Drostdy Museum

About Drostdy Museum

The Drostdy Museum, located in Swellendam, is a historic open-air museum complex originally constructed by the Dutch East India Company in 1747. Serving as the official residence and administrative headquarters for the local magistrate (Landdrost), the main building is a preserved example of Cape Dutch architecture featuring traditional thatched roofing and whitewashed walls. Today, the expanded museum grounds include the original magistrate's residence, the Old Gaol, the Victorian-era Mayville house and rose garden, and the Ambagswerf, which showcases historical artisanal trade workshops such as blacksmithing and charcoal burning.