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About the War Museum

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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Sol Plaatje Virtual Tour

The Museum is proud to share this Virtual Tour of the Sol Plaatje Hall. This is the start of a long-term project to create a complete virtual tour of the Museum. The project will proceed in stages, with the Sol Plaatje Virtual Tour as Stage 1.

Document & Photo Archive

The War Museum strives to make its unique collection digitally available to the general public as well as for academic and commercial purposes. This service is provided at a predetermined fee to fund the conservation of the original items as well as for future digitization projects. Sign in and register to explore our document & photo archives.

Fee Structure

View the fee structure – click here

Want to donate to the museum?

Donating to the museum would insure that we keep on growing and doing what we do, in the best way possible. By clicking “Donate”, you will be taken to our contact page where our banking details are displayed. Your donation is extremely appreciated.

Latest Publications

The Wilted Flower Series: A Petal falls through time
Die Oorlogsmuseum van die Boererepublieke 1931-2008
2009-2020: The War Museum of the Boer Republics
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𝗡𝘂𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗮𝗻𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗹!
Die Oorlogsmuseum het in samewerking met die Nasionale Lotery-kommissie 'n unieke publikasie vervaardig, opgedra aan die Swart en Wit Krygsgevangenes. In hierdie publikasie, wat in Afrikaans, Engels en Sesotho beskikbaar is – soos in ooreenstemming met die Museum se Taalbeleid, word die ervarings van hierdie manne uitgelig. Die publikasie word aangevul met pragtige foto's van die lewe in die kampe en vertoon handgemaakte items wat die krygsgevangenes vervaardig het om die verlange na hul gesinne op 'n afstand te hou. Die publikasie gee die leser kans om minder bekende verhale te ontdek van veral die Agterryers (Swart en Kleurling mans wat aan die Republikeinse Magte se kant geveg het) en wat saam met die Republikeinse Magte na kampe ver weg van hul land en familie geneem is, waar hulle dieselfde ontberings en gevoelens van verlange as die Republikeinse Magte in die gesig gestaar het.

Afrikaans: https://angloboerbookstore.myshopify.com/products/krygsgevangenes-in-die-suid-afrikaanse-oorlog-1899-1902 

Sesotho: 
https://angloboerbookstore.myshopify.com/products/ntwa-ya-manyesemane-le-maburu-dilemong-tsa-1899-1902 

English: 
https://angloboerbookstore.myshopify.com/products/prisoners-of-war-in-the-south-african-war 

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲!
The War Museum in collaboration with the National Lotteries Commission has produced a one-of-a-kind publication, dedicated to the Black and White Prisoners of War. In this publication, which is available in Afrikaans, English and Sesotho – as in accordance with the Museum’s Language policy, the experiences of these men are highlighted. The publication is supplemented with beautiful photos of life in the camps and showcases handmade items the prisoners of war produced to keep their longing for their families at bay. The publication gives the reader a chance to discover lesser known stories of especially the Agterryers (Black and Coloured military auxiliaries fighting on Republican Forces side) who, together with the Republican Forces, were taken to camps far away from their country and family, where they faced the same hardships and feelings of longing as the Republican Forces. 

Afrikaans: https://angloboerbookstore.myshopify.com/products/krygsgevangenes-in-die-suid-afrikaanse-oorlog-1899-1902 

Sesotho: 
https://angloboerbookstore.myshopify.com/products/ntwa-ya-manyesemane-le-maburu-dilemong-tsa-1899-1902 

English: 
https://angloboerbookstore.myshopify.com/products/prisoners-of-war-in-the-south-african-war

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