Melrose House Museum reopens its doors after renovations

The Melrose House Museum has reopened its doors to the public once again following renovations.

The historical house opened its doors to visitors on Wednesday, May 22 after a year-long renovation process.

The museum is considered a historical treasure in Tshwane.

Deputy mayor Nasiphi Moya said: “I am pleased to oversee the opening of Melrose House Museum, a few days after we celebrated International Museum Day and the Pretoria Art Museum’s 60th anniversary.”

Moya said the house was constructed in 1886 and was privately owned before being acquired by the then Tshwane Council as it was envisioned to hold heritage value.

She said as a heritage building it has over 2 000 heritage objects, which are between 100 and 300 years old.

“The house is not only significant because of its age, but it was the location where the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging was signed,” said Moya.

“This treaty saw the end of the South African War (Anglo-Boer War), which took place between 1899 and 1902,” Moya added.

According to her, when this house was bought in the 1960s, all the original furniture and belongings of the family that lived there were kept in the house.

She added that the museum showed what life was like for wealthy families in Pretoria in the 1900s.

“The museum offers an opportunity for schools, universities and general inquisitive tourists to visit and learn about South Africa’s multicultural history.”

She urged locals and stakeholders to continue with their vital support for the museum.

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