Rust en Vreugd

#29 among destinations in South Africa

Museum

Gallery (2)

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Gallery

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, Rust en Vreugd stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of the region. This elegant Dutch colonial house, built in 1777-1778, was originally the country residence of Willem Cornelis Boers, a high-ranking official of the Dutch East India Company. Today, it is recognized as a national monument and serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of Cape Town's 18th-century elite.

The name Rust en Vreugd, which translates to "Rest and Joy," aptly captures the essence of this serene property. The house itself is an exquisite example of the Dutch colonial style, characterized by its ornate gable, teak woodwork, and traditional thatched roof. Inside, the museum houses a remarkable collection of period furniture, art, and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the era's domestic luxury.

The property's grounds are equally impressive, featuring a well-preserved garden that mirrors the geometric styles popular during the 18th century. Visitors can stroll through the garden pathways, enjoying the carefully curated flora that adds to the property's tranquil atmosphere.

Rust en Vreugd is more than just a historical site; it is a cultural hub. It regularly hosts exhibitions and events, including art shows and educational programs, which aim to deepen public appreciation for South Africa's heritage. The museum also serves as the home of the William Fehr Collection, an esteemed compilation of paintings and decorative arts that highlight the diverse cultural landscape of the Cape.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 33°55'49"S, 18°25'14"E

Location

Western CapeSouth Africa

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Day trips

Rust en Vreugd – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St. George's Cathedral, Statues of Louis Botha, Iziko South African National Gallery, Company's Garden.

0.4 miN
Church, Sacred and religious sites
St. George's Cathedral, Cape Town
10 min walk • St. George's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and history in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. This Anglican cathedral, constructed in the late 19th century, is not only a place of worship but also a site of cultural and political significance.
~1000 ftN
Monuments and statues
Statues of Louis Botha
5 min walk • The Statues of Louis Botha stand as a testament to South Africa's complex history, serving as monuments to a controversial figure in the nation's past. Louis Botha was the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa and a key military leader during the Second...
~1060 ftNW
Major museum for African and European art
Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town
6 min walk • The Iziko South African National Gallery stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Cape Town, showcasing a rich tapestry of art that spans both historical and contemporary works. This premier art museum is not just a repository of artworks but a vibrant space for the...
~1520 ftNW
Park, Garden
Company's Garden, Cape Town
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, lies the verdant oasis known as the Company's Garden. This historic park, established in the early 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, was originally created as a refreshment station for ships passing the Cape...
~1350 ftNE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
District Six Museum, Cape Town
7 min walk • The District Six Museum is a poignant testament to a turbulent chapter in Cape Town's history, located in the heart of the city. This museum, which serves both as a memorial to the forced displacement of the community during the apartheid era and as a center for...
~1580 ftNW
Memorial
Cecil John Rhodes Statue, Cape Town
8 min walk • The Cecil John Rhodes Statue is a monument erected at Company's Garden in Cape Town. The statue was erected in 1908. It features a full body replica of Rhodes wearing a three-piece suit, standing with his left hand raised and pointing north.
0.4 miNE
City hall, Neo-renaissance architecture
City Hall, Cape Town
10 min walk • Cape Town City Hall is a large Edwardian building in Cape Town city centre which was built in 1905. It is located on the Grand Parade to the west of the Castle and is built from honey-coloured oolitic limestone imported from Bath in England.
~1980 ftN
Square
Church Square, Cape Town
10 min walk • Church Square in Cape Town, South Africa, lies in front of the Groote Kerk at the intersection of Parliament and Spin Streets. It currently features a park. In the middle of the square lies a statue of Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr.
~1780 ftW
Fossils, animals and man-made artifacts
Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town
9 min walk • The Iziko South African Museum is a South African national museum located in Cape Town. The museum was founded in 1825, the first in the country. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden since 1897. The museum houses important African zoology, palaeontology and archaeology collections.
~1900 ftN
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Slave Lodge, Cape Town
10 min walk • The Slave Lodge is a South African social history museum located in Cape Town. It has been on its present site in the Company's Garden.
0.4 miN
Historical place, Skyscraper
Mutual Building, Cape Town
12 min walk • The Mutual Building, in Cape Town, South Africa, was built as the headquarters of the South African Mutual Life Assurance Society, now the "Old Mutual" insurance and financial services company.