Set in the Roodepoort Civic Centre on Christiaan de Wet Road, the Roodepoort Museum capably covers Roodepoort’s long and diverse History, which dates back to 1884, despite having had to shut its doors briefly in 2006 due to budgetary constraints. Re-opened due to the Local Community’s tireless Campaigning. The permanent displays in Roodepoort Museum illustrate the changes brought about because of the Discovery of Gold on the Witwatersrand and include a Reconstructed 19th Century Farmhouse, a Late Victorian Home as well as a 1920s and 1930s Lounge Setting. Also on display, is a selection of the Museum's phenomenal Collection of Decorative Arts that include Porcelain, from Royal Dux and Royal Doulton to Chinese, Japanese and Dutch items – a collection rarely seen elsewhere. There is also a collection of Local Ceramics. Other items of note include; Art Deco Figurines, a 1699 Dutch Family Bible and Pierneef, Walter Battiss and Maggie Laubscher, paintings.
Whilst Roodepoort is now a huge Residential Area that includes areas of Light Industry and Small Businesses, it bears reflecting that before 1884 the area was settled by Boer farmers on only nine farms in this area, dominated by the red soil that gave rise to its name.
Geolocation
-26° 9' 10.8", 27° 53' 52.8"
Further Reading
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/discovery-gold-1884
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/1800s
https://www.sahistory.org.za/archive/gold-rush