The Neo-Gothic building in Middle Street was originally a place of worship for the Manatees, a refugee Sotho tribe that had fled south across the Orange River in the 1820’s. In 1870 improvements were made to the building.
As the membership numbers dwindled and the remaining members joined the Parsonage Street Congregation the building was for years used as a storehouse and eventually fell into disrepair. Through the intercession of Dr Anton Rupert the property was restored and officially handed over to the Save Reinet Foundation in 1986 when it was renamed after Dr Rupert’s late brother Jan.
Currently houses the “Rembrandt in the Karoo” exhibition, until the end of April 2024. Original etchings, and a selection of other artworks.
The Jan Rupert Art Centre will be closed from the 30th of April, until the 17th of May, when the new exhibition, “AbstRacT – the hidden sychrony” will open. From 17H30 until 21H00, the public can enjoy live jazz, complimentary wine, and painting.
