Gauteng Tourism

entity

Sammy Marks Museum

Zwartkoppies Hall, a Victorian mansion dating from 1885, was the residence of the Jewish magnate s doors to the public. In 1995 roughly 73ha surrounding the house and upon which all of the historical buildings are siSammy Marks, who made significant conributions to the industrial, mining and agricultural development of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek and early Union of SA. After Marks’ death, his widow and some of the children inhabited the house until the death of the last one in 1978. After a period during which it was looked after by caretakers, the family realized it was deteriorating and a suitable tenant was sought. Eventually in 1984 an agreement was reached with the National Cultural History Museum according to which the government was to buy the contents of the house from the estate, restore the house and rent it from the family trust. In 1986 the Sammy Marks Museum opened its doors to the public. In 1995 roughly 73ha surrounding the house and upon which all of the historical buildings are situated, was cut from the rest of the farm and sold to the National Cultural History Museum.

Acquisitions policy:

The Museum’s collection consists of the possessions of the Marks family and as such few new acquisitions are made.

Areas of specialisation: Victoriana, the history of the Marks family, Marks’ relation to Paul Kruger and Marks’ contribution to the industrial development of the ZAR.

Sammy Marks Core holdings:

House: the Museum’s collection dates mostly from the late-nineteenth century until Sammy Marks’ death in 1920. Good examples of Victorian silver, glass, porcelain and furniture are exhibited in the Museum, recreating an authentic Victorian interior. Library: The library consists of the original library of books collected by the Marks family and covers topics from history, mining, agriculture, farming, horticulture, religion, industry to romantic novels and poetry.

Photograph collection: A huge collection of photographs is housed in the archive, many of which are studio portraits of family members, relatives and friends, some unidentified, as well as pictures of Zwartkoppies and other places and activities.

What to do:

Tea garden
Guided tours through a splendid Victorian house
Nostalgic Victorian garden tour -

Guided tours: well priced and informative, contact the museum to confirm tour times
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last tour starts at 16:00

Opening times: 10h00 - 15h00
Closed: Good Friday, Christmas Day and Mondays - except Public Holidays

Costs

Prices subject to change
Adults R75
Pensioners and learners R35
Educators R45
Children R40
International tourist R120 adult
International tourist child R60
Special guided tour R180
Self picnic per vehicle R40
Garden and braai stand Stand R70
Special guided tours of Garden and outbuildings, includes Sammy Marks house tour R80