The theme of Paarl Museum is the history of Paarl. The museum provides an in-depth look at the town’s rich history and various cultural heritage. The museum is housed in a U-shaped Cape Dutch House, dating back to the 18th century.
Paarl Museum is situated on a portion of farming land, granted to Pieter Janz van Marseveen by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1699. This building served as the parsonage of the Thatched Roof Church (‘Strooidak’ Church), as a residence to the Thom family who made wagons, and as a hostel for boys of Gymnasium High School. This building was renovated into a museum in 1939, and has a collection of Cape Antiques, artefacts, documents and photographs portraying the cultural diversity and development of Paarl.