Historical Walk
Established in 1841, Montagu has its fair share of beautiful, timeless buildings that line the streets of the pristine town. Many houses date back to the 18th century, displaying various building styles of the time. Visitors to Montagu can enjoy a historical walk down numerous streets to spot the architectural gems.
Significant buildings include 20 Bath Street, the second oldest house in town, as well as 24 Bath Street that originally served as the Magistrate’s court. 35 Long Street was the home of artist Francios Krige and 50 Long Street dates back to 1835.
The small Anglican Church in town was designed by Lady Sophia Grey, wife of the Governor of the Cape Colony that served in 1854, and the Dutch Reformed Church was completed in 1862, designed in a neo-Gothic style.
The Museum Complex
A popular tourist attraction is the Montagu Museum, which comprises of the Joubert House, as well as KWV Building Complex and the Old Mission Church. It forms part of the town’s architectural heritage.
The Joubert House was built in 1853 and depicts the country way of life of the 1850s. It houses a collection of toys from yesteryear, as well as a unique collection of individually numbered handmade porcelain dolls. The Indigenous Medicinal Plant Garden is situated just behind the Joubert House and is a must-visit for horticulture enthusiasts.
The KWV buildings are examples of industrial architecture dating back to the 20th century. It was acquired by the Montagu Museum in the 1990s and now serves as an art gallery that forms part of the Montagu Museum Art and Culture Centre. It houses a permanent exhibition of art by Montagu native, Francois Krige, as well as regular showcases of local and regional artists’ work.
The neo-gothic Old Mission Church was built in 1907, becoming a museum in 1975. It now serves as a historical research centre. It houses historical documents and archives pertaining to the history of Montagu, as well as church artifacts like old bibles and wedding dresses. Other important exhibitions in the building include the Indigenous Medicinal Plant research project and the T.O. Honiball collection of cartoons. The Montagu Museum has a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions that frequently change.