The Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria

A Monument – The way in which we pay homage to a person, persons or an important event by means of a structure.

The Voortrekker Monument is such a structure – a majestic granite structure located in the North of South Africa, honouring the Afrikaner’s principal historic event: The Great Trek (1835 – 1843). The Monument boasts sculpted portrayals of the journey the Voortrekkers (pioneers) and the Afrikaner endured, which makes it no surprise that the Voortrekket Monument is one of the country’s most visited museums.

History

The Voortrekker Monument situated in Pretoria, part of a nature reserve, stands proud and concrete. Completed and inaugurated on 16 December 1949, Afrikaners from far and wide attended the great ceremony. The Monument, designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk, resembles the Art Deco Style. Sculpted walls capture each significant incident that took place during the Groot Trek and that identified the Afrikanervolk.

 Elements that make it a “must-see”.

The Monument design consists of various elements and symmetrical precision that gives it the unique edge – a “must-see”.

Architectural elements such as the Gate, Laager wall, Corner figures, Statue of Mother and Children, Triangular cornice, Buffalo head and Cenotaph each adds symbolic identity to the Monument and the tribute it provides.

The main body of the building, known as the Hall of Heroes is a high domed hall, 25 x 25 x 41 metres, decorated with an impressive marble frieze (92 metres long and 2,3 metres high), that depicts the Great Trek. This mural takes you on the epic journey as you become part of the history. Another interesting element is the Monument’s upper dome. Designed with an opening that allows a ray of sunlight to shine onto the inscription “Ons vir jou Suid-Afrika” (We for thee South Africa), every year at 12 o’clock on 16 December (the Day of the Covenant).

The mural takes you on the epic journey as you become part of the history…

Despite the misperception of the monument as an apartheid monument, it gets some 200 000 visitors a year.

The Voortrekker Monument with its marble floors, breath-taking views of Pretoria and Museum with a collection of original Groot Trek antiques also offers a connecting road between the Monument and Freedom Park, which means you can visit both attractions simultaneously – It’s clear that the Voortrekker Monument is not only a must-see but a true experience of history and culture.

Business Hours (Monday – Sunday) :

1 Mei – 31 Aug: 08:00 – 17:00

1 Sep – 30 April: 08:00 – 18:00

Bookings take place from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00. Weekend tours must be booked in advance.

The Monument will be closed on 25 December

Entrance To Monument & Museum – Tickets available at the gate of the Voortrekker Monument or on their website.

• Adults: R 90
• SA Scholars (without guides): R 45
• SA Scholars (with guides): R 60
• Families (parent/s with 3 own children under 18), vehicle included: Maximum R 180
  Friends of the Monument – free

• Guide fee: R 400
• Busses: R 100
• Mini-busses: R 60
• Heritage Levy: R 15
• Researchers and library: R 50 per person
• Friends of the Monument – free, passengers pay entrance fee

 Tours

Educational Tours for Schools & Youth Organisations

Reservation for guided tours may be made with Arend Posthuma on +27 (0)12 326 6770, +27 (0)12 323 0682, +27 (0)12 325 7885 or +27 (0)82 747 1578 or +27 (0)71 309 4173.

 General

• Outdoor activities include cycling, hiking, jogging, and outrides on horseback- For more   information visit their website.

• 130 steps from the parking lot to the main entrance of the Monument means comfortable shoes are a must.

• A kiosk provides light meal before or after your visit to the Monument situated to the right of the steps leading to the monument.

• All facilities are wheelchair friendly.

• A gift shop is situated on the premises and ensures that you won’t go home empty handed – Contact +27 (0)12 325 7084

• Mini ATM available, as well as a Bureaux de Change that ensures the quickest way to             exchange any of the major currencies at competitive rates.

Contact

For any further enquiries or interesting facts about the Monument Contact the Voortrekker Monument.

Telephone: +27(0)12 326 6770 | 325 7885 | 325 0477 / +27(0)71 309 4173

Fax: +27(0)12 326 8374

Website: http://www.vtm.org.za/

Email: marketing@voortrekkermon.org.za

The Voortrekker Monument is situated in Eeufees Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0027