Visitors Information
Taalmonument
Visitors Information
Taalmonument
Language monument
Visit this iconic structure on Paarl Mountain, surrounded by beautiful nature, to discover more about the history of one of Africa’s youngest languages, Afrikaans. Pack a picnic basket or spoil yourself with a delicious meal in the bistro [CURRENTLY CLOSED], while you enjoy the views of the Cape Peninsula and Boland mountains.
Various multilingual exhibitions highlight the diverse, exciting history of the language, while playgrounds and outdoor games in the indigenous gardens keep the children busy.
Noteworthy: The monument features in Paul Cattermole’s global Architectural Excellence: 500 iconic buildings (2008).
Something for everyone: Combine your visit with one of the regular events, such as full moon picnics, music concerts, book launches and workshops. Please browse through the upcoming events or find the latest information on our Facebook page.
- Your birthday? Free entrance with your valid SA ID!
- If you visit the museum in Paarl and the monument on Paarl Mountain on the same day, you will receive a R10 discount at the second place – so please retain your payment slips as proof.
- Drakenstein residents with valid library cards can enter for free on the following days: International Mother Language Day 21 Feb, Human Rights Day 21 March, International Monument Day 18 Apr, Freedom Day 27 Apr, Workers’ Day 1 May, International Museum Day 18 May, Africa Day 25 May, Youth Day 16 June, Women’s Day 9 Aug, Language Day 14 Aug, Heritage Day 24 Sep, Language monument’s birthday 10 Oct.
Better understand the fascinating symbolism
- Free, guided and bilingual tours from Monday to Friday, depending on personnel availability; on weekends and public holidays only if pre-booked for a minimum of 20 people.
- Free information brochures (in 22 languages) and audio tours in Afrikaans, Xhosa, English, French, Dutch and German available. There is also a braille version.
OPENING TIMES: TAALMONUMENT & BISTRO
Open daily, except on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January).
1 April to 31 October: 08:00–17:00
1 November to 31 March: 08:00–20:00
* Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time and the bistro normally closes 15 minutes before closing time. Visitor centre always closes at 16:45. The monument and/or bistro may exceptionally be closed for a day due to circumstances – see ‘What’s on?‘ for the latest news in this regard.
ENTRANCE FEES
Card preferred, cash accepted – pay at entrance
ADULTS: R40 (R10 for Drakenstein residents with valid library cards)
SA STUDENTS/PENSIONERS (65+): R10 with valid proof
CHILDREN UNDER 18: R10 (free under six years)
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS: R60
PICNIC: Standard entrance fee per person. Feel free to bring blankets, food and drinks (no glass/fires). Picnic groups of 20+ persons should simply pre-book via ontvangs@taalmuseum.co.za, please.
SCHOOL GROUPS: R10 per learner, two educators and bus driver free per group. Pre-book via opvoedkundige@taalmuseum.co.za for educational programmes.
TOUR GROUPS: Standard entrance fee per person, but tour operator rates and STO negotiable. Apply for this timeously and in writing via ontvangs@taalmuseum.co.za. Registered tour guides and bus drivers enter for free.
* The BISTRO operates independently of the monument, therefore the monument’s standard entrance fees apply to visitors. However, see the above-mentioned admission discounts and annual permits. For enquiries about private functions at the bistro as well as pre-booked picnic baskets, contact the bistro directly.
AFFORDABLE PERMITS
ANNUAL PERMIT: Only R120 for individuals and R220 for a family of four. It includes unlimited visits to the museum, monument, bistro, hiking trails and full moon picnics.
BIKING PERMIT: Standard entrance fee per day or annual permit at R220 per person. The latter includes unlimited access to downhill trails, museum, monument, bistro, hiking trails and full moon picnics.
HIKING PERMIT: Standard entry fee and R20 deposit for key.
SPECIAL EVENTS
FULL MOON PICNICS: Standard entrance fee, FREE for permit holders. Tickets available in advance from quicket.co.za. Can also be purchased at the gate.
STARGAZING PICNICS: Adults R55 and children R15. Tickets available in advance from quicket.co.za. Can also be purchased at the gate, but THEN PRE-BOOKING STRICTLY REQUIRED via kommunikasie@taalmuseum.co.za to ensure enough telescopes are provided for.
CONCERTS AT GARDEN THEATRE/AMPHITHEATRE: Prices vary, but all visitors to Garden Theatre have free entry to the monument as well.
VISITOR CENTRE & CONFERENCE VENUE: The centre houses exhibitions, offices and a conference venue for meetings, workshops, lectures and training sessions for up to 50 people. Tariff is R45 per person (free entry to monument included) with a minimum fee of R600 in total. Book in advance at ontvangs@taalmuseum.co.za
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING (including wedding and family photography)
Always book in advance via ontvangs@taalmuseum.co.za
SA students with valid ID and registered non-profit organisations receive a 75% discount on daily rate.
Rates per day or part of day:
Photography Micro (1-2 vehicles, 1-5 people) R1 800, Small (3-5 vehicles, 6-15 people) R5 400, Medium (6-15 vehicles, 16-30 people) R10 800, Large (16-30 vehicles, 31-60 people) R12 960, Base camp 50% of daily rate, Setup/breakup 50% of daily rate.
Filming Micro (1-2 vehicles, 1-5 people) R3 600, Small (3-5 vehicles, 6-15 people) R6 480, Medium (6-15 vehicles, 16-30 people) R13 500, Large (16-30 vehicles, 31-60 people) R21 600, Extra-large (31-40 vehicles, 61-100 people) R36 000, Base camp 50% of daily rate, Setup/breakup 50% of daily rate.
Standby fee if outside normal business hours: R200 per hour.
Forex payment fee: R250 per payment received.
Bistro - CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Follow our social media regarding reopening
* Unfortunately, no wedding ceremonies or wedding picnics are allowed. Wedding photos can be taken – see information above.
VIRTUAL TOUR
Click on the top right to experience a full-screen virtual tour. Click and drag your mouse in any direction to see everything. If your mouse hovers over the screen and a hand is displayed, you can also click on it to jump to that position.
