The Oude Leeskamer is a cultural and heritage centre situated in a historic building on the corner of Dorp and Drostdy Street in Stellenbosch. This space has served various purposes in the Stellenbosch community over the years.

Since its founding in 1815, the building has been a magistrate’s office, an annex to the Moederkerk and annex to the Theological Seminary. It has also served as a home to various local book clubs and the then Union Debating Society. More recently it has been a private residency, a guesthouse and home to an architectural firm.
Significantly, it was in this very building that the idea of schools for the town originated, which eventually led to the founding of Stellenbosch University.

In 2017 the Oude Leeskamer became the property of the Jannie Mouton Foundation. The building was remarkably restored to now host five unique spaces, namely Jannie se Leeskamer, an art gallery, a writer’s flat, De Eetkamer Restaurant, and the Jannie Mouton Foundation offices.

The Oude Leeskamer’s vision is to be a leading heritage asset with the aim of protecting historical worth. At the same time, it aims to be a living space that celebrates South Africa’s unique and diverse arts and culture.