Urquhart House Museum in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape

Urquhart House Museum is situated in the town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

In January 1806 the large erf on which Urquhart House stands today, was granted in freehold to Johan Hendrik Greyling, which makes it one of the first plots to be transferred into private ownership in Graaff-Reinet. The house itself was built between 1806 and 1812. After changing hands a number of times and also opening as the Clegg Midlands Hotel, David Schultz, a prominent businessman and then owner of the house, went about modernising the home in the late 19^th Century.

Schultz’s deceased estate sub-divided the property and the house section was bought by Herbert Urquhart M.B.E. in 1912. Herbert was a much loved businessman and the longest serving Mayor of the history of the town. He held office for twenty one consecutive years from 1915 to 1936.

The four Museums, namely Reinet House, Old Library, Old Residency and Urquhart House are all governed by a Board of Trustees, and are subsidised by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. The War Museum was recently added to this group of Museums which are all unique cultural gems and an integral part of the town, making Graaff-Reinet one of the most historically significant sites in South Africa. All these builds are either in the same complex or in close proximity to each other and are all well worth a visit.

Things to do and see

• Guided & Educational Tours
• An archival repository
• Collection of Victorian furniture
• Merino room & farm implements
• Peach – pip (stone) kitchen floor

Admission

A nominal admission fee is charged. Please contact the Museum directly to confirm pricing.

Monday to Thursday, 08h00 - 16h00

Friday, 08h00 - 16h00

Only open two Saturdays per month (contact the Museum for the schedule)

Sunday & Public Holidays, Closed

Climate

Rainfall occurs mainly in the autumn months, with March seeing the highest levels. Winter nights can drop below freezing.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 11˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 2˚C and 16˚C.

Transport

There are flights into Port Elizabeth International Airport, from all major cities in South Africa, on a daily basis. Car hire facilities are available and the airport is approximately 264 km from Graaf-Reinet.