11 Museums In South Africa You Must Visit In 2025
South Africa is a land of wildlife safaris and adventurous escapes, which makes this country the paradise land for the adventurous souls. Being abundant in ecodiversity, this place is also blessed with a diverse culture which is reflected by the museums having ancient sculptures. The museums in South Africa are a bank of information and takes to the past time and gives a glimpse of the harsh realities and struggle for Apartheid.
List Of Museums In South Africa (Updated 2025)
Here we have brought you a list of some amazing museums across South Africa. Surely, you will enjoy the historical insight they’ll provide.
1. Apartheid Museum
Image Credit: NJR ZA for Wikimedia Commons
Apartheid Museum is one of the most iconic and best museums in South Africa because of its relation to the history of the Apartheid movement in the country, innagurated in 2001. The collectors and organizers of the Apartheid museum comprise professionals from various fields, such as filmmakers, historians, and designers, and they have tried to convey the birth, rise, and fall of apartheid and developments in South Africa. It is the pre-eminent museum and provides the feel of 20th century South Africa.
- Location: Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
- Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 500 | Children/Students/Senior Citizens – INR 400
Also Read: Museums In Pretoria
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2. National Museum Of Natural History
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Earlier known as the Transvaal Museum, this natural history excruciate and preserves South Africa’s natural heritage. Started in 1972, this place showcases hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, skins and mounted specimens of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, mammals and more. The amazing larger-than-life sized installations make it an interesting and one of the famous museums in South Africa.
- Location: 432 Paul Kruger St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
- Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 200 | INR 100
3. District Six Museum
Image Credit: Mike Peel for Wikimedia Commons
District Six was included in the geographical frontiers of Cape Town only in the mid-nineteenth century. Earlier, it was a mixed community home to freed slaves, laborers, and immigrants. One way of exploring this historical venue is to tag along with a former resident. This is an interesting place to visit in the city, as you’ll learn about the ancient history of South Africa.
- Location: 25A Albertus St & Buitenkant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
- Timings: 9 am – 4 pm
- Entry Fee: Entrance – INR 200 | Guided Tour – INR 290
Related Post: Cape Town Museums
4. The Franschhoek Motor Museum, Franschhoek
Image Credit: Naeem Mayet for Wikimedia Commons
If you are an automobile geek, then here’s a vintage motor and car museum in South Africa. The Franschhoek Motor Museum is a must-go place to explore the history of motor vehicles and motorcycles. The museum has a collection that exceeds 220 models. The place also showcases vintages, starting from an 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a Ferrari Enzo supercar 2003 model, making it one of the top Stellenbosch Museums of South Africa.
- Location: R45, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
- Timings: 10 am- 4 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 390 | Children – INR 200
5. Constitution Hill
Image Credit: The Heritage Portal for Wikimedia Commons
South Africa’s journey to democracy is depicted here, at the Constitution Hill. Once this place was a prison and military fort, and now hosts the country’s Constitutional Court, the place which promises to endow the rights of all citizens to them. Tour guides escort visitors and show around the Old Fort, the Women’s Jail and Number Four (built to house black prisoners), and finally the courthouse.
- Location: 11 Kotze St, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
- Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 250 | Children – INR 115
Related Post: Things To Do In Johannesburg
6. Hector Pieterson Memorial
Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons
Settled at Orlando West, Soweto, this museum reflects the tedious efforts of the students who fought against apartheid and specially the school children who put up a protest in Soweto on June 16, 1976. They were shouting out their voices and opinions against the second-rate education given in black South African schools. This place is named after one of the 13-year-olds who lost their lives that day.
- Location: 8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday
- Entry Fee: INR 120
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7. Origins Centre
Image Credit: Heather Elke for Wikimedia Commons
Origins Centre is one of the best museums in South Africa dedicated to showing visitors the history of modern humankind, especially the races of southern Africa. The collections hosted in this museum include a vast array of paleoanthropological, archaeological, and genetic materials and samples recording the origins, evolution, and development of humans and mankind.
- Location: Yale Road &, Enoch Sontonga Ave, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa.
- Timings: 10 am-5 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 390 | Children – INR 200
Related Post: Places To Visit In Johannesburg
8. South African Jewish Museum
Image Credit: Jnanaranjan Sahu For Wikimedia Commons
Housed in South Africa’s very first synagogue or place of worship (the Old Shul), this is one of the most popular heritage museums in the country. It was built in 1863 and has now established itself as a landmark of Cape Town. Visitors get the chance to see the variant exhibits that tell the story of the South African Jews who helped establish and build the major urban settlements in the country.
- Location: 88 Hatfield St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
- Timings: 10 am-5 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 370 | Children (below 12 years) – Free
9. South African National Gallery
Image Credit: Phillipp N for Wikimedia Commons
If you are willing to visit a South African art museum, this is where you must head. Founded on November 3, 1933, the National Gallery houses works of art not just restricted to South Africa but also various other African countries and Europe. Items are regularly rotated from their permanent collection, giving visitors wider and vivid access to varied exhibitions of works.
- Location: Government Ave, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
- Timings: 9 am-5 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 150 | Family – INR 370
Related Post: Soweto Museums
10. South African National Museum Of Military History
Image Credit: Ossewa for Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the most historically significant South African museums. It started in 1947 and was once called the South African War Museum. In 1975, it decided to include the history of all conflicts the country has taken part in, basically involving all war details. This spectacular collection includes every little detail, ranging from military hardware and decorations to medals and small arms.
- Location: 22 Erlswold Way, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa
- Timings: 9 am-4:30 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
11. Melrose House Museum
Image Credit: Georgio for Wikipedia
This majestic Victorian mansion, erected in 1886, played a pivotal role during the Anglo-Boer Wars. The Peace Treaty of Vereeniging, ending the Second Boer War, was signed in this mansion. Today, the museum exhibits the transition from Victorian to Edwardian architecture and décor and houses an array of articles relevant to the two wars against Britain.
- Location: 275 Jeff Masemola Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
- Timings: 10 am-5 pm
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 120 | Pensioners/Students – INR 60
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit In Pretoria
Why not take a break from the monotony of life and travel back to the past? There are some hidden gems and absolutely delightful treasures of truth that you have yet to discover here in these top museums South Africa. While planning your holiday, trip to South Africa don’t forget to experience a journey to the past.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Museums In South Africa
What is the name of the famous museum in South Africa?
The Iziko South African Museum which was founded in 1825 is the famous museum in South Africa. Ranging from fossils to ancient insects and historical tools, there are vast historical collection in the museum.
How many museums are in South Africa?
There are more than 300 museums in South Africa that showcases the nation's history and vibrant heritage.
What is the oldest museum in South Africa?
The Iziko South African Museum is the oldest national museum in South Africa located in Cape Town. This is the present site in the Company's Garden since 1897.
What is the biggest museum in Africa?
Giza's Grand Egyptian Museum is the biggest museum in Africa which has spread in over 81,000 square meter.
What are the best month to visit museums in South Africa?
The best months to visit museums in South Africa are generally March, April, May (Autumn) and September, October, November (Spring). These seasons offer the pleasant weather which is suitable for visiting outdoor attractions,
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