Old Presidency Museum

About Old Presidency Museum

The Old Presidency Museum in Bloemfontein is a historical landmark that served as the official residence for the last three presidents of the former Republic of the Orange Free State. Located in the heart of the city, this Victorian-style building now functions as a museum and cultural venue. Built between 1885 and 1886, the building was constructed on the site of Major Henry Warden's original farmhouse. It was the official home of three presidents: J.H. Brand (lived here until his death in 1888), F.W. Reitz (1888–1895) and M.T. Steyn (1896–1900). During the Second Anglo-Boer War, the British occupied Bloemfontein in 1900, and the building became the military headquarters for Field-Marshal Lord Roberts. It was later known as Government House and served various roles, including a school annexe and library offices, before being restored and opened as a museum in 1984.