Matatiele Museum

The Matatiele Museum was established relatively recently in 1993, after the town's historical society stooped functioning, and donated their collection of artefacts and historical items to the museum. The old sandstone building in which the Matatiele Museum is housed, was originally built as a Dutch Reformed Church, but was later used as a garage, an auction room, and a telephone exchange. The old building which stands in Matatiele's High Street, has since been declared as a national monument, as well as a provincial heritage site.

Exhibits at the Matatiele Museum portray the local prehistory, history and cultures of the town and surrounding area, dating from Stone Age to present day.
The museum houses interesting and informative displays on the San People, early missionaries of the area, and pioneers with household objects and early clothing worn by the settlers. Also featured are a fossil display, various exhibits showcasing Xhosa, Sotho and Zulu cultures,and a glimpse into 19th Century Imperial army that was stationed in the region. Other displays at the Matatiele Museum include antique post boxes and post carts, and the Matatiele Mail which saw its first year of operation in 1938. A huge range of information and photo's on Matatiele, East Griqualand, Lesotho and surrounding areas can also be viewed in the museum.