The Friends of the South African Museum have arranged a tour of De Goede Hoop, the oldest Masonic temple in the southern hemisphere.

The Temple of the Lodge de Goede Hoop in Bouquet Street is situated in its own grounds, a few metres to the left of Tuijnhuis, the President’s chambers. The whole complex, including the huge tree next to the fountain, is declared heritage site. The building, designed by Louis Thibault and built by Hermann Schutte, has unique features, which includes magnificent sculptures by Anton Anreith.

The Freemasons owned the land known as Domberg, which was subsequently sold to the Lodge. The building was consecrated in 1803 and both the property and the building have remained in the hands of the Freemasons ever since.

Kenneth Marcus has been a member of the Masonic Craft for nearly forty years. He has undertaken considerable research into Masonic history and other facets of the Craft. He gives regular tours of this institution. He will give us a brief talk on the history of the Freemasons before the tour.

For more information and to secure your booking, please email samfriends@iziko.org.za

Members: R 80 | Non-members: R 100