Village Museum in Hermanus

Great hosts and experiene. Very informative.

Absolutely interesting! Everyone is very friendly and informative.

You can experience early 1900s life style of South African settlers.

Really great museum, formatted in such a dynamic and interactive way. All of our house guides were so wonderful and informative whilst also being chatty and lovely!

Friendly staff and guides. Sad that media projector has been out of order for a few months

The over all sharing of basic concepts and info was sufficient. It felt like the concept was sold to you on the basis of buying a starter pack of info, and you would have to ask for more, or spend as little or as much time on a customized tour. This concept I saw really work for families with younger children. I have nerd in my house hold, and she surely challenged each guide representing each house and era, some more than others. She challenged their knowledge, and what they didnt know, they went to find out and came back with at a later stage in the tour.Information on the topic of all the big fires in Stellenbosch was well r ecieved as well as the info and the memorial to slavery in the area.Even though it is preferable that all the historic buildings on the block should remain as part of the museum, reality is that some are lost to realty and commerce. However, the contrast between the authentic buildings of the past managed by the museum and 20th century business premises housed with in the same block of buildings, maintain a well balanced link between honoring the past yet living in prosperity. Eg...it is not generally shared as part of the tour, but we found out that the burger joint situated next to house2 would have functioned as the first little school in the area, and before it became a school, it was used as slaves quarters. Sadly, the building itself is not part of the museum tour.

Very informative.A must visit if you like history and a walk down memory lane.Evertyhing are kept very neat and tidy and in great condition.

Stellenbosch is one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa. A mosaic of farms, old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings, its one of the best preserved towns from the era of the Dutch East India Company.Today, its a university town, with a vibrant feel and fantastic scenery. Foodies will love it here. Stellenbosch is home to some of South Africas best restaurants, as well as many sidewalk cafés.History buffs can take a walk back in time at The Stellenbosch Village Museum, a group of four restored houses and gardens dating from 1709 to 1850. Rupert Museum displays important works by South African artists, and strolling around the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is another top thing to do here.In the surrounding area, nature buffs can hike and bike on the wilderness trails in the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

This was a fantastic museum. Your guides are super amazing and so informative. One of the most enjoyable museums I been to. The photos I have attached are from the 4th house.

Experienced guides with detailed information of what daily life was like in Stellenbosch a few centuries ago. The houses are kept in excellent condition. If you like to learn about the history of towns, this is a great way to connect with Stellenbosch. Only R50 entry fee.

Brilliant tour, would absolutely recommend.

The place is beautiful and love the coffee in the craft gift shop nextdoor

Stellenbosch museum is truly a gem situated in the heart of the town, it feels like you are back in the 17th century, because at each museum house there is a lady dress in old traditional fashion that welcomes you and tell you the history of the house, the gardens is brilliantly layed out and so beautiful! Picture perfect scene and most definitely worth visiting!

Steeped in old world charm and character, a visit to the Village Museum is a must whilst in Stellenbosch. Early Cape Dutch architecture depicting houses and furniture (1709through to the mid 1860s. Interesting facts and displays on how living improved during that time. Recommended.

Walk back in time and see how the people lived a long time ago.

Interesting to learn about early settler life in Stellenbosch. Those folks were really hardy.

Was met with smiles and learning of the history from the dress up and all the household items to the transition of the deco was spectacular

It was a great visit of the 4 houses with very friendly guides. Entrance fee is so cheap. A thoroughly enjoyable visit

Very nice and sweet. A series of four refurbished homes from different eras. Each house with many pieces of old furniture and decorations. Many antique artifacts of life on display. History comes alive. Doesnt take long but worth it.

Actually quiet an interesting museum consisting of four houses built at various intervals so one can see how things improved. The staff make the experience so much better - they are friendly and helpful.

Hidden gem, must visit! Really gives insight into the colonial history of Stellenbosch.

Very well preserved with lovely well informed and delightful lady guides who take you through the four period houses dating from the 17th century up intil the Victorian era.

Very interesting. Having the ladies in period costume helps going back into history and listening to their knowledge of the period in question.

Lovely, interesting museum. But could do with little bit of work on both the contents and the history.

Fun, historical facts provided by our wonderful Bites & Sites guide Simone

Nice way to kill 30 minutes and get some history.As expected, some of the guides knew more than others

Ask for a guided tour of the museum to ensure you get to know the full history of the town! What a great experience we had to get someone showing us around and explaining the history and lifestyle of the settlers in full detail! Was the best experience we had a a museum in a longtime other than just wondering around museums and looking at antiques. There are the most amazing garden at the back where you can relax and take in the beauty of mother nature! Superb. Def a MUST see upon your visit to Stellenbosch.

The museum is a set of old houses in the centre of Stellenbosch. Well worth a visit. Gives a sense of the origins of the town.

Lovely place to see all the different styles of houses from 1600s to 1900s in South Africa.Very interesting.

Bit boring for kids. Not very original.

Lovely museum in a group of separate houses. Each house has a mini spoken guide on entrance, interesting items but No guide or other information. We enjoyed it but it could be much much better with a little imagination and work.

The people that is in the houses does not give enough info, nor do they interact with the guest enough. The lady at the first house said she is tired and her voice needs a rest. Beautiful place though

Four separate houses have been preserved in Stellenbosch. Really interesting to visit and go back in time.

Interesting, small museum which takes you back almost 300 years. Also sheds light on the role of slaves in Stellenbosch‘s history.However, some more explanations would have been helpful since the exhibition mainly shows the old houses and furniture. Little is said about the living conditions/realities of their inhabitants. Still, worth the price.Might be interesting for kids too to see the decoration and kids‘ bedrooms.

Interesting but not unique

Nice museum in the multi location you can see how they’re living at that time

Jump back in time and see how people lived back in the day. If you love history this is a must. The staff are friendly and very helpful!

Great place to learn about the history of the settlers in and around Stellenbosch, their housing and habits. Museum comprises several building dating from different periods of local history.

Good place for the kids. Gave history of Stellenbosch and has people dressed in period clothes talking about how the people in each house lived. May not be as interesting to adults

Four traditional homes passionately restored to their former glory will take you on a journey through different epochs of the Capes history. The staff dresses in historic outfits and are a treasure trove of knowledge.

Our tour guide took us here. It was pretty neat seeing the old houses of the original settlers. I especially liked the vertical piano.

Fascinating history, interesting, on - site guides knowledgeable and friendly. Lots to see within walking surrounds

Love Stellenbosch but museum is tired

Wonderful insight into early life in SA. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Highly recommended.

What an experience! Wasnt so interested in old homes etc until I met the local guides there...what an amazing sweet bunch of people. Please make a turn and donate to them... theyre worth it!....

What a way to experience history. You walk through the ages and learn more from knowledgeable staff dressed in period appropriate outfits. You can really appreciate the different architectural styles of the various houses and you can have a nice stroll through the gardens. Great if you are a student as you get to experience this at a discount.

Several houses of different periods form this museum, from the earliest plain Cape Dutch house to more elaborate Victorian. Furnished in the style suited to those eras. Beautiful, peaceful period gardens as well as a posse of ducks. Lots to see in this glimpse into the past.

Really great to walk through old houses and see how people used to live.

Love it

Well preserved history with lots of engaging bits and pieces. The best part of the whole experience is meeting the women who staff each of the 4 houses. They are fascinating, not just because of the wealth of information they have but because of their personal experiences. The world has passed through their doors. Spend time getting to know them a little better if you can.