where also children and schools are addressed to learn about the local history, but unfortunately there was no film to explain what happened at that war and why.
We were not allowed to take photos and the exhibition lacked animation.
The worst of all was this constant beeping noise in all premises that did not allow us to stay inside for long because it drove us insane. They explained it came from the fire alarm system and cannot be switched off. We felt sorry for the people working there all day, every day exposed to that noise…. PLEASE do something about it!
The welcome by the gentleman at the reception was very kind!
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeanne H
Piet Retief, South Africa18 contributions
Piece of History
Family
Was very informative and nice to share with my children our history. A lot of added information since went there over 16yrs back. Be prepared to spend at least 2 - 3 hours depending on how much detail you read.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VPK-CT
Cape Town, SA68 contributions
Good experience
A good museum which depicts various perspectives on a very emotional war which left deep scars on a nation. They go to great lengths to present the material as neutral and unbiased as possible. Everything is well-maintained and the staff helpful.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janavdv
Pretoria, South Africa119 contributions
Nice but sad to see all the woman and children that died in consentration camps.
Family
Very nice to visit and experience our history even though it's very sad walking through the garden of remembrance. Just wish we could take photos inside the museum.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
louiselategan
Durbanville, South Africa127 contributions
History
This visit was heartbreaking and interesting at the same time. A very well-looked after facility. We could show our kids our heritage. A must visit for famlies.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
waldmeister1
Aylesbury, UK25 contributions
What you should see at the Museum of the Boer Republics--As much as possible allow plenty of time!!
The Museum has an extensive collection of items associated with the Boer War. There are large paintings, the one of the Boers pinned down in the Modder River Banks under fire from the British is very touching when you consider there were women and children there also. It lead of course to the surrender by General Cronje at the battle of Paadeberg. There is an extensive collection of Handicraft items made by the POW's in overseas Camps to which they were "Banished" namely St Helena, Ceylon, India and Bermuda as well as those made in Camps in South Africa. The Women's Monument depicting two women, one holding a baby is very memorable since the ashes of British woman, Emily Hobhouse who did so much to help those suffering during the war are buried there. The recent addition of the lengthy wall, inscribed with the names of the Women and Children who died in the Concentration Camps during Britain's Scorched Earth Policy when farms were burnt and the Women and Children were herded into Concentration Camps with little of no fresh water or medical care is very memorable ! This certainly does not depict the "Best Period" of British History!!
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kobusvolschenk55
George, South Africa575 contributions
Cruelty of War.
One of the best maintained museums in SA displaying a part of SA history known by very few. Beautiful pieces of furniture, mosaic wall tiles, paintings and other perefinalia. However, the assault and murder of innocent defenceless women and children and concentration camps, do make you leave this museum with many questions.
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aeronaut65
Copenhagen, Denmark1,544 contributions
Great
Did not know anything about the Boer wars, so this museum came in handy. Not exactly a cheery place but indeed important for the history of SA. Highly recommended.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darryl nel
Cape Town Central, South Africa4 contributions
quick visit
HI all, The museum was awesome, we took a lot of photos outside as we couldn't take any pics inside. lots of reading but it was worth the knowledge gained from the experience. About 5 Floors of amazing artefacts, paintings, rifles, coins, plants species and clothing from the war. A must see if you in Bloem. R20 Gets you in :)
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Anglo Boer War Museum, Bloemfontein

Frequently Asked Questions about Anglo Boer War Museum
Anglo Boer War Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 AM
  • Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Anglo Boer War Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Anglo Boer War Museum tours on Tripadvisor
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