Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Apartheid Museum takes visitors through the history of racial segregation in the country and the struggle for democracy. The museum was founded in 2001 and ever since the exhibits delve into the history of the Reconciliation Commission, how apartheid, the system that segregated South Africans, and the strength of the individuals who stood up to it have come to be. Using photographs, actual objects, narratives and various media, the visitors come across the bitter realities of the apartheid days and the glory of the liberation struggle of South Africa.
Location Of The Apartheid Museum
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Apartheid Museum is situated in the city of Johannesburg in South Africa, close to the Gold Reef City amusement park system, approximately 8 kilometres away from the city centre. It is located on Northern Parkway in the suburb of Ormonde and is approachable by both road and rail. The museum is located a stone’s throw away from Soweto, the township that played a key role in the history of oppression and segregation in South Africa.
How To Reach The Apartheid Museum
Photo: Margerretta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, is accessible by road, rail, and air, providing easy access for all visitors
By Road: Situated in the Southern hemisphere of South Africa’s city of Johannesburg, history buffs will find Ormonde at Northern Parkway next to Gold Reef City, the museum in Johannesburg. One can drive or take a taxi to the museum, and parking space on site is quite sufficient. Other forms of transport include local buses and taxis.
By Train: The most convenient train terminal for travellers heading to the museum is the Johannesburg Park Station which is situated far 8 kilometres from the museum. Visitors who are coming from the station can hire a taxi or get on a local bus to the museum premises.
By Air: Travelling to the southern part of the country, the nearest ideal airport is the very busy international airport called O.R.Tambo airport which is 35 kilometres away from the museum. Also, Terminal A provides easy and convenient access to the museum via taxi and shuttle services directly from the airport to both tourists and local residents.
Places To Visit Near Apartheid Museum
Near the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, visitors can explore a range of cultural and historical sites that add depth to their visit.
1. Gold Reef City
Photo: Ashleyflashley / Wikimedia Commons
Johannesburg’s Gold Reef City, adjacent to the Apartheid Museum, is a theme park and casino built on the site of the gold mine that existed during the past gold rush of the 1880s. Activities include an underground mine tour designed to simulate the experiences of yesteryear in the mines and exhibits about the history of mining in Johannesburg. The park comprises a combination of thrilling rides, historical displays and live performances plus it possesses a casino, hotel, and various eating places.
Location: Gold Reef City Theme Park & Casino, Northern Parkway & Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg
Distance From The Museum: About 300 metres
2. Hector Pieterson Museum
Photo: Babak Fakhamzadeh / Wikimedia Commons
The Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto, Johannesburg, is a monument to the 1976 Soweto uprising, which was tantamount to the catalyst in the anti-apartheid war. The museum also relates to the memories of Hector Pieterson, a 12-year-old boy who shot into the spotlight when the police gunned him down during a protest by students who were against the government’s language policy. The museum has collections that consist of pictures taken together with some oral narratives, as well as archives, providing information regarding the phenomena and its relevance to the resource mobilisation towards the liberation of South Africa.
Location: Hector Pieterson Museum, 8287 Khumalo Street, Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa
Distance From The Museum: About 12 kilometres
3. The Origins Centre
Photo: Gereon K / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Origins Centre can be found at the University of the Witwatersrand and is a visitable space which aims to encompass the entire history of mankind and the specific perspective of mankind’s development within Southern Africa. Displays include ancient cave paintings, geological specimens, and other historical artefacts depicting the evolution of modern man. It also includes the history of the interaction of early men with their environment and the development of different societies as well as languages.
Location: University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Distance From The Museum: About 6 kilometres
4. Johannesburg Art Gallery
Photo: Nono314 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) is situated in Joubert Park and is considered one of the oldest public art collections in South Africa. The gallery which dates back to 1910 boasts a collection of more than 9000 pieces of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. This gallery presents South Africa as well as African and international art collections which include renowned South African artists such as Gerard Sekoto and Irma Stern among others. The gallery also caters for European art that ranges from the Renaissance style to present-day works.
Location: Joubert Park, 11 Kotze Street, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Distance From The Museum: About 6 kilometres
5. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Photo: George Thomas Stevenson / Wikimedia Commons
The Botanical Gardens of Johannesburg Emmarentia also known as the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are close to 200 acres of land and consist of seven different areas including a large rose garden, a Shakespearean Garden that contains herbs from his groomed works, and indigenous vegetation. Next to it, Emmarentia Dam serves its purpose as a facility where activities such as canoeing and fishing are done. Some gardens are open every day with walking trails, places for bird watching, and places for picnicking too.
Location: Emmarentia, 32 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa
Distance From The Museum: About 10 kilometres
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The region surrounding the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg has several accommodation choices for tourists. There are various hotels and lodges in the immediate vicinity, including the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel, the Southern Sun Gold Reef City Hotel, etc. For those who wish to save some money, guest houses and lodges in Ormonde and its suburbs that offer basic services are available. Also, in neighbourhoods like Maboneng and Braamfontein, there are elegant and chic boutique hotels and B&Bs that are quite comfortable as well as offer the local experience.
Where To Eat
Photo: Valereee / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The area surrounding the Apartheid Museum has several eating places that offer a wide array of cuisines, both local and foreign. The Gold Reef City complex within the precinct has a number of casual and fine dining restaurants with African and international cuisine. Some of the favourites are Back o’ the Moon and Billy G Buffet, both serving a variety of dishes from all over the world.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: South African Tourism / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal months for sightseeing at the Apartheid Museum are March to May and September to November because the weather in Johannesburg is mild and, therefore, conducive for activities and tours. Visitors can come to the museum any time of the year; however outdoor activities are best suited for other periods of the year other than the rainy season of December and January in Johannesburg.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travelers: To make the most of your visit to the Apartheid Museum, consider the following tips:
- Allocate at least two to three hours to fully explore the exhibits and multimedia displays.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum involves a fair amount of walking.
- Photography is not allowed inside some exhibition areas.
- Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and have a quieter experience.
- Use the audio guide or join a guided tour for deeper insights into the exhibits and South Africa’s history.
The Apartheid Museum provides one with a thorough and informative insight into the historical events that took place in South Africa paying special venue to the struggles and achievements of the anti-apartheid campaign. One such interaction is however reminiscing about the dark past of history while at the same time looking forward to the bright future where social justice is already a work in progress. As you plan your next trip to South Africa, let TripXL take care of your bookings and offer you some of the best deals.
Cover Photo: Katangais / Wikimedia Commons
