The University of Pretoria’s Campus Tours (UPCT) 2025 group recently completed their in-person training session with the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Museums. UP Museums is a collection of heritage and cultural tourism spaces which interprets, conserves, curates and safeguards a diverse range of collections that are located and exhibited across various parts of the Hatfield campus. UP Museums is an important teaching, learning and research entity within UP, and serves as a critical stakeholder and role player for UPCT activities and services.   

Upon arrival at the “headquarters” of UP Museums in the Old Arts Building, UPCT was met and welcomed by the Manager, Dr Sian Tiley-Nel and and Education Officer Mr Matsobane Steven Motena. Dr Tiley-Nel underscored the importance of the partnership between UPCT and UP Museums, as well as how this collaboration is still flourishing after more than two decades.

Mr Motena, a UPCT alumnus, led the way to “experience” and “embrace” UP Museums first-hand. Our “first stop” was the Old Arts Building which houses a wide range of historical and contemporary pieces as well as archaeological artifacts. Mr Motena placed great emphasis on the Mapungubwe Ceramic Collection, as it is a key point of interest for UPCT especially when taking visiting professors and school groups on Museum Tours. UPCT found that this was not just an opportunity to observe ancient artifacts and their associated narratives, but also a cultural exercise that will directly benefit UPCT, especially as it pertains to conveying and sharing relevant stories about one of South Africa’s first known kingdoms.

UPCT in the Old Arts Building

UPCT then proceeded to another wing of the Old Arts Building where a remarkable collection of ceramics, known as the World Ceramics Collection, was explored. This section provided UPCT with valuable insights into European artistic movements, colonial trade networks, and the historical significance of ceramics as commemorative and decorative pieces. The first-hand knowledge acquired here will allow UPCT to engage with visitors as “edu-taining”.

Mr Motena then took UPCT to the “second stop” of the UP Museum tour which was the Old Merensky Library. This building has in recent years become a space that houses one of the largest university museum galleries in the country and is renowned for its displays of newly acquired artworks at UP. UPCT got direct access to some of the finest sculptural works, including those by Edoardo Villa, Fanie Eloff and Anton Van Wouw. From this UPCT members were able to understand the role of sculptures in South African history, as well as how to appropriately convey this information to visitors.

The Old Merensky Library

Our “final stop” was the Javett Art Centre, where UPCT explored the breath-taking Mapungubwe Gold Collection. The collection is made up of various gold artifacts, with the aim of developing a deeper understanding of Africa’s rich tangible and intangible history, heritage and culture. Given the importance associated with this space and its popularity, UPCT was also made aware of how to serve as frontline personnel, information-givers and facilitators.   

The Javett Art Centre

UPCT would like to thank the UP Museums team, and in particular Mr Motena, for his care, insightfulness and guidance as part of this on-the-job-training-session. UPCT looks forward to embracing this established partnership with UP Museums to ensure that the latter remains a “must see” attraction on the Hatfield Campus. Should you or someone you know want to take part in a Museum Tour at UP, feel free to contact UPCT at: [email protected]. We look forward to showing you our beautiful, informative and thought-provoking heritage and cultural tourism spaces located in UP Museums.