Museums in and near Johannesburg

The apartheid museum in Johannesburg.

The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20 th century South Africa , at the heart of which is the apartheid story. ... more

With such a turbulent and fascinating history and varied natural environment, museums in South Africa should be an essential part of any visit. They are the best places to experience the vibrant culture and gain a basic understanding of the events that have shaped this country.

Johannesburg is home to the Apartheid museum, which educates the public about the history of the apartheid regime, the struggle to overcome it and the reconciliation process in the aftermath. It is a must for anyone interested in understanding the political and cultural dynamics of South Africa. Johannesburg has several museums, including exhibitions about natural history, a tribute to Nelson Mandela and the South African National Museum of Military History.

Off the coast of Cape Town is arguably one of the most famous symbols of the struggle against apartheid – Robben Island. A former maximum security prison, it gained global notoriety as the location where the leaders of apartheid sent political prisoners who opposed the brutal regime. Its most famous resident was Nelson Mandela and his cell is open for viewing. The entire island has become a museum, and tours are conducted by former political prisoners.

Other museums in Cape Town include the District Six Museum, highlighting the forced removals of citizens by the apartheid government to the Cape Flats, a Jewish museum, and the South African Museum and Planetarium.

For those interested in military history, the Anglo-Boer War museum in Bloemfontein gives a fascinating look into the struggle between the Boers and the English over control of South Africa from 1899 to 1902. Included are displays about the concentration camps set up by the British for Boer prisoners of war.