Standing as a testimonial to the adage ‘Diamonds are forever’, the city of Kimberley in South Africa tells heroic tales of the war of Anglo-Boer. The relatively unknown city, nestled in the luscious lap of nature, is an ideal holiday choice for the intellectual minds and connoisseurs of art and history. Kimberley museums are truly a haven for researchers. Don’t believe us? Take a trip to Kimberley and see for yourself. You will have your mind blown away, we promise.
Top 10 Kimberley Museums
Here’s a tour of 10 Kimberley museums we have shortlisted based on parameters such as location, among other things. Make sure to visit them early in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowd:
1. The Kimberley Mine Museum
Visit the very reflection of man’s wants at Kimberley’s famous Mine Museum. The first found diamond in the Southern part of Africa lays here. One can go about striding through the Old Town or witness the diamond mining operations. Treading through the rich, diamond gravel, you can get a peek into the diamond vault, effused with a bloody past of raids and robberies.
Address: 16 W Circular Rd, Kimberley
Timings: 8 AM – 5 AM
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2. Kimberley Africana Library
Kimberley Africana Library is a haven for researchers. It holds a collection of manuscripts, books, photographs, maps, and a plethora of documentary material focusing on the Diamond fields of Kimberley. These fields lie in in the Northern Cape region. A major highlight of this mine of knowledge are the indigenous African collections and specimens of printing dating back to 1475, making the place a must-visit for both literary and historical acumen.
Address: 65 Du Toitspan Rd, Kimberley, 8301, South Africa
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Sol Plaatje Museum
Sol Plaatje is a legendary writer, journalist and activist who is famous for penning the first novel by a black South African. His place of residence has been recently turned into a museum. The small two-room residence is a must visit to get a taste of the literary works of the troubled 20th century. Make sure to visit the museum early in the morning to avoid the occasional afternoon crowd.
Address: 32 Angel St, New Park, Kimberley, 8301, South Africa
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
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4. Duggan-Cronin Gallery
The quaint city of Kimberley indeed houses something for everyone! The Duggan-Cronin Gallery boasts of some 8000 extraordinary photographs depicting the indigenous life of South Africa, taken by Alfred Duggan who was an Irish manager of the mine. An outstanding photographer, Alfred’s work still inspires photographers from around the world. Here, you can vividly picture the traditional hairstyle, clothing and face markings of the ancient South Africans and soak yourself in the untold past!
Address: 17 Egerton Rd, Belgravia, Kimberley, 8301
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Memorial To The Pioneers Of Aviation
Apart from the aforementioned facts, Kimberley was also a cradle to the science of flying. The Memorial To The Pioneers Of Aviation is situated on South Africa’s site of the first flying school. It was established in the year 1913. It features a replica of the hangar, a second-hand copy of a biplane used in vigorous flight training, and the photographs of the days of the aviation institute. This flying school is known to have laid the foundation of South Africa’s Air Force.
Address: Generaal Van Der Spuy Drive, Kimberley
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
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6. Magersfontein Battlefield
Magersfontein Battlefield stands as a stark reminder of the war of Anglo-Boer. This field museum displays memoirs of the war equipment, uniforms, documents written, weapons, and photographs pertaining to the horrible battle. The beautiful trenches in the forefront are overlooked by the Highland Brigade Memorial standing on a peak. Make sure to visit the museum before 12 noon to avoid crowd.
Address: Modderfontein Road, Kimberley
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
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7. The Transport Museum
The Transport Museum houses fine paraphernalia from the initial days of steam engine. The Kimberley railway station, being the prime location of the terminus vis-a-vis the route between Transvaal and Cape Town, still retains the cast iron and original stone architecture. The museum is a documentary of the development relating to the rail transportation infrastructure of the area.
Address: Platform 1 Station, Florence Road, Kimberley
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
8. Wonderwerk Cave And Site Museum
Situated in the natural scenic beauty of the eastern side of the Kuruman Hills of Kimberley, this museum mainly comprises of dolomite aka ancient limestone. The museum is built into a cavity which was dug millions of years ago into the limestone using groundwater and later, blasted open on the other end by a hillside erosion. This naturally crafted monument is perfect for a lesson in history for young tots.
Address: Situated between Danielskuil and Kuruman
Timings: 8:30 AM – 1 PM
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9. Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Center
The art at Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Center exists in two separate forms – paintings and engravings. They offer an insight into the rock-art of the region. If one is more inclined towards studying the art of the indigenous and getting a more wholesome cultural experience, one may visit this site which is located on the outskirts of Kimberley. This heritage site has over 400 recorded engravings done by bushmen and local tribes. There are tours held for groups on a regular basis, and one can understand the conflicts emerging in the region due to ownership issues between tribes as well as understand the socio-economic representation of the tribes through art that is displayed in the Center.
Address: Wildebeest Kuil
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
10. The McGregor Museum
Affectionately known as “The McGregor”, the most famous museum in South Africa is the Mcgregor Museum. This museum is a treat for the senses as it an institute where one may observe the research being done in multiple socio-cultural fields. It also includes a famous sanatorium. Meticulously categorized according to various disciplines, one may take a glance at the regular exhibits and other special events that are held within the museum. It is open from 9 to 5 on Monday to Saturday, and one may buy a ticket at the museum itself.
Address: 5 Egerton Rd, Belgravia, Kimberley, 830
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
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Kimberley has a rich history through which one may not only study the city, but also it’s people. Kimberley museums and galleries are only a fraction of the representation of the diversity and heritage of South Africa, and the real experiences lie within the locals. Book your ticket to South Africa and stop by at Kimberley to take a walk through history.
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