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Top Museums in Johannesburg - Explore SA’s cultural tapestry

Top Museums in Johannesburg – Explore SA’s cultural tapestry

| Last Updated: March 2024

Johannesburg has a rich cultural heritage, and its museums reflect this diversity. With exhibits ranging from historical treasures to contemporary art and insights into apartheid, the city offers a variety of museums to explore.

If you’re eager to explore South Africa’s rich history, here’s a list of museums to check out in Johannesburg.

1. Apartheid Museum

Address: Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 309 4700

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price: 

  • R85

The Apartheid Museum is dedicated to documenting South Africa’s harsh apartheid history. Its exhibits vividly portray the chronological evolution of apartheid, spanning from its inception to its eventual abolishment.

Here, visitors can delve into the different phases of apartheid, gaining insights into events and struggles that characterized the era. Among the collection of artifacts, you’ll find images of the exiled journalist Ernest Cole and a big sculpture of Nelson Mandella.

Pro tip:
Explore the Robben Island exhibit to learn about the tough conditions faced by political prisoners like Nelson Mandela. The exhibit is packed with personal artifacts like letters that show the strength of those who fought against apartheid.

2. The Workers’ Museum

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Address: Rahima Moosa St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa

Contact: ​​​​​​+27 83 417 0555

Operating hours: 

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price: 

  • Free

The Worker’s Museum provides a comprehensive historical insight into South Africa’s migrant workforce, including its unionization. Despite its small size, the museum offers a wealth of artifacts like photographs and testimonies of those who once lived here.

Visitors can explore original dormitories, concrete bunks, and punishment rooms inside this old migrant labor compound. These facilities showcase the hardships and inhumane treatment experienced by migrant workers under the migrant labor system.

Pro tip:
While touring the Workers’ Museum, you may encounter the shower room where numerous immigrant workers were crowded.

3. Museum Africa

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Address: 121 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2033, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 833 5624

Operating hours: 

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price: 

  • Free

Established in 1933, Museum Africa is home to an array of artifacts, literary works, and materials that present the continent’s rich and colorful identity.

You’ll find diverse exhibits on Johannesburg’s history, like “Gandhi’s Johannesburg,” which focuses on places associated with Gandhi during his time in the city. It’s also home to numerous geological artifacts from the time Johannesburg was a mining town.

Pro tip:
Check out the “Voices of Apartheid” exhibit, which focuses on the apartheid era. It contains multimedia presentations and artifacts highlighting individuals who lived through and resisted apartheid.

4. Bensusan Museum of Photography

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Address: Bensusan Museum of Photography, 121 Bree Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Contact: +27 (0)11 833-5624

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price: 

  • Prices on request

The Bensusan Museum of Photography houses a valuable collection of precision-made photographic equipment. Specializing in preserving the work of South African photographers, it also educates visitors on the country’s photographic history.

The collection includes rare crafted photographic equipment. You can find images created using various tools, ranging from early wet-plate prints and experiments in 3D, like stereoscopic views and holograms, to digital images.

Pro tip:
One of the noteworthy cameras displayed here is the Daguerre camera, which was acquired by Daguerre’s English rival, W.H. Fox Talbot, in 1839. This was the same year the invention of photography was announced to the world.

5. Lindfield Victorian House Museum

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Address: 72 Richmond Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 726 2932

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price: 

  • R100

The Lindfield Victorian House Museum, dating back to the early 1900s, showcases charming Victorian architecture. Upon entering this house museum, visitors are greeted by impeccably preserved halls and Victorian-era furniture.

The museum features meticulously restored rooms that portray a Victorian family’s daily life and provide a glimpse into the lives of Lindfield’s past residents. The children’s nursery is a well-preserved room featuring an exceptional Victorian-era dollhouse.

Pro tip:
Stop by the house’s kitchen, where you’ll discover a collection of exquisite kitchenware and tableware, all adorned with Victorian-era-style flower motifs.

6. South African National Museum of Military History

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Address: 22 Erlswold Way, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 646 5513

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Price:

  • R45

The South African National Museum of Military History is a good destination to learn all about war, military history, and military artifacts in South Africa. More importantly, it pays tribute and remembers those who dedicated their lives to the country’s defense.

This place houses a diverse collection of memorabilia, including uniforms, medals, and weapons like the Type 56/1 and R1 light automatic rifles. The outdoor exhibit features artillery, tanks, and aircraft like the famous ​​Hawker Hurricane and Spitfire F VIII.

Pro tip:
At the open-air outdoor exhibit, you can find the popular Mirage III aircraft utilized by the South African Air Force. The museum features both the fighter and reconnaissance variants of this iconic aircraft.

7. Absa Money Museum

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Address: 15 Troye Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Contact details: +27 (0)11 350-4167

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Price:

  • Free

The ABSA Money Museum preserves the rich heritage of currency and banking practices in South Africa.

Museum exhibits display artifacts and relics that reveal the impact of social, political, and economic changes on currency. From traditional piggy banks to Roman coins and global banknotes, the exhibits illustrate the evolution of money and banking practices.

Pro tip:
If you’re interested in old currencies, you’ll be pleased to know the museum’s main exhibit showcases cowrie shells, a popular currency in the pre-colonial Philippines, as well as Venetian glass beads and gold coins recovered from sunken ships.

8. Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

Address: 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 381 3100

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price:

  •  R120

Constitution Hill, once a crucial prison complex, has transformed into a significant historic site, now called the Consitution Hill Human Rights Precinct. Today, it stands as a space for exploring history, identity, culture, and politics.

It’s home to a museum that provides insights into the history of the prison and its role in the apartheid era as well as the struggle for human rights in South Africa. Also, the museum has artworks that echo themes of freedom, justice, and human rights.

Pro tip:
One notable site is Number Four, a section of the prison block where black male political prisoners endured harsh conditions during apartheid, offering a firsthand look into the inhumane circumstances of that time.

9. Gold Reef City Mine

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Address: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Johannesburg, 2159, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 248 5000

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price:

  • R190

Besides being a fun theme park, Gold Reef City Mine is home to one of Johannesburg’s low-key museums. The park’s museum features exhibits with artifacts and memorabilia from the gold rush era, shedding light on the daily challenges faced by miners.

Visitors can take guided tours of the old Crown Mines to learn about gold mining methods from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tour guides offer fun and engaging insights into the city’s mining history that go beyond what is found in the exhibits.

Pro tip:
For those sensitive to loud noises, we recommend bringing earplugs. Use them during the drill demonstration.

10. Hector Pieterson Museum

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Address: 8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 536 0611

Operating hours: 

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price:

  • R10 – R50

The Hector Pieterson Museum memorializes 13-year-old Hector Pieterson and the youths lost in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. The exhibits meticulously cover the events leading to the uprising, the day it occurred, and its aftermath.

Visitors can find various exhibits presenting memorabilia and narratives depicting the harsh realities of apartheid. One exhibit features a collection of photographs, including a famous one showing Hector Pieterson being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo.

Pro tip:
Visit Hector Pieterson’s memorial on the museum grounds, which serves as a central point for reflection and paying respects in the museum.

11. Wits Art Museum

Address: Wits Art Museum Cnr Jorissen and, Bertha St, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 717 1365

Operating hours: 

  • Monday & Sunday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Price:

  • R90

The Wits Art Museum features a diverse collection of African and South African art spanning various periods and styles. The museum often displays artworks that explore social, political, and cultural themes relevant to the continent. 

Additionally, the museum hosts fun workshops and programs to promote the appreciation and understanding of art.

Pro tip:
Explore the “Threading Through the Collections,” an exhibit featuring diverse South African textiles—from raffia fiber to beaten-bark cloth, strip-woven to cut-pile cloth, tapestries, and mud-dye fabrics.

12. Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre

Address: 1 Duncombe Rd, Forest Town, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 640 3100

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Price:

  • Free

The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre focuses on the brutality, social dimensions, and history of the Holocaust around the world, commemorating the millions who perished and aiming to educate the public about its somber history.

The centre showcases historical documents, photographs, and the distressed clothes and jewelry of those who suffered during the Holocaust. You’ll also find quotes and letters like “Farewell to Summer” and “The Picture” written by prisoners in Auschwitz.

Pro tip:
Drop by Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop after you explore the exhibits.

They offer a variety of history-themed souvenirs, and their coffee menu is diverse. We recommend trying the espresso!

13. Wits University Origins Centre

Address: Yale Road &, 1 Enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa

Contact details: +27 11 717 4700

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Price:

  • R90

The Wits University Origins Centre is a museum at the University of the Witwatersrand that’s dedicated to exploring the origins of humankind. Here, exhibits and collections primarily focus on the archaeological and cultural history of the nation. 

The museum displays archaeological artifacts like stone tools, rocks, and fossils, offering insights into South Africa’s early inhabitants. Rock art exhibits feature painted rocks, providing a glimpse into the cultural beliefs of the region’s ancient residents.

Pro tip:
Visit the Stone Tools Display, which features crudely crafted handaxes, blades, scrapers, and other tools made by our ancestors. This exhibit provides a glimpse into the early technologies and tool-making practices of ancient civilizations!

14. Maropeng Visitor Centre 

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Address: R400, 1911, South Africa

Contact: +27 14 577 9000

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Price:

  • R125

Situated within the Cradle of Humankind, the Maropeng Visitor Centre is a museum that delves into the study of science and the history of human evolution. The museum is home to a large collection of fossils from past excavations in the Cradle of Humankind. 

Must-see fossils at this museum include “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot,” human fossils dating back around 2 and 3 million years, respectively. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves, a site where many of the exhibit’s fossils were found.

Pro tip:
If you have the opportunity, consider experiencing the underground boat ride—an engaging multimedia presentation that blends sound, light, and visual effects to recount the tale of Earth’s formation and the evolution of humanity.

15. James Hall Museum of Transport

Address: Klipriviersberg 106-Ir, Johannesburg South, 2197, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 435 9485

Operating hours: 

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Price:

  • Free

The James Hall Museum of Transport presents the progression of transportation in South Africa, providing visitors with a thorough exploration through diverse vehicle and artifact collections.

Within the museum, you’ll find an impressive assortment of trolleys, including double-decker models from the mid-20th century. Additionally, there is a dedicated exhibit highlighting animal-drawn vehicles, featuring a 19th-century carriage.

Pro tip:
The museum provides guided tours that offer insights into the techniques utilized in gold mining during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Make sure to give the museum a call to book a tour in advance. 

16. The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory

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Address: 107 Central St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198

Contact: +27115475600

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Price:

  • Free

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory preserves Nelson Mandela’s legacy and shares his message with modern South Africans. It houses an archive with everything about Mandela, including documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials.

You’ll be able to explore personal artifacts defining Nelson Mandela’s struggles and life, including prison letters, personal photographs, and his Nobel Peace Prize.

Pro tip:
At the main exhibit, visitors can also tour Mandela’s office where he worked from 2002 to 2010.

17. Mandela House Museum Johannesburg

Address: 8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, Johannesburg, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 936 7754

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Price:

  • R60

Speaking of Mandela, you can learn more about him at the Mandela House Museum, his former home from 1946 to 1962. The museum displays memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts associated with Mandela’s life and the anti-apartheid movement.

The museum authentically preserves the atmosphere of Mandela’s residence, providing a genuine sense of the era. As you explore, you’ll come across notable spaces like Mandela’s former bedroom and the kitchen, where political discussions often occurred.

Pro tip:
Be cautious of street vendors and performers in the area around the museum. They may approach tourists for money and can be persistent in trying to sell their services or food.

18. Sci Bono Discovery Centre Johannesburg

Address: Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph (formerly Newtown |, Helen Joseph St, Johannesburg, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 639 8400

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Price:

  • R60

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg is dedicated to making science, technology, engineering, and mathematics an enjoyable experience. It excels as a children’s museum, with vibrant exhibits designed to entertain young kids.

Children can interact with various exhibits, such as the H2O Today water exhibit and the mirror maze. For space enthusiasts, the planetarium offers immersive shows on astronomy and space exploration.

Pro tip:
Try the VR exhibits that blend multimedia, quizzes, and provide insights into protecting forest life, ensuring clean water, understanding fossil fuel impact, and promoting sustainable food systems.

19. Satyagraha House

Address: 15 Pine Rd & Garden Road, Orchard, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 485 5928

Price:

  • R170

Satyagraha House, once Mahatma Gandhi’s residence from 1908–1909, is a historical museum featuring exhibits and memorabilia highlighting Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa, particularly those shared with Kallenbach.

The displayed journals, photos, and letters around the museum trace Gandhi’s journey in South Africa. 

There are also large murals with messages, including “My life is my message,” capturing Gandhi’s response to the question about the message he could offer to the world.

Pro tip:
After exploring all the exhibits, take a moment to reflect and unwind in the tranquil garden enveloping Satyagraha House. Admire the beauty of the surroundings, including large magnolia flowers that add to the serenity of the space.

20. Fietas Museum

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Address: 25 14th St, Vrededorp, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa

Contact: +27 72 193 3580

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Price:

  • R60

The Fietas Museum celebrates the rich history of the vibrant Indian community in Fietas, which was established in 1894. The museum delves into key events surrounding the community’s history and highlights the impacts of apartheid on the township.

The town’s history is narrated through images donated by photographers David Goldblatt and Paul Weinberg. Collections capture the town’s evolution before, during, and after destruction.

Pro tip:
You have the option to schedule walking tours of the area with prior arrangements through a phone call. You can also combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Sophiatown Heritage and Cultural Centre.

21. Wits Adler Museum

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Address: York Rd &, Carse O’Gowrie Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa

Contact: +27 11 717 2081

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Closed

Price:

  • R90

The Wits Adler Museum is renowned for its extensive and comprehensive collection of medical artifacts and exhibits. This museum is dedicated to preserving the historical evolution of medical science, healthcare, and its impact on society.

The exhibits showcase medical instruments like old scalpels dating back hundreds of years and 19th-century dental pliers and probes.

Pro tip:
Don’t miss the giant iron lung machine at the museum’s “On Breathing” exhibit. The iron lung is a notable device used in early medicine to combat the polio disease. 
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