Apartheid Museum Johannesburg
A profound journey through South Africa's apartheid history, offering a comprehensive and moving look at segregation, resistance, and the fight for fr...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Apartheid Museum Johannesburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A profound journey through South Africa's apartheid history, offering a comprehensive and moving look at segregation, resistance, and the fight for freedom.
"An essential, deeply moving, and thought-provoking experience that sheds light on South Africa's complex past."
Allocate Enough Time ⏳
Plan for 3-4 hours minimum to truly absorb the exhibits. It's a profound experience .
Book Tickets in Advance? 🤔
While not always mandatory, booking ahead can save time, especially during peak seasons .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Segregation Exhibits
Entrance
Your entry ticket randomly assigns you as 'White' or 'Non-White,' immediately immersing you in the stark realities of apartheid.
Hall of Mourning
Central area
A powerful and somber space dedicated to remembering the victims of apartheid, often described as deeply emotional .
Nelson Mandela Exhibit
Throughout the museum
Trace the life and struggle of Nelson Mandela, a central figure in the fight against apartheid .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Consider Your Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Enough Time ⏳
Plan for 3-4 hours minimum to truly absorb the exhibits. It's a profound experience.
Book Tickets in Advance? 🤔
While not always mandatory, booking ahead can save time, especially during peak seasons.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing as you explore the extensive exhibits.
Prepare for an Emotional Journey 😢
The museum is powerful and can be emotionally challenging. Be ready for a moving experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Enough Time ⏳
Plan for 3-4 hours minimum to truly absorb the exhibits. It's a profound experience.
Book Tickets in Advance? 🤔
While not always mandatory, booking ahead can save time, especially during peak seasons.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing as you explore the extensive exhibits.
Prepare for an Emotional Journey 😢
The museum is powerful and can be emotionally challenging. Be ready for a moving experience.
Uber is Your Friend :car:
A convenient way to get there, but factor in travel time and cost from your accommodation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Apartheid Museum is overwhelmingly praised as a profoundly moving and essential experience for understanding South Africa's history. Visitors highlight its comprehensive exhibits and emotional impact, though some note it can be an intense and somber visit. It's considered a must-see for its educational value and historical significance.
"We went with our 9yo son to teach him about apartheid when we had a chance to go to Johannesburg after my husband’s meeting. I feel so lucky to be able to visit this museum because it’s different from reading about this in books. Here we are where it actually happened.
The museum is well made. I only have a few pictures coz photo taking inside is not allowed. But there were so many people taking photos.
This is basically an indoor outdoor museum so go when the weather is nice. The outdoor spaces are beautiful and reflective.
If you want to finish the museum in 1.5hrs read the black metal signs. If you want to read also the gray metal signs, it will take you 3hrs minimum.
We also learned so much about Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu (temporary exhibition). And it’s museums like this where humanity can safeguard our future to say never again.
There are portions or screens that are too violent or disturbing for children and sensitive viewers but there was enough warning that I avoided them with my son.
The toilet is quite interesting design wise. And at the end there’s a gift shop and a restaurant."
UnDiplomatic Wife
"Excellent museum 👍🏽👍🏽 Whether you’re a local or a tourist and you want to learn about Apartheid, the darkest period of my countries history 🇿🇦 you’ll learn everything here. Allow at least 2 hours to get a good understanding of Apartheid.
Keep in mind, Apartheid’s history is complex which means that this a very text heavy museum to visit. You’ll be reading a lot but it’s very informative. There are black signs which condense information down into a 1.5-2 hour visit or you can read further context with the silver signs and the amount of time you spend will be about 3.5-4 hours.
The museum goes all the way to the 16th century to talk about colonization, to the apartheid regime, resistance movements and the eradication of Apartheid. There are also some films you can watch inside, for instance the Sharpville massacre, which provides further context to these horrific events that unfolded.
If you’re in South Africa and you want to learn more about a countries history, you have to visit this museum as well as Constitution hill."
Travis Davids
"An important and necessary stop in our travels while homeschooling, the Apartheid Museum presents a confronting, enlightening, inspiring, and profound educational experience. Young children may find some exhibits too graphic, so use discretion. We visited in June."
Teresa Lyons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Apartheid Museum is located in Ormonde, Johannesburg. The most common ways to get there are by Uber or a pre-booked taxi service. It's about a 40-60 minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport and can take less time from the city center, depending on traffic. Some visitors suggest using the Red Bus tour for a comprehensive city experience that may include the museum.
Yes, it's possible but requires careful planning. The drive from OR Tambo International Airport is approximately 40-60 minutes. If you have a layover, ensure you have enough time to travel to the museum, visit, and return to the airport before your next flight. Factor in immigration and baggage claim time as well.
Many visitors aim to do both in one day. It's ambitious, as the museum itself can take several hours. Consider booking a guided tour that covers both, or use Uber to travel between them. Be aware that tours can be expensive for larger groups.
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Public transport options directly to the museum can be limited and less convenient than ride-sharing services. Uber is generally the most recommended and reliable option for tourists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but typically range around R150 for adults. It's advisable to check the official Apartheid Museum website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While tickets are often available on the day, booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits or during peak tourist seasons, to avoid potential queues and ensure entry.
Upon entry, visitors are randomly assigned a ticket designating them as either 'White' or 'Non-White.' This is an immediate, impactful way the museum immerses you in the segregationist policies of apartheid.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children. It's best to inquire directly with the museum or check their official website for details on eligibility and required documentation.
Some city passes might include entry to the Apartheid Museum. Research current city pass offerings to see if it aligns with your itinerary and offers savings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 3 to 4 hours, and some even a full day, to fully experience and process the exhibits. It's a deeply informative and emotional journey.
The museum is laid out chronologically and thematically. Follow the designated path, which starts with the segregation era and moves through the struggle and eventual dismantling of apartheid. Take your time to read the displays and watch the included films.
While the museum is designed for self-guided exploration, guided tours can enhance the experience by providing deeper context and insights. Check with the museum for availability and booking information.
The museum deals with sensitive and mature themes related to racial oppression and violence. While it's educational, parents should consider the age and emotional maturity of their children before visiting. The museum's content is intense.
The museum is widely described as profoundly moving, thought-provoking, and essential for understanding South Africa's history. It's an emotional experience that leaves a lasting impression.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits and for the comfort of other visitors. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions.
Many visitors find the architectural elements, the Hall of Mourning, and the exhibits featuring historical figures like Nelson Mandela to be particularly photogenic. The entrance with the 'White'/'Non-White' ticket assignment is also a striking visual.
Capturing the scale of the exhibits and the emotional resonance of the displays can be powerful. Consider focusing on the details that tell the story, rather than just wide shots.
Photos that convey the historical weight, the human stories, and the architectural significance of the museum tend to be most impactful. Think about capturing the atmosphere and the narrative.
While technically allowed in many areas, consider the solemn nature of the museum. Many visitors opt for more respectful photography that focuses on the exhibits and the historical context, rather than personal selfies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should assess their children's emotional maturity and be prepared to discuss the difficult content openly and age-appropriately.While the museum is incredibly educational, it's not typically considered a lighthearted family outing. If you do decide to visit with children, consider focusing on specific exhibits that might be more accessible, such as the life of Nelson Mandela,
and be ready to answer questions and provide context. Alternatively, exploring other family-friendly attractions in Johannesburg might be a better fit for younger children.🌍 History Enthusiasts & Educational Travelers
Travelers in this category will appreciate the museum's commitment to historical accuracy and its powerful storytelling. It's a place to engage with primary sources, witness the human impact of systemic discrimination, and learn about the key figures and movements that shaped modern South Africa. Many consider it a cornerstone of any visit to Johannesburg, offering insights that go far beyond textbook knowledge.
🤔 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Look into potential discounts for students or seniors if applicable. For those on a very tight budget, researching if any city passes include museum entry might offer savings. However, prioritize the experience itself, as many visitors feel the educational and emotional value far outweighs the cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Apartheid System
The museum meticulously details the legislative framework of apartheid, the resistance movements, and the immense human cost of this oppressive system. Through a combination of artifacts, photographs, film footage, and personal testimonies, visitors gain a profound understanding of the injustices faced by the majority Black population and other non-white groups. The experience is designed to be immersive, starting with an entry ticket that randomly assigns visitors to either a 'White' or 'Non-White' category, immediately confronting them with the stark realities of racial classification.
Visitors often describe the museum as an essential, albeit emotionally challenging, experience for anyone visiting Johannesburg. It serves as a vital educational tool, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for the struggle for equality and democracy in South Africa. The exhibits are not just historical records; they are powerful narratives of resilience, suffering, and the eventual triumph of the human spirit.
+2Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Impact
Transportation to the museum, located in Ormonde, is typically managed via ride-sharing services like Uber, which are convenient but require factoring in travel time (40-60 minutes from the airport) and cost.
The museum's impact is consistently described as powerful and deeply moving. Visitors often speak of feeling emotional and gaining a new perspective on South African history and the ongoing fight for human rights. It's a place that educates, challenges, and ultimately inspires, making it a must-visit for understanding the nation's complex past and present.
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