Reconciliation Day is dedicated to promoting national unity, social harmony, and the core values that bind all South Africans together, including human rights and equality. This year Reconciliation Month is commemorated under the theme: Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations. Bring your loved ones to enjoy a relaxing day in the museum’s serene surroundings from 9:00 to 15:00.
Pack a delightful picnic to savour in the front garden while you explore the fascinating art exhibitions. A DJ will provide a lively soundtrack, and stalls will offer tasty food, snacks, and refreshing drinks. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the Sculpture Park or explore the scenic walking trails.
For the children, the unique African Carousel will be a highlight, offering rides for just R5, ensuring a memorable experience for both kids and adults alike. Come celebrate this special day with us and create lasting memories in a beautiful setting!
The exhibitions on show are:
Beyond Walls: Emerging Contemporary Voices: Curated from the ArtbankSA’s Collection, 4 December 2025 – 6 April 2026. 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.
The Co-Incidence of Conditions: A solo exhibition by Wessel van Huyssteen, 6 November 2025 – 8 February 2026. Annex Gallery
Van Huyssteen’s current practice encompasses detailed watercolour studies alongside large-scale visually impactful stitched textile works. These labour-intensive “stitchings,” created from industrial fabrics like viscose and nylon, serve as material critiques of fast fashion’s ecological impact and global supply chains. The artist’s focus on manual craftsmanship highlights the value of physical process in an increasingly automated world.
Marks of Mastery: Celebrating the Lives and Legacies of Justinus Khoalibe, Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks and Andries Gouws, 12 December 2025 – 6 April 2026. Main Building
This exhibition celebrates four extraordinary artists whose work form an integral part of the 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.
Sutha Ke Fete – The Art of the Basotho Blanket Exhibition, 18 September 2025 – 15 February 2026. Reservoir Gallery
The Sanlam Art Collection compiled an exhibition featuring a selection of Basotho Blankets from various collections including the collection of the National Museum. This exhibition is a visual experience accompanied by informative text, photographic and video materials.
Timeless, 12 December 2025 – 6 April 2026, Permanent Collection Gallery
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.
On the arm of every woman…, 9 August 2025 – 6 April 2026, Permanent Collection Gallery
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 the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Art Bank of South Africa and textiles from the National Museum’s Collections Management and Library Department.
Parking fee: R10 per vehicle. Cash only.
African Carousel rides: R5 per ride per child. Cash only.
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is located at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein. For any enquiries or more information please contact Oliewenhuis Art Museum at 078 968 4300 or oliewen@nasmus.co.za. Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a satellite of the National Museum, Bloemfontein, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
