About De Tuynhuys
De Tuynhuys, the office of the state President and closed to the public, witnessed one of the most important turning points in South African history when FW de Klerk announced from its steps, on 18 March 1992, that South Africa had ‘closed the book on apartheid’.
Did you know?
This beautiful building, built originally in 1700 as a residence for important visitors to the Cape, lies between Parliament buildings and the President’s Council in Company Gardens.
De Tuynhuys has been used as an official residence by almost all the governors of the Cape - Dutch, Batavian and British - and by State Presidents after the country became a Republic in 1961.
Historians have put together a sketch of Tuynhuys’s history and, it seems, it began as little more than a tool shed. This was converted into a guesthouse in the year Simon van der Stel became Governor in 1679, and by 1710 the guesthouse had already become a double-storey building with a flat roof.
However, there is evidence that Tuynhuys was not always livable. Lord Charles Somerset, who was responsible for adding a beautiful ballroom and for much of the re-decoration, had to move out of the building in 1824 as it was uninhabitable. Towards the end of the 19th century a debate as to its very existence occurred as authorities considered demolishing it, and a further restoration of the residence took place in 1967.
Today, De Tuynhuys stands as a symbol of a nation that has come through a history of colonisation and apartheid, and managed to survive intact, its young democracy a shining example to the world of man’s ability to overcome adversity.
Need to Know
WhereDe Tuynhuys, Government Avenue, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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 Cape Town Central
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town

Otters Rest Self Catering
Otters Rest is a comfortable cottage in Kommetjie, with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The self catering cottage has three bedrooms and...

15 on Leeukloof
15 On Leeukloof is a holiday home in Cape Town offering accommodation for up to six guests. The villa open spaces with lots of light and magnific...

Island View F5
F5 Island View is an affordable apartment offering accommodation for 4-6 guests in Melkbosstrand. It is situated on the first floor and is just 1...

5 The Apartment
Bright, airy and comfortable, and with sun and fun in mind, 5 The Apartment makes for a convenient central hub from which to explore Cape Town. F...

Berkeley Square 25
Berkeley Square 25 is a spacious self-catering apartment in Sea Point. The apartment has one bedroom with a double bed and a loft area with a dou...

Devonshire 604
Devonshire 604 is a two bedroom self catering apartment offering accommodation in Green Point. The apartment sleeps four guests in two bedrooms. ...

Mooring House Guest Lodge
Mooring House Guest Lodge offers spacious and tasteful accommodation set in tranquil and pleasant surroundings on the slopes of the Helderberg Mo...

Lotz of Joy Guesthouse
Lotz of Joy offers secure, delightful accommodation in Panorama,just 10 minutes away from the Durbanville Wine Routes and Blaauwberg Strand. It i...

La Roche Guest House
Offering accommodation in Cape Town in a quiet residential area just a stone's throw from Milnerton Golf Club, Milnerton Beach with its renowned ...
Things to do in the area

Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...

Cape Town Free Walking Tours
Most major cities around the world offer city walking tours, and the Mother City is no exception. Cape Town Free Walking Tours makes the city wal...

Attend a Parliamentary Session
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa’s Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital)...

Bathe at Long Street Baths
In the centre of Long Street, Cape Town, facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to th...

Be Cool at Daddy Cools
The Grand Daddy’s hotel bar is the ‘blingest’ in Cape Town. It’s not just a cool bar, it’s a Daddy Cool bar! A palette of metallics and a roll-ca...

Carriage Tour of Cape Town
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring The Cape Town Business District and the Company’s Garden in style and allows a more...

Diamond Cutting Tours
The Diamond Works is a one-stop, exciting experience for tourists, both young and old. Situated on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Life Cent...

Dine at Addis
Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city of Cape Town. With its talente...

Eastern Food Bazaar
If you thought you could no longer afford to eat out when you stay in Cape Town, consider the Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellingt...
Accommodation convenient to De Tuynhuys
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation