For Nina du Preez, a Museum Studies master’s student, “places like museums become places of intentional and inspirational thinking if we teach ourselves to look beyond ourselves”. Museums are commonly known as places that arouse curiosity. They house all sorts of inspiration as they are renowned for their inclusivity by catering to various audiences. There is always something for everyone.
Whether you are an art or history enthusiast, or you are simply just an inquisitive person seeking out places to explore, you have made the right stop at the University of Pretoria (UP). Our very own Hatfield campus boasts its two incredible museums, namely The Old Arts Building and The Old Merensky Library. Both museums are home to a number of astonishing art collections from artists both within South Africa and across the globe. The oldest art piece dates back to the New Stone Age, or rather, the Neolithic period as the history boffins would prefer it. This piece is believed to be from around 3000 BC. Imagine how amazing it would be to see it in person!
Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect at these museums. The Old Merensky Library is also known as the Edoardo Villa Museum, having been named after Italian-South African sculptor Edoardo Villa. This museum features about 200 magnificent sculptures crafted by respected South African sculptors. The Old Arts Building has been standing for over a century, and it features some of the country’s finest and most famous collections, including the 1000-year-old Mapungubwe collection.
You may be thinking to yourself, “I am not a museum person.” From Du Preez’s point of view, one can be both a “museum person” and the opposite. While one collection might unsettle you, another may spark your interest. Du Preez emphasises that “it all depends on your interests and if you are willing to stretch your mind into, sometimes, uncomfortable spaces”.
If you have never been to a museum before and would really love to make the most out of your first visit, all you have to do is walk in with an open mind. Some advice from Du Preez includes looking deeply at the artworks and asking yourself questions. Some of these may include the following: “Who is speaking through this object, and who is not? What are their stories and how did they come to think of what they conveyed through the item I am seeing?” It is through these questions that a discourse arises. Du Preez argues that museums can be good spaces to socialise with like-minded individuals: “First, within ourselves, a consciousness [dawns], and then we draw friends into the conversation when we bring them into the museum space.”
So, if you are looking to explore your curiosity and broaden your horizons, why not begin right here at your home away from home. The Old Arts Building and The Old Merensky Library are bursting with heritage that is well-preserved within these artefacts. Each artefact represents different ideologies and cultures that belong to different people and communities in society. Museums are special because of the learning opportunities they present. Not only do you get to learn about rich culture and history, but you also learn some truths about yourself in the process. In the words of Maira Kalman, “A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can.” So why not give it a try? You may be surprised by what you see.
