National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg

National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg (must see)

The National Museum of Military History has its origins in a museum designed to commemorate World War II history in 1947. In 1975, the focus was changed to incorporate all the wars and conflicts where South Africa has been involved. One of the highlights is the Boer War Memorial, a monument on the grounds that commemorates all those who died in the Anglo-Boer War.

In addition to the Boer War Memorial, the central courtyard hosts fallen members of the country's airborne units and the 61 Mechanised Battalion Group. Military equipment that visitors can see includes a Messerschmitt Bf 109, a Hawker Hurricane, and Supermarine Spitfire.

Artifacts from the World Wars, the Korean War, and medal collections from General George Brink and General Jan Smuts are on display. There are exhibits highlighting the Battle of Britain, as well as the Anglo-Boer War. You can also check out collections about the Cape Corps, Indian Service Corps, and Native Military Corps.

Why You Should Visit:
Loads of vintage airplanes, cannons, guns, swords, tanks – any boy's idea of a great day out. This is a place that allows you to touch and see up close – even stick your head in to check what's inside!

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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National Museum of Military History on Map

Sight Name: National Museum of Military History
Sight Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (See walking tours in Johannesburg)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Johannesburg, South Africa

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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.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.7 Km or 0.4 Miles

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