Green light
1974
Dr Anton Rupert opens the Heidelberg Museum in the old Transvaal province. For more than 20 years, locals and tourists flock to the popular attraction.
Important visitors
1996
A number of distinguished guests visit the museum, including State President Nelson Mandela.
Changing lanes
1999
The museum is placed in the hands of British American Tobacco (BAT).
End of the road
2003
Since the museum doesn’t form part of the company’s core business, BAT decides to close its doors.
New direction
2004
Upon hearing of its closure Mr Johann Rupert, son of Dr Anton Rupert, buys the collection his father started and relocates it to L’Ormarins Estate in Franschhoek.
Open
2007
FMM officialy opens to the public on the 7th of May 2007.
Leaving a legacy
TODAY
The Heidelberg Museum doesn’t exist anymore, but Dr Rupert’s legacy lives on at Franschhoek Motor Museum, where visitors from around the globe can look back on more than 100 years of motoring history.