Overview
Established in 1972, the Lydenburg Museum is a small yet significant museum located in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. It highlights the region's cultural, historical, archaeological, and ethnographic (Pedi) heritage. The museum is best known for housing replicas of the Lydenburg Heads, one of South Africa’s most important archaeological discoveries.

The Lydenburg Heads Exhibit
The museum's main attraction is the Lydenburg Heads, seven intricately crafted ceramic heads dating back to the early Iron Age (circa 490 AD). These heads were discovered in 1957 by Ludwig von Bezing, a 10-year-old boy who found fragments while playing on his family’s farm. His passion for archaeology later led him to return as an adult and uncover more pieces. While the original heads are preserved at the National Museum in Cape Town, visitors can view replicas at the Lydenburg Museum.

Other Exhibits and Attractions
In addition to the Lydenburg Heads, the museum showcases:

• Pedi, Ndebele, and Afrikaner cultural artifacts
• Long Tom Cannons from the Anglo-Boer War
• Early gold mining and military history exhibits
• A distillery, where visitors can sample the traditional Afrikaner mampoer brew

Location and Natural Surroundings
Originally situated in the town center, the museum relocated in 1990 to the Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve. This move allows visitors to combine a cultural experience with game viewing, where they can see indigenous antelope, small mammals, and bird species in a scenic natural setting.

Educational and Community Involvement
The museum actively engages in educational programs for schools and organizes excursions in and around Lydenburg, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s history and heritage.

A visit to the Lydenburg Museum offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a must-see destination in Mpumalanga.