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 in South Africa. The museums in the country are a bank of information and takes to the past time and gives a glimpse of the harsh realities and struggle for Apartheid.
11 Museums in South Africa You Must Visit
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
Apartheid Museum is one of the most iconic and best museums in South Africa, because of its relation to the history of Apartheid movement in the country. The museum was inaugurated in 2001. The collectors and organizers of this museum comprise of professionals from various fields such as filmmakers, historians and designers and they have tried to convey the birth, the rise and fall of apartheid, developments in South Africa.
Location: Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Timings: 9am – 5pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 500 | Children/Students/Senior Citizens – INR 400
Website
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2. National Museum of Natural History
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: 8am to 4pm
Entry Fee: INR 200 | INR 100
Website
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3. District Six Museum
District Six was included into the geographical frontiers of Cape Town only in the mid-nineteenth century. Earlier the set up here was that of mixed community that was home to freed slaves, laborer and immigrants. One way of exploring this historical venue place is to tag along with a former resident. This is an interesting place to visit in the city and you’ll always find it on the list of museums in South Africa.
Location: 25A Albertus St & Buitenkant Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Timings: 9am – 4pm
Entry Fee: Entrance – INR 200 | Guided Tour – INR 290
Website
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4. The Franschhoek Motor Museum, Franschhoek
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.
Location: R45, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Timings: 10am- 4pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 390 | Children – INR 200
Website
5. Constitution Hill
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: 9am – 5pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 250 | Children – INR 115
Website
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6. Hector Pieterson Memorial
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
Entry Fee: INR 120
Website
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7. Origins Centre
Origins Centre is one of the best museums in South Africa. It is dedicated to showing the visitors, the history of modern humankind, especially the races of southern Africa. The collections hosted in this museum are a vast array of paleoanthropological, archaeological and genetic materials and samples recording the origins, evolution, and development of humans and the very mankind.
Location: Yale Road &, Enoch Sontonga Ave, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa.
Timings: 10am-5pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 390 | Children – INR 200
Website
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8. South African Jewish Museum
Housed in South Africa’s very first synagogue or place worship (the Old Shul) this is one of the most popular heritage museums in South Africa. It was built in the year 1863 which has now established itself as a landmark of Cape Town. The visitors get the chance to see the variant exhibits which tells the story of the South African Jews who helped in establishing and building the major urban settlements in the country.
Location: 88 Hatfield St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa.
Timings: 10am-5pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 370 | Children (below 12 years) – Free
Website
9. South African National Gallery
If you are willing to visit a South African art museum, this is where you must head to. Founded on the 3rd of November, 1933, the National Gallery houses several arts works not just restricted to South Africa, but various other African countries, and Europe as well. 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: 9am-5pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 150 | Family – INR 370
Website
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10. South African National Museum Of Military History
This is one of the most historically most significant South African museums. Started off in 1947, this museum was once called the South African War Museum. In 1975 they 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, decorations to medals, and small arms.
Location: 22 Erlswold Way, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa
Timings: 9am-4:30pm
Entry Fee: NA
Website
11. Melrose House
This majestic Victorian mansion was erected in 1886 and 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 in relevance with the two wars against Britain.
Location: 275 Jeff Masemola Street, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Timings: 10am-5pm
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 120 | Pensioners/Students – INR 60
Website
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Why not take a break from the monotony of life and travel back to the past? There are sure some hidden gems and absolutely delightful treasures of truth yet to be discovered by you here in South Africa. While planning your holiday, plan a trip to South Africa and experience a journey to the past.
Frequently Asked Questions About Museums In South Africa
Q. How wealthy is South Africa?
A. According to World Bank, South Africa is an upper-middle-income economy along with 3 other such economies in Africa including Mauritius, Gabon and Botswana.
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