Old Palapye Museum: Preserving History in Contemporary Design

Reviving the Past, Embracing the Future

The Old Palapye Museum stands proudly within the perimeters of a historic site that was once the capital of the Bangwato tribe, led by the royal king Khama III. Built in 1891 by the London Missionary Society, the church was later abandoned when the king relocated the capital due to resource constraints. Over time, the church fell into a state of disrepair, but in 1938, the entire site was gazetted as a national monument to protect and preserve its historical significance.

Beullah Serema's design for the Old Palapye Museum aims to breathe new life into the old ruins while honoring their historical heritage. The architect worked with the existing structure, introducing a structural steel framework to rebuild the church based on old photographs. The height, form, and windows of the original church were reconstructed using modern materials, such as corten steel, which mimics the hue of the burnt brick ruins.

The museum's exterior walls are wrapped in corten steel, creating a striking contrast with the ruins. The metal roofing is patterned with traditional Tswana designs, reminiscent of the patterns used to adorn traditional walls and houses. These pattern cutouts allow natural light to filter into the interior, creating a captivating ambiance for the exhibition displays.

The museum's interior is divided into three major spaces: the central exhibition space and two historic information display spaces on either side. The exhibition spaces, flooded with light from the glass and steel roof, serve as a bridge between the old and the new. The grand entry and the steeple, enclosed by steel and glass, act as auxiliary spaces and serve as landmarks for the museum.

The construction of the Old Palapye Museum utilizes pre-fabricated steel frames that span the entire width of the foundation ruins. The building envelope consists of corten steel, which rusts over time, complementing the burnt brick ruins. Glass and steel are used for the sloping roof of the exhibition spaces, merging the old and the new and creating a seamless transition between the interior and the exterior landscape.

The Old Palapye Museum, with its unique design and integration of old and new elements, is a testament to the importance of preserving historical sites. By adopting a ruin in a historical site and merging it with contemporary design, Beullah Serema has created a space that not only tells the story of the past but also serves as a platform for new and old artworks in the region.

The Old Palapye Museum project, initiated in late 2018, is a proposal that showcases the potential of historical preservation. By finding the right approach to adopt a ruin and cleverly merging the old and the new, this museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage in Palapye, Botswana.

Beullah Serema's design for the Old Palapye Museum has received recognition for its innovative approach and creative ingenuity. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.