Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng
The Smuts House Museum illustrates the life-style and multi-faceted career of one of South Africa’s most prominent historical figures. Field Marshal Jan Christiaan Smuts (24 May 1870 – 11 September 1950). © PHParsons, License
Obelisk on Smuts Koppie in Irene, where the ashes of Jan Smuts and family were strewn. Jan Smuts: Boer Commander, Second Prime Minister of Union of South Africa, British Imperial War Cabinet member, Field Marshal British Army. © JMK, License
Step into the charm of Ouma Isie’s Tea Garden, nestled on the historic farm once home to General Jan Smuts and his beloved wife. © The Smuts House Museum
The aim of the Smuts House Museum is to accurately depict the diverse career and way of life of General J.C. Smuts, one of South Africa’s most esteemed figures through his all-encompassing philosophy shown through his writings and life’s work. © Smuts House Museum
The house is largely preserved in its original form, with rooms containing the Smuts family's original furniture and personal belongings. (Image adapted). © The Smuts House Museum.Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng
The Jan Smuts House Museum in Irene, Centurion, is a historic museum that was once the home of Field Marshal Jan Christiaan Smuts, one of South Africa’s most significant statesmen, military leaders, and philosophers. Known as "Doornkloof" or the Smuts House, it served as Smuts' family home from 1909 until his death in 1950. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to preserving his legacy and offering visitors a glimpse into the life of one of the key figures in South African history.
Key Features of the Jan Smuts House Museum:
1. Historical Residence: The museum is housed in the original prefabricated wood-and-iron farmhouse that Smuts bought in 1908. The house was originally built as a British officer’s mess during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), and Smuts had it transported from the Middelburg area to Irene.
Despite his international status, Smuts maintained a simple and modest lifestyle, which is reflected in the house’s design and furnishings.
2. Preserved Rooms and Personal Artifacts: The house is largely preserved in its original form, with rooms containing the Smuts family's original furniture and personal belongings. Visitors can see Smuts' study, library, and many of his possessions, including military uniforms, books, photographs, and awards.
The library is of particular interest, as it contains thousands of books, showing Smuts’ intellectual side and his deep interests in a wide range of subjects, from philosophy and botany to military strategy.
3. Garden, Walking Trails and Smuts Koppie: The Oubaas Trail is a 2.3 km walking trail on the property that leads to Smuts’ final resting place on the nearby hilltop - Smuts Koppie, a spot chosen by Smuts himself. The trail passes through indigenous bush and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
The expansive gardens surrounding the house are filled with indigenous plants, including the famous wild olive tree under which Smuts would often sit to think and write. Smuts had a lifelong passion for nature and botany, and this is reflected in the peaceful surroundings.
4. Events and Functions: The museum grounds often host events, such as historical reenactments, educational tours, and cultural festivals. The property also offers a tea garden, where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments after touring the house.
5. Ouma Isie’s Tea Garden and Restaurant: Step into the charm of Ouma Isie’s Tea Garden, nestled on the historic farm once home to General Jan Smuts and his beloved wife. Here, freshly prepared fare is crafted with care in the kitchen, while the leafy, dog-friendly garden invites leisurely strolls with your four-legged companion. With generous lawns where children can run free, it’s an idyllic spot for families seeking a relaxed day out.
Founded in 1976 to help support the upkeep of the Smuts House Museum, the tea garden pays tribute to General Smuts’ extraordinary wife, Isie Krige Smuts, affectionately known as “Ouma”. Her legacy of warmth and hospitality lives on in the welcoming atmosphere that greets every visitor.
Situated within the grounds of the Smuts House Museum in Irene, Ouma Isie’s serves wholesome breakfasts and satisfying lunches, with sheltered seating available when the weather turns. For those looking to linger longer, delightful picnic hampers can be pre-ordered—perfect for enjoying under the shade of the estate’s trees.
6. Smuts' Legacy: Smuts was a key figure in South African politics and international diplomacy. He was a former Prime Minister of South Africa, a founding member of the League of Nations, and a significant contributor to the formation of the United Nations. The museum offers insight into both his personal life and his broader contributions to global affairs.
Phone: +27 (0)12 667 1176
Email: see website
Website: https://www.smutshouse.co.za
Address: Smuts House Museum, Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Centurion, 0157, South Africa
Verblyf Naby Jan Smuts House Museum - Irene, Centurion, Gauteng
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- Irene Glen Private Estate (1.13km)
- Irene (1.33km)
- Doornkloof (1.64km)
- Cornwall Hill Country Estate (2.05km)
- Irene Security Estate (2.49km)
- Doornkloof-Oos (2.58km)
- Southdowns Estate (2.70km)
- Rietvlei Ridge Country Estate (2.96km)
- Irene Woods (3.01km)
- Irene Farm Villages (3.36km)
- Centurion Golf Estate (3.48km)
- Route 21 Business Park (3.52km)
- Irene View Estate (4.02km)
- Doringkloof (4.13km)
- Country Lane Estate (4.38km)
- Irene Country Club - Centurion, Pretoria (1.80km)
- Irene Concentration Camp Cemetery - Centurion, Pretoria (2.31km)
- Irene Farm - Centurion, Pretoria (2.42km)
- Centurion Country Club & Golf Course (3.44km)
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve & Dam - Pretoria (4.15km)
- SuperSport Park - Centurion, Pretoria (4.93km)
- Centurion Mall - Centurion, Pretoria (5.92km)
- Centurion Art Gallery - Lyttelton Manor, Pretoria (6.68km)
- Wingate Park Country Club - Moreleta Park, Pretoria (7.63km)
- The South African Mint - Centurion, Gauteng (8.19km)
- Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve - Moreleta Park, Pretoria (9.39km)
- Zwartkop Country Club - Centurion, Pretoria (9.51km)
- Groenkloof Nature Reserve - Pretoria (10.10km)
- Waterkloof Golf Club - Pretoria (10.10km)
- Woodhill Golf Club - Woodhill Golf Estate, Pretoria (10.42km)
- Pretoria Country Club - Waterkloof, Pretoria (10.93km)
- Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary - Midrand, Johannesburg (11.06km)
- Fort Klapperkop Military Museum - Pretoria (11.24km)
- Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary - Muckleneuk, Pretoria (12.02km)
- Blue Valley Golf Club - Centurion, Pretoria (12.03km)
- Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary - Menlo Park, Pretoria (12.21km)
- Greenlyn Village Centre - Menlo Park, Pretoria (12.21km)
- Fort Schanskop - Groenkloof, Pretoria (12.37km)
- UNISA - University of South Africa (Pretoria) (12.65km)
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- Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site - Pretoria (12.80km)
- Services Golf Club - Centurion, Pretoria (12.94km)
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- Freedom Park Heritage Site and //hapo Museum - Pretoria (13.10km)
