National Museum, Bloemfontein

The National Museum in Bloemfontein dates back to the 1870s, when its collections and displays comprised mainly rarities from around the world. It was established on 20 July 1877 and opened to the public on 20 May 1878. The old Raadsaal building was made available by the then Free State Volksraad for hosting the Museum collections. A new museum building was completed in 1913 and the official opening took place in 1915. Since 1881 the museum has been subsidised mainly by government. Through donations, purchases and exchange agreements the Museum's collections slowly got established and grew to a wide variety of natural and human science artefacts. The first honorary curator was Dr Hugh Exton. The first director, Dr E.C.N. van Hoepen, was appointed in January 1922. Staff numbers increased from six permanent members in 1951 to 130 members in 1985. Since its founding the Museum has developed into an institution of international stature, focusing on natural history, cultural history and art. Intensive research is carried out in these varied disciplines, and valuable and important collections have been established. Through its displays and education programmes, the Museum renders a public service to its diverse audiences, engaging them in enjoyable and enlightening experiences and enriching the learning opportunities of all individuals. The Museum currently includes 13 research depa

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