About Sammy Marks Museum
A visit to the Victorian style home of South Africa's first industrialist and entrepreneur, Sammy Marks, is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The beautiful home, known as Zwartkoppies hall, is set in park-like gardens on an estate about 23 kilometres outside of Pretoria.
Did you know? In his will, Sammy Marks declared that his house and its contents were to be preserved for up to four generations after his death. Photographs of Marks, his family, friends and relatives are displayed in the museum's archives.
The gracious home has no fewer than 48 rooms filled with the personal effects of Bertha and Sammy Marks that today includes superb furniture, paintings, silver and porcelain.
Samuel Marks married Bertha, nineteen years his junior, in his early forties, and together they had nine children, all of whom were educated at home until they were old enough to be privately schooled in England. The house had a staff of 14 and the family was said to entertain lavishly, the tennis courts, gardens and surrounds catering for up to 30 guests at a time.
After Sammy Marks' death, his family lived on in the house until 1991, after which it stood vacant for a time, and in 1995 roughly 73 hectares, including the home, were sold to the National Cultural History Museum.
Sammy Marks is one of the only Victorian museums in South Africa that has managed to retain the interior of the home almost exactly as it was - a completely authentic representation of life in the late 19th century. And the home manages to retain much of its former splendour and graciousness.
And Sammy Marks is not just about the museum. Many an idle afternoon can be passed in this space where time appears to have stood still, in the gardens, playing a game of croquet, enjoying a pot of tea beneath shady trees in the tea garden, or a picnic on the extensive lawns.
Need to Know
WhereOld Bronkhorstspruit Road, Silverton, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
WhenTours on Tuesday to Friday start at 10h00, 11h30, 13h00, 14h30 and 16h00
Tours on Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 17h00 (last tour at 16h00)
Tours on public holidays from 10h00 to 17h00 (last tour starts at 16h00)
Telephone+27 (0)12 755-9541
OvernightStay in Pretoria Accommodation, Gauteng
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Silverton
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Pretoria

Silverton Travel Lodge
Silverton Travel Lodge is ideally situated close to CSIR, the Botanical Gardens and is just five minutes drive from the Pretoria CBD. Silverton T...

Brooklyn Place Guest House
Brooklyn Place Guesthouse has been restored and offers accommodation in a seven bedrooms with real old-world English charm and appeal. The Guesth...

Sunbird Garden Cottage
Located a short distance from Faerie Glen Hospital and Zita Park, Sunbird Garden Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Pretoria for two g...

MacGregors Guest House
Enjoy accommodation set in a large tranquil garden in a quiet, centrally located and security-controlled suburb. Offering you the highest level o...

Purple Olive Guest House
Purple Olive Guest House is located in Wonderboom, Pretoria, in a tranquil, subtropical neighbourhood at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountain, n...

Clubview Guest House
Clubview Guest House is situated in the quiet suburb of Clubview-East in Centurion. Clubview Guest House is an accredited bed & breakfast and sel...

Arbez Home Lodge
At Arbez Home Lodge you need to feel at home. Having been in the Industry for 12 years we also offer long term options, this works well for singl...

Pretoria Executive Cottages
Pretoria Executive Cottages are ideal for both prolonged or overnight stay, situated in lush gardens with access to a sparkling pool. Located in ...

Retro Cafe & Motel
Retro Café and Motel is a cosy establishment in Kameeldrift-East. A swimming pool and braai facilities are also provided. There are many attracti...
Things to do in the area

The Lion's Den
With murals of wildlife as high as three storeys, wildlife sculptures and cuisine as robust and bold as its setting, The Lion's Den is a truly Af...

Drayman's Brewery & Distillery
After tasting traditional mielie (corn) beer when he was only 12 or 13 years old, Moritz Kallmeyer started his lifelong love-affair with craft be...

Banting Market Pretoria
If you're staying in one of the guesthouses in Johannesburg or Pretoria, you'll be on the doorstep of many of the country's top attractions. The ...
Accommodation convenient to Sammy Marks Museum
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Northern Gauteng Accommodation / Pretoria Accommodation