The outer building of the Fort Beaufort Museum has been destroyed by fire.
Eastern Cape Sports Recreation Arts and Culture Spokesperson Andile Nduna says fortunately no one was injured during Wednesday's incident.
He says the cause of the fire is still under investigation but that the building appears to have been burgled.
The museum, which is funded by the Department, is one of the oldest buildings in Fort Beaufort which was established in the early 1800s.
Nduna says the comprehensive collection of both military and domestic artefacts, reflecting lifestyles dating as far back as the 1820s, were fortunately not affected.
However, some furniture was burnt and metal parts of the building were stripped off by the unknown suspects.
Police are investigating a case of burglary and also confirmed that they found signs of forced entry.
