National Museum, Bloemfontein, Natural history museum in Bloemfontein, South Africa
The National Museum occupies several connected buildings displaying collections on natural sciences, local history, and South African art from different time periods. The rooms contain fossils of human ancestors, preserved animals, and objects that show how people lived in this region across many centuries.
The institution was founded in 1877 and occupied historical buildings before expanding into its current multi-building structure over many decades. Professional management from the 1920s onwards helped grow the collection into a major center for preserving knowledge about the region.
The displays show how indigenous groups lived in this region through reconstructed scenes and objects from daily life, helping visitors understand the area through the eyes of its early inhabitants. These collections reflect the customs and traditions that shaped the place long before modern times.
The location sits on a main street in the city center and is easy to reach on foot or by car. Plan time for a leisurely walk through the connected spaces, as the different buildings and displays offer plenty to explore.
A highlight is the Florisbad skull, a fossilized human ancestor skull thousands of years old discovered in excavations near the area. On display alongside it is a complete dinosaur skeleton that shows the ancient animals once roaming this land.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Eureka Diamond
148.7 km
Long Cecil
146.9 km
Laohu Valley Reserve
169.2 km
National Women's Monument
3.1 km
Setsoto Stadium
126.5 km
McGregor Museum
146 km
Anglo-Boer War Museum
3 km
Sandstone Estates
176.2 km
Honoured Dead Memorial
146.9 km
Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre
160.8 km
St Cyprian's Cathedral, Kimberley
147.1 km
Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
134 km
Old Presidency
611 m
Sandveld Nature Reserve
164.2 kmNational Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre
298 m
Bloemfontein City Hall
259 m
Winburg Voortrekker monument
99 km
Queen's Fort Military Museum
1.1 km
Fourth Raadsaal
140 m
Sol Plaatje Museum
147.7 km
Our Lady of Victories Cathedral
126 km
Duggan-Cronin Gallery
145.9 km
Statue équestre de Cecil Rhodes
147.2 kmTierpoort Reservoir
33.4 kmMeyerspruit
43.8 km
Equestrian statue of Cecil Rhodes
147.3 km
Sand River Convention Monument
130.9 km
Equestrian statue of Christiaan de Wet
157 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes