Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg (must see)
The Apartheid Museum has been in Johannesburg since 2001. This museum is the first of its kind, detailing the practice of apartheid and its impact on South African life during the 20th century. The building occupies a site of seven hectares and came into being with a financial contribution from Gold Reef City Casino.
One of the highlights of the is a permanent exhibition that tells the story of life under apartheid and the country's journey to racial equality. Some of the highlights include the Pillars of the Constitution that greet visitors, photos and documents detailing how South Africa classified racial groups, and artwork demonstrating the different stages of the country's journey. A room dedicated to the country's constitution has the core values displayed on the walls.
The museum has a section dedicated to activist and South African President Nelson Mandela. This exhibition tells his story through photos and artifacts. Temporary exhibits have included collections dedicated to women, Stephen Biko, and the LGBTQ community.
Why You Should Visit:
To follow an insightful timeline of South Africa's history and Nelson Mandela's journey from birth to death. The guide also has a comprehensive and extensive chronological map to help you see pre- and post-Apartheid history.
Tip:
Make sure you have enough time to watch the Truth and Reconciliation video towards the end – very powerful.
Guided tours are only offered to 15 people or more and there are no guided tours available on Mondays.
One of the highlights of the is a permanent exhibition that tells the story of life under apartheid and the country's journey to racial equality. Some of the highlights include the Pillars of the Constitution that greet visitors, photos and documents detailing how South Africa classified racial groups, and artwork demonstrating the different stages of the country's journey. A room dedicated to the country's constitution has the core values displayed on the walls.
The museum has a section dedicated to activist and South African President Nelson Mandela. This exhibition tells his story through photos and artifacts. Temporary exhibits have included collections dedicated to women, Stephen Biko, and the LGBTQ community.
Why You Should Visit:
To follow an insightful timeline of South Africa's history and Nelson Mandela's journey from birth to death. The guide also has a comprehensive and extensive chronological map to help you see pre- and post-Apartheid history.
Tip:
Make sure you have enough time to watch the Truth and Reconciliation video towards the end – very powerful.
Guided tours are only offered to 15 people or more and there are no guided tours available on Mondays.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Johannesburg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Apartheid Museum on Map
Sight Name: Apartheid Museum
Sight Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (See walking tours in Johannesburg)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (See walking tours in Johannesburg)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Johannesburg, South Africa
Create Your Own Walk in Johannesburg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Johannesburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Johannesburg Introduction Walking Tour
Johannesburg, or Joburg, or "City of Gold", as it is often informally called, is South Africa's largest city. The area's original inhabitants included hunter-gatherers from the San tribes and the Ndebele, a tribe associated with the Zulu. A gold rush in 1884 lead to Johannesburg's founding in 1886. Within a decade, the population had grown to 100,000 inhabitants.
Much... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Much... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Since founded in 1886, following the discovery of gold on what used to be farmland, Johannesburg has evolved into an economic powerhouse of Africa. While most of the city's early buildings adopted architectural styles from its colonial parent, the British Empire, some of them also emulated the prowess of New York City. Let's take a closer look at some of these construction marvels.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely South African Souvenirs to Bring Home from Johannesburg
One of the most fascinating cities in Africa, Johannesburg is a showroom for all things South African - a mixture of native and European trends, deeply rooted in local habits and traditions. To find your way around many of the delights Jo'burg has to offer and to pick up some as a remembrance...
South African Sweets and Pastries
A melting pot of the Dutch, British and African traditions, the culture of South Africa embraces flavorful cuisine in which traditional desserts play an important role. South Africans love it sweet – be it a veggie dish or a barbecue sauce on meat, let alone purpose-made pastries that they are...