On Monday, 16 June 2025, Oliewenhuis Art Museum invites the public to a special Youth Day celebration โ a day to reflect, engage, and unwind in a welcoming, family-friendly setting in Bloemfontein. Commemorating the 49th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, this event honours the legacy of the young South Africans whose courage helped shape the countryโs journey towards democracy.
Youth Day is more than a day of remembrance; it is also a time to recognise the enduring impact of youth in South Africaโs past, present, and future. Since its official declaration in 1994, Youth Day has become a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that young people continue to play in advocating for justice, equality, and freedom.
To mark this important day, Oliewenhuis Art Museum will be open from 10:00 to 15:00 for a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and togetherness. Families and friends are encouraged to bring along a picnic and enjoy the museumโs picturesque front garden while listening to a variety of music played by a live DJ. Food, snacks, and refreshments will be available from local stalls throughout the day, making for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Children will delight in the charming African Carousel, with rides available for just R5 each, while all visitors are invited to explore the museumโs Sculpture Park and nearby walking trails. These natural and artistic spaces offer a serene environment for quiet reflection, exploration, and family fun.
Inside the museum, visitors will be treated to a selection of thought-provoking exhibitions currently on display, each offering insight into South Africaโs rich cultural identity and artistic innovation.
Exhibitions on Display:
QULA KWEDINI: A Solo Exhibition by Mzie Gojo
Venue: Main Building | On view until 16 June 2025
Rooted in Xhosa tradition and personal history, Mzie Gojoโs Qula Kwedini is a deeply moving exhibition that reflects on identity, collective memory, and healing. The exhibition takes inspiration from the sacred song Qula Kwedini and incorporates culturally significant materialsโsuch as cow dungโto create a tactile, immersive experience that bridges ancestral wisdom and contemporary social commentary.
Learning through Art: Museum as Classroom
Venue: 1st Floor, Main Building | On view until 7 December 2025
This educational exhibition draws from Oliewenhuis Art Museumโs Permanent Collection and is especially designed to support the Grade 10โ12 Visual Art curriculum. With artworks by celebrated South African artists like Esther Mahlangu, Noria Mabasa, Pierneef, and Irma Stern, the exhibition transforms the museum into an interactive classroom. It offers learners and educators a chance to engage with key visual narratives and explore critical socio-political themes beyond the boundaries of the textbook.
While the exhibitions captivate indoors, visitors can also enjoy the museumโs expansive outdoor spaces. The Sculpture Park features 16 works by South African artists, while the Cement and Mosaic Project includes functional sculptures that enhance the gardensโ aesthetic and cultural appeal.
Access and Visitor Information:
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is located at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, and on weekends and public holidays from 09:00 to 16:00. Entrance is free, with secure on-site parking available for R10 per vehicle (cash only). The museum is wheelchair accessible via a ramp at the entrance and a lift to the first floor.
For more information about the Youth Day event or exhibitions, please contact Oliewenhuis Art Museum at 078 968 4300 or via email at oliewen@nasmus.co.za.
Stay informed about upcoming exhibitions and programmes by following Oliewenhuis Art Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Celebrate history, art, and the energy of youth with us this Youth Day at Oliewenhuis Art Museum.
Ends
For more information, please contact: Ester le Roux, Curator at Oliewenhuis Art Museum at oliewen@nasmus.co.za.
Issued by:
Karen Marais, Snr Exhibition Officer at Oliewenhuis Art Museum
+27 (0) 78 968 4300
Oliewenhuis Art Museum
16 Harry Smith Street
Bloemfontein
T: 051 011 0525 (ext 200) or 078ย 968 4300www.nasmus.co.za
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Visiting Hours
Mon to Fri 8:00 – 17:00
Sat 9:00 – 16:00
Sun & Public Holidays 9:00 – 16:00
Closed on Good Friday & Christmas Dayย
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is a satellite of the National Museum, Bloemfontein, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
