CP Nel Museum

Description

The CP Nel Museum is one of the best country museums in South Africa, situated in Oudtshoorn in the heart of the Klein Karoo. This ostrich museum is situated in the building that formerly houses the Oudtshoorn Boys High School, and was designed in 1906 by local architect, Charles Bullock. The green domed sandstone façade is thought to be one of the best excamples of stone masonry in the country.

Named after the founder, Colonel CP Nel, the museum houses feather and leather products, ostrich eggs, and a history on ostriches and ostrich farming in the area. The museum was declared a National Monument in 1981. Tourist guides are available in both English and Afrikaans.

###What to see?### - Le Roux Townhouse - Main building - Chemist - Crockery - Clothing – handmade items made from satin and silk - Bank – discover the way banking was done in the early days - Weapon Room - Sales store – a typical 1911 sales store - Synagogue - N.A. Smit Room - Music Rooms – musical instruments on display - Bedroom - The Garage (Oxwagon, Schacht, Panhard) - Natural history – scene of animals found in the Klein Karoo - Oudtshoorn Boys High School hall