This has been on my bucket list for years and I finally got to visit! What a great privilege to experience the life of Helen Martins. The video was very informative.
Her home and the sculpture garden are so well preserved. Being among the sculptures brought on many emotions that can only be explained to someone that have also seen them before. A must!
VSF Copy
+5
What a fascinating story - the artistic expressions by Helen Martins have been well maintained. The video was so informative - well scripted and presented.
The sculptures, the owls, the playfulness of light - definitely a stop worth making.
Klein Toon
+5
Definitely worth the visit, as Nieu-Bethesda depends on The Owl House to bring in visitors from all over the world. Prepare for an emotional journey through the mind of Helen Martins and Koos Malgas, her sculptor.
Nalika
+5
It is a fantastically strange museum.
The outside sculptures are biblical.
The internal walls, doors and ceilings (and some sculptures) are covered in different colours of broken glass.
It was fascinating.
M van Wyk
+4
World renowned, playwright, Athol Fugard's play "The road to Mecca" was inspired by the life of Helen Martins. A visit to Nieu Bethesda and the Owl House is definitely worthwhile from the beautiful scenery en route, the quaint village buildings to being transported back to a time when the strength and determination of a woman with a vision was reason to be spurned by a community.
Philip Todres
+5
The Owl House is glowing! This unique National Heritage Site is looking good with glass expert #AmandaStrydom overseeing the restoration. Always worth a visit to Nieu-Bethesda and be transported into the wonderful world of #HelenMartin!
Andre Hackart
+4
Nieu Bethesda about 50km from Graaff Reinet and the drive is quite scenic
Last bit of the road is gravel and there had been some flooding recently so they were working on parts of the road
The Owl House we found a bit odd and eerie at times. A sad and dark story. Some of the artwork was also interesting and a bit weird at the same time. Guess if you into art it maybe a bit more meaningful
The place is fairly easy to find and some really nice old houses in the town. It's important to note they only take cash or snapscan.
The tour starts off with a video of Helen Martins life and then you head off into the house, all self guided
Nick Dempers
+5
I've been to the Owl House three times and I've loved it each time. The statues all over the place and Helen's use of light and the materials at hand is incredible. It is like a different perspective on life.
Alexandra Thorn
+5
Very interesting. I wouldn’t say it’s beautiful. Rather a closer look at a clearly troubled woman’s artistic expression. Slightly creepy but worth the visit. We also bought a book from a wonderfully stocked gift shop.
Chantal Trytsman
+5
Wow, this was worth the detour. Such beautiful pieces and having watched the little video beforehand, we were so astonished. Well-worth a visit!
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