The Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda has a rather interesting yet tragic history to it - . not sure if I can say it's an enjoyable experience because I felt it to be creepy but I guess it's one of the 'must-do' when in Nieu-Bethesda . There is an entrance fee of R70 when we went which includes an 8 minute video of the history of Helen Martins and her work. There are lots of sculptures depicting religious journeys, owls, mermaids. We arrived in time for an hour's tour before they closed - but for me an hour was enough.

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!

A unique, strange and Interesting ode to a creative life. Unique style and so much creative experimentation over so many years. Sad and beautiful creativity

It's an interesting place. A little overrated, to be honest, but combined with a visit to the town, makes for a good day trip or stopover. You could spend 20 minutes here or 2 hours, just remember to carry a hat. There's some informal vendors selling some cool stuff outside at pretty fair prices.

A very interesting and wacky place. Very cool sculptures and a very interesting story behind the place as well. Definitely a place with a lot of eyes on you. Very cool. Great visit if you are in the area or driving past/through.

I first visited The Owl House 2 decades ago with my parents. This time I returned with my partner and experiencing it again as an adult and somewhat of an outcast myself in many ways, was incredible. Helen Martins was an interesting person who just wanted to express herself without judgment from those around her. The home that was donated to Nieu Bethesda after Martins' death is a visual and emotional representation of what it means to dream, to create, to collaborate and to manifest the space you wish to live in and what it means to protect that from the naysayers. It is worth a visit, even if it is just for the drive into Nieu Bethesda, which is breathtaking.

This was a visit and experience I will cherish for ever. What a wonderful mix of emotions, from absolute joy to tremendous sadness of the magnificent house. Helen really created a wonderland of statutes, embracing her creativity and empowering the community with her talent. A must visit when you are in the area or just heading to Graaf Reinet.

This is the gem of the town and a must visit. The Owl House museum is truly a unique experience. Helen Martins has created a oasis of wonders within her own world.

A nice museum worth visiting. Some of the sculptures need repair. I would suggest to have a guide available that can join a small group and explain what is displayed and available to answer question.

Another special place and part of South Africa's History. If you are in Nieu-Bethesda, it's a must.

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.

Quite a nice surprise, was very interesting to see the artwork in the yard, the video at the beginning is a must. Would recommend that more information is provided to visitors by means of a staff member giving a bit of a guided tour through the property, their are many other stories to be told I am sure, which would enrich the experience even more. Entrance fee I paid was R100 pp. and I would recommend taking cash, as they only have snap-scan (app) facilities, I don’t believe they accept credit or debit cards

Wow!! what can I say. An absolute gem of a place. Well worth the detour to Cape Town. I got to meet Koos Malgas's daughter Joyce. Great travel spot for a road trip! xx

Fascinating, a bit creepy, and definitely a worthwhile place to detour. I knew about all the sculptures but what really surprised me was how the entire house was covered in glass from floor to ceiling. Buy a combined ticket tour to also see the fossils in the river bed - you will not regret it!

To step back Into history and walk in between the statues make you understand the artist.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Best place to visit in Nieu-Bethesda

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

Most interesting little town and obviously the Oil house to visit with a lot of strange and wonderful things to see and experience, definitely a good way to break a long trip towards the coast.

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.

After looking forward for so many years to see and experience the OWL HOUSE, I was a bit underwhelmed. Yes, there are statues in the garden, created by Helen Martin, but where are all the owls? - maybe I am missing something. The inside of the house was much more interesting where she played with colour and glass to create certain moods. The Owl House is a museum with history, short video, memorabilia and photos of her life and works. Entry is currently R75 pp.

Super interesting and a wonderful art museum to attend. It’s a bit sad that you exit onto the street and are met with the locals selling their memorabilia. The work they offer is amazing and we bought a few items but the community could offer some help to make them a better outlet for their work.

Interesting visit to this artists domain. Well worth the effort to take the detour to Nieu-Bethesda.

I visited Nieu-Bethesda today(29/5/22). I would not recommend a visit. It is not worth the drive deviating 25km off the N9, unless time AND the cost of fuel are not important to you. ( a ticket to the Owl House is R70/person)

Never knew Nieu Bethesda had dinosaurs fossils and so close to the Owl House. Loved the tour of the Owl house tremedously. Amazing venues and town

Definitely worth the visit. I was travelling to Graaff-Reinet and this is a 25km detour from the main road. Set in an amazing small and quiet town, The Owl House is one of the most interesting places I have been in a long time. The statue garden is eerie, but an experience you will remember for a long time. The short intro video explains the background story, and sets the scene for the walk around the venue. The drive into and out of Nieu Bethesda was a treat on its own. The landscape is beautiful and makes the detour enjoayble.