Visitors Information
Taalmuseum
Taalmuseum
A visit to the lovely museum in Paarl’s town centre gives visitors a glimpse into the incredibly diverse origin and life story of Afrikaans.
The museum is set in the restored, historic house of Gideon Malherbe, one of the founding members of the Society of True Afrikaners (GRA) in 1875. Although Afrikaans was created over a wide area in Southern Africa, important events for the language’s formal recognition specifically took place in the Paarl, which is why the monument and museum were erected here.
The exhibits tell more about Arabic Afrikaans, generally accepted as the first written version of the language, and boast the printing press on which the world’s first Afrikaans newspaper was printed. Also test your knowledge of idioms and experience the adventurous journey of Afrikaans music – from the riel dance to rap!
Guided tours
Book in advance at opvoedkundige@taalmuseum.co.za.
Unforgettable excursion
Educators can choose from curriculum-based topics and worksheets are provided.
Special programs are offered on commemorative days such as Mandela Day, Language Day, Youth Day and Museum Day.
There is a reading room where researchers can consult old documents. For simple research enquiries, we respond to written questions by email to navorsing@taalmuseum.co.za. Arrange with the Curator in advance if you require access to the collection of Africana books.
Something for everyone
The museum and monument also regularly host exceptional events. Take a look at our upcoming events or get all the latest information on our Facebook page.
- Your birthday? Free entrance with your South African ID!
- If you visit the Taalmuseum in Paarl and the Taalmonument on Paarl Mountain on the same day, you will receive a R10 discount at the second place, so please retain your payment slips.
OPENING HOURS: TAALMUSEUM
Weekdays from 08:00 to 16:45 (last entry at 16:00). Closed on weekends, public holidays and normally from 25 December to 1 or 2 January. If booked in advance via ontvangs@taalmuseum.co.za, the museum can be opened for a group of visitors on weekends.
ENTRY FEES
Card preferred, cash accepted – pay at entrance
ADULTS: R20 (R10 for Drakenstein residents with valid library cards)
SA STUDENTS/PENSIONERS (65+): R10 with valid proof
CHILDREN UNDER 18: R10 (free under six years)
SCHOOL GROUPS: R10 per learner; free entry for 2 educators and bus driver per group. Book in advance at opvoedkundige@taalmuseum.co.za for educational programmes.
TOUR GROUPS: Usual entrance fee per person, but tour operator rate and STO negotiable. Apply for this in advance at ontvangs@taalmuseum.co.za. Free for registered tour guides and bus drivers.
AFFORDABLE PERMITS
ANNUAL PERMIT: Only R120 for individuals and R220 for a family of four. This includes unlimited access to the museum, monument, bistro, walking paths and full moon picnics.
MOUNTAIN BIKING PERMIT: Normal entry fee per day or annual permit of R220 per person. The latter includes unlimited access to slopes, museum, monument, bistro, walking paths and full moon picnics.
HIKING PERMIT: Normal entry fee and R20 deposit for key.
VIRTUAL TOUR
Enjoy a virtual tour of the museum. 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.