The Taalmuseum (Language Museum) is located in the heart of Paarl and depicts the diverse origins of one of Africa’s youngest languages, Afrikaans (meaning from Africa/African). The museum is set in the beautiful historic house of Gideon Malherbe, one of the founders of the Fellowship for True Afrikaners (GRA) in 1875. The museum’s exhibitions informs visitors about the history and diversity of Afrikaans – see the GRA’s printing press on which the first Afrikaans newspaper in the world was printed on, and test your knowledge of idioms! Also view examples of the oldest Afrikaans written in Arabic script and experience the adventurous journey of Afrikaans music – from rieldans to rap. Pre-booked guided tours are available at the Language Museum. The museum and monument often host exceptional events, so click here to see the latest information on our social media platform.

We also promise an unforgettable outing for learners of all ages. Educators can choose from curriculum-based topics and worksheets are provided. Special programmes are presented to commemorate amongst others Mandela, Language, Youth and Museum Day; speak to our Education Officer about specific needs. A reading room has also been set up in the house where researchers can consult old documents. These documents are housed in a fireproof archive with temperature and humidity control. For simple research enquiries, we will reply via e-mail to written questions. Should you seek access to the Africana book collection, arrange it with the Curator in advance.

If you visit the Taalmuseum in Paarl and the Taalmonument on Paarl Mountain on the same day, you will receive a discount at the second place, so please retain your payment slips.

WHERE ARE WE?

Address: 11 Pastorie Avenue, Paarl
Directions and map

OPENING TIMES of the LANGUAGE MUSEUM

Open: Mon to Fri 08:30-16:45
Closed: Weekends, public holdays, Christmas to New Year

ENTRANCE FEES from 1 APRIL 2022 to 31 MARCH 2025

Card or cash accepted. Your birthday? Free entrance with your South African ID!

ADULTS

  • R20
  • For Drakenstein residents with valid library cards: R10

TOUR GROUPS

  • Standard entrance fee per person, but tour operator rates and STO negotiable. Apply for this timeously and in writing via admin@taalmuseum.co.za. Registered tour guides and bus drivers enter for free

SA STUDENTS and SA PENSIONERS

  • R10 (with valid proof)

CHILDREN under 18

  • R10 (free under six years)

SCHOOL GROUPS

  • R10 per learner; 2 teachers and bus driver free per group (please pre-book for educational programmes)

PERMITS

  • ANNUAL PERMIT: R120 for individuals& R220 for a family of four –  includes unlimited visits to the museum, monument, coffee shop, hiking trails and Full Moon Picnics
  • BIKING PERMIT: Standard entrance fee or annual permit at R220 per person – includes unlimited access to downhill trails, museum, monument, coffee shop, hiking trails and Full Moon Picnics
  • HIKING PERMIT: Normal entrance fee & R20 deposit

CONTACT US

Tel: +27 (0)21 872 3441 or (0)21 863 0543
E-mail enquiry
Follow us on Twitter: Taalmonument
Join us on Facebook: Afrikaanse Taalmonument
Follow us on Instagram: Taalmonument

TERMS and CONDITIONS APPLY

All visitors visit the premises at their own risk. The ATM will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury sustained. The ATM takes no responsibility if any programmes, functions or events have to be cancelled, curtailed or adjusted due to circumstances beyond the institution’s control, such as bad weather or insufficient electricity and water supply.

Above-mentioned fees are only valid for regular access/as indicated and not for special events or functions. Requests for discounts must be made in writing to the Director.

The ATM Board may determine and adjust the hours during which, and the terms and conditions under which the public may visit the declared institution or part thereof, as well as the entrance fees. The ATM Management reserves the right to temporarily adjust or suspend opening times and visiting spaces within reasonable limits and without prior notice; in such cases, visitors, permit holders and other stakeholders will not be entitled to any damages.

No weapons, pets or hawkers are allowed on the premises. Right of admission is reserved.

[Revenue from entrance fees and rentals is utilised to supplement the shortfall in the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s grant. It is used for maintenance and to present educational programmes and heritage projects.]

GENERAL

  • Free guided tours are offered by a museum guide, when available. Requests for specialised tours or access to archival material must be addressed to the Curator.
  • Educational tours must be booked in advance and a booking form completed. Due to the condition of the museum’s floors, school groups are limited to 30 learners per visit. Larger groups are only allowed in the Early Written Afrikaans room.
  • To comply with fire and safety regulations, no more than 30 visitors may be allowed per floor at any given time.
  • Prior permission must be obtained from the Curator for commercial photography/filming.

VISITORS MAY NOT

  • Run or jump in the museum.
  • Touch, sit or lean on the furniture.
  • Touch the artefacts on the ground floor.
  • Play the piano.
  • Eat, drink or smoke (including e-cigarettes etc) in the museum.
  • Play a radio or musical instrument, or make a noise.
  • Let vehicles idle on the property (due to noise and air pollution).
  • Move past the barriers.
  • Slide down the staircase handrails.