Oliewenhuis Art Museum cordially invites you to join us on Saturday, 21 March 2026 as South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day under the theme: Bill of Rights at 30: Making Human Dignity Real. This year’s Human Right Month coincides with the celebration of 30 years of the adoption of The Constitution.
Oliewenhuis Art Museum together with the public from all walks of life, aim to foster greater social cohesion, nation building and a shared national identity and to celebrate the rights of all citizens as protected by our constitution. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is premised on the values of non-racialism and non-sexism, social cohesion and nation building, tolerance, diversity and equality, aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of all, and affirming equality between men and women and people of all races.
The history of Human Rights Day is grounded in the Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960, where the apartheid police shot and killed 69 people during a peaceful protest. This massacre exposed the apartheid government’s blatant human rights violations. Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today and highlights the importance of respect, fairness, and equality for all.
From 9:00 to 15:00, visitors will have the opportunity to relax and engage in meaningful reflection in the museum’s tranquil surroundings.
Pack your picnic basket, bring your loved ones, and enjoy a day filled with art, entertainment, and delicious food. Stroll through our thought-provoking exhibitions, enjoy the beats from a live DJ, and savour tasty snacks and drinks available at various stalls. For children, the African Carousel is sure to be a highlight, with rides available for just R5. Don’t forget to explore the Sculpture Park and picturesque walking trails to complete your day.
Exhibitions on Display:
Beyond Walls: Emerging Contemporary Voices – Curated from the ArtbankSA Collection
Dates: 4 December 2025 – 6 April 2026
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Main Building)
Unlike traditional museum collections confined to institutional walls, ArtbankSA operates as a dynamic platform that circulates emerging artists’ work through leasing and sales to collectors and the general public. This exhibition captures the essence of this fluid model, presenting works that exist in active dialogue with diverse spaces and communities. This exhibition not only offers a viewing experience but also provides an opportunity to acquire contemporary artworks.
Marks of Mastery: Celebrating the Lives and Legacies of Justinus Khoalibe, Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks and Andries Gouws
Dates: 16 December 2025 – 6 April 2026
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Main Building)
This exhibition celebrates four extraordinary artists whose work form an integral part of Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection. Justinus Khoalibe, Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks, and Andries Gouws, each a master of mark-making in their chosen medium, left an indelible impression on the South African art world before their passing 2024 or 2025. Through a selection of sculpture, charcoal drawings, prints, and paintings, this exhibition not only reveal their technical brilliance but also the distinctive creative voices that defined each practice.
On the arm of every woman…
An exhibition curated by Sudré Havenga (Head of Collections Management and Library Department, National Museum), Ester le Roux (Curator, Oliewenhuis Art Museum), and Yolanda De Kock (Acting Project Manager, ArtbankSA)
Dates: 9 August 2025 – 6 April 2026
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Permanent Collection Gallery, 1st floor of Main Building)
This exhibition was inspired by an exquisite collection of vintage handbags and is an exciting amalgamation of artworks and beautifully made artefacts, that was mindfully selected from the art collections of Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Art Bank of South Africa and textile collections from the National Museum’s Collections Management and Library Department.
Timeless
Dates: 12 December 2025 – 6 April 2026
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Permanent Collection Gallery, 1st floor of Main Building)
A selection of timeless artworks from Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection. Curated with the intention to create a collectively shared and enjoyable visual experience for all in the spirit of Reconciliation Day.
Sculpture Park and Cement and Mosaic Project
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Gardens)
Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s Sculpture Park, which houses 16 sculptures by various South African artists as well as the functional sculptures created as part of the Cement and Mosaic Project.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
- Time: 9:00 to 15:00
- Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is located at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein and is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 09:00 and 16:00. Please note that the main gate closes to new arrivals at 16:30 on weekdays and 15:30 on weekends; however, visitors already inside are welcome to enjoy the museum until closing time. A ramp at the entrance of the main entrance provides access for wheel chairs, while a lift provides access to the Permanent Collection display areas on the 1st floor. R10 parking fee will be charged but entrance to the museum is free.
For more information on Oliewenhuis Art Museum please contact the Museum at 078 968 4300 or oliewen@nasmus.co.za. Stay up to date by following Oliewenhuis Art Museum on Facebook, Instagram and X for all upcoming exhibitions and events.
We look forward to welcoming you to a day of reflection, unity, and celebration of our shared values of human dignity and freedom.
