All eyes on Saturn!
Admire the ring giant during Taalmonument’s stargazing picnic
With spring in full swing, residents and visitors will have the chance to discover the beauty of the night sky – with Saturn in the spotlight – during the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM)’s first stargazing picnic on FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2026. It promises to be a festive evening in a breathtaking environment, with a spectacular sunset, free admission to the iconic sculpture and the knowledge that the evening supports a good cause.
In addition, the experts of the Orion Observation Group (OOG) take guests on a journey through the universe with their telescopes and enthusiasm. The star of the evening is Saturn – the sixth planet from the sun and second-largest in the solar system. Its beautiful rings, like a cosmic crown, make it one of the most enchanting “wow!” sights in space. This giant gas planet, more than 900 times larger than our planet, is reminiscent of a celestial painting: quiet, timeless and overwhelmingly beautiful.
Gates open at 17:00, after which visitors can take in the beautiful vistas of the valleys, mountains and peninsula before gazing at the sky through the telescopes from sunset until 22:00. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds, exhibitions and the symbolic monument. A free guided tour takes place at 18:30 to explain the history and significance of the monument. For young stargazers, outdoor games and playgrounds are available.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks (no glass/fire, please). Also remember warm clothing and a torch to enjoy the evening to the fullest. Free, safe parking is available. The picnic series supports the ATM’s literacy project ‘Let’s Read!’ that aims to introduce children to the joy of reading. Picnickers are warmly encouraged to donate new or second-hand children’s books.
🎟️ Tickets are available at quicket.co.za or the gate; it only costs:
- R60 per adult
- R20 for SA students, pensioners and children 18 and younger
- FREE for children under 6 years
ℹ️ For GATE ACCESS, ADVANCE BOOKING IS REQUIRED via 076 017 6026 (WA) or kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za so that enough telescopes are available. If the weather does not cooperate, the picnic will unfortunately be cancelled – call 073 853 3100 or 083 544 6510 on the day for weather enquiries. Pre-purchased tickets can be transferred or refunded. The next stargazing picnics are on 13 December (47 Tucanae), 8 January 2027 (Seven Sisters), 6 February (Orion) and 6 March (Jupiter). More about OOG at facebook.com/OrionObservasieGroep
ℹ️ Follow Taalmonument and Taalmuseum’s unique events, concerts and courses via
WhatsApp Instagram Facebook Nuusbrief Taalmuseum.co.za/en/whats-on
The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in multiple languages regarding the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also numerous resources for school and research projects.
👉 Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family – includes unlimited access to the ATM, bistro, walking trails and full moon picnics. Call 021 872 3441.
UITGEREIK DEUR | ISSUED BY | IKHUTSHWE YI-