Museum Africa Johannesburg
Explore South Africa's rich history and diverse cultures through impactful museums like the Apartheid Museum and Museum Africa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Museum Africa Johannesburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore South Africa's rich history and diverse cultures through impactful museums like the Apartheid Museum and Museum Africa.
"The Apartheid Museum is a profoundly moving and essential experience for understanding South Africa's past."
Allocate a Full Day for Apartheid Museum
Don't rush the Apartheid Museum; it's a profound experience that deserves ample time. :clock1:
Consider Uber for Flexibility
Uber is a convenient way to travel between sites like the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Apartheid Museum
Ormonde
A deeply moving journey through South Africa's apartheid history, showcasing its rise and fall.
Museum Africa
Newtown
Explore diverse African cultures, history, geology, and photography in a former market building.
Museum of Illusions
Rosebank Mall
Engage with quirky, mind-bending, and educational exhibits that challenge perception.
Planning Your Visit
Prioritize the Apartheid Museum
+1Getting Around Johannesburg
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate a Full Day for Apartheid Museum
Don't rush the Apartheid Museum; it's a profound experience that deserves ample time. :clock1:
Consider Uber for Flexibility
Uber is a convenient way to travel between sites like the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. :car:
Red Bus for City Sightseeing
The Joburg Red Bus offers a safe and easy way to explore the CBD. :bus:
Book Group Tours in Advance
If visiting as a group, booking tours ahead of time is recommended. :tickets:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate a Full Day for Apartheid Museum
Don't rush the Apartheid Museum; it's a profound experience that deserves ample time. :clock1:
Consider Uber for Flexibility
Uber is a convenient way to travel between sites like the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. :car:
Red Bus for City Sightseeing
The Joburg Red Bus offers a safe and easy way to explore the CBD. :bus:
Book Group Tours in Advance
If visiting as a group, booking tours ahead of time is recommended. :tickets:
Embrace the Illusions
Prepare to be amazed and have fun at the Museum of Illusions!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Apartheid Museum for its profound historical significance and impactful presentation, calling it a must-visit for understanding South Africa. Museum Africa is appreciated for its diverse cultural exhibits. Some find the Museum of Illusions fun and engaging, though it's a different experience. Transportation via Uber is generally well-regarded for convenience.
"Diverse range of exhibits and displays, with some real gems. I particularly liked the section on “Johannesburg Firsts”. Sadly a lot of places are closed, cordoned off or simply inaccessible….and the museum is generally unkept. It is consequently not unsurprising that not many people are visiting - by the time I left, only about 10 had signed the visitors book. Entrance is free and there is safe parking around the corner at Newtown Junction, so go visit! Perhaps management will also get their act together one day."
Thomas Meyer
"A place full of wisdom and history. There's so much to learn in this museum that one hour is not enough time investment. From the age of the Iron, through the development of what is now the Southern Africa region, to modern politics.
Infrastructure aspects to take into account when visiting: there's no air-conditioning, and toilets might not be available.
The best part of it is that the entrance is free.
Enjoy your visit 😊"
Emmanuel Ismman
"Great place to know about South Africa history. Apartheid, the main players, events and a lot more"
francisco kombo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Apartheid Museum is located in Ormonde. Many visitors use Uber to get there from central Johannesburg. If you're coming from Pretoria, consider a day trip that includes the museum. +1
Yes, the Joburg Red Bus is considered a safe, cheap, and easy way for tourists to see Johannesburg's CBD.
It's possible, but the Apartheid Museum can be a full-day experience on its own. Some suggest a half-day for Soweto to balance the visit. Consider a combo tour if budget allows.
Uber is a popular and reliable option for getting between various museums and attractions in Johannesburg.
While Uber is common, the Hop-on Hop-off Red Bus is a good option for sightseeing in the CBD, connecting to some areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can change, the Apartheid Museum is a paid attraction. It's highly recommended to check their official website for the most current admission fees and opening hours.
For individual visits to Museum Africa, booking in advance is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates or special exhibition requirements.
The Apartheid Museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit.
Yes, the Museum of Illusions has admission fees. Prices are typically around R190 for adults and R150 for children.
Some museums, like the SAA Museum Society, offer group rates. It's advisable to contact the specific museum you plan to visit to inquire about group bookings and potential discounts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Museum Africa showcases a broad spectrum of African cultural and historical artifacts, alongside collections on geology and photography, offering a comprehensive look at the continent's heritage.
Most visitors find that the Apartheid Museum is a profound experience that warrants a full day to fully appreciate its exhibits and historical significance.
The Museum of Illusions offers engaging and educational exhibits that are generally enjoyable for both adults and children, providing a fun and interactive experience.
The museum is designed to be stark and confrontational in parts, reflecting the harsh realities of apartheid, but also celebrates the resilience and triumphs of the human spirit.
While not explicitly detailed in all social media, guided tours can enhance the understanding of the Apartheid Museum's complex history. Inquire directly or look for tour operators.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some exhibits might be restricted, general photography is often permitted, but it's best to check for signage or ask staff to ensure you're following guidelines.
Museum Africa offers diverse exhibits, from cultural artifacts to geological displays, providing unique visual opportunities. The architecture of the former market building itself can also be photogenic.
Yes, the Museum of Illusions is designed for interactive fun, and taking photos and videos of the mind-bending exhibits is highly encouraged.
The Red Bus tour offers great views of the Johannesburg CBD, with opportunities to capture cityscapes and architectural details from the bus.
The CBD presents an eccentric mix of architectural styles and historical periods, offering a dynamic backdrop for urban photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Apartheid Museum is profoundly important, it deals with sensitive historical content. Parents may want to consider the age and maturity of their children before visiting. For younger children, Museum Africa's diverse collections might offer broader appeal with varied exhibits on culture and history.
Budget Travelers
Look out for museums with lower or no entrance fees, though the most impactful historical sites like the Apartheid Museum typically have admission costs. Checking official museum websites for current pricing and any potential free entry days is always a good strategy.
History Enthusiasts
+2 History buffs will also find Museum Africa invaluable for its extensive collections on African culture and historical artifacts. Consider exploring other historical sites like the Johannesburg Military Museum for military history or the Lindfield Victorian House Museum for a glimpse into colonial-era life, if time permits and interests align.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Profound Impact of the Apartheid Museum
+1The museum's design intentionally reflects the harshness of the era, with stark and confrontational displays. However, it also powerfully conveys the resilience, struggle, and eventual triumph of the human spirit in the fight for freedom and equality. Many visitors describe it as an essential, albeit emotionally challenging, experience that provides crucial context for modern South Africa.
Key takeaway: Allocate a full day to truly absorb the historical weight and emotional depth of the Apartheid Museum. It's more than just a museum; it's a journey through a pivotal period of history.
Exploring Johannesburg's Diverse Museums
For those interested in the lighter side of exploration, the Museum of Illusions in Rosebank Mall presents a unique and fun experience with its quirky, mind-bending, and educational exhibits. It's the 53rd such museum globally, joining a network of similar attractions in major cities worldwide.
Beyond these, Johannesburg offers specialized institutions like the SAA Museum Society at Rand Airport, focusing on aviation history, and the Johannesburg Military Museum, providing insights into the country's defense history.
Navigating Johannesburg as a Tourist
For a more structured sightseeing experience, the Joburg Red Bus (Hop-on Hop-off) is a popular choice for exploring the inner-city CBD. It's described as a safe, cheap, and easy method for tourists to see the city's diverse architecture and historical areas.
When planning your itinerary, consider that some attractions, like the Apartheid Museum, can easily fill an entire day. Combining visits to multiple sites in one day is possible but may require efficient transport and careful time management.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit