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Museum

Apartheid Museum

📍 Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg, South Africa
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4.6/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
South Africa, Johannesburg
Category
Museum
Duration
Recommended 2-3 hours
Address
Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg, South Africa
Coordinates
-26.2400, 28.0100

Introduction

The Apartheid Museum, opened in 2001, is one of South Africa's most powerful historical institutions. Through thirteen exhibition halls, it systematically chronicles the rise and fall of the apartheid regime from 1948 to 1994. The museum houses an extensive collection of historic photographs, archival documents, physical artifacts, and multimedia presentations that vividly recreate the struggles and suffering endured by millions during those dark decades. Upon entry, visitors are randomly assigned "white" or "non-white" tickets, providing a visceral experience of apartheid's humiliating racial classification system. The museum serves not only as a memorial to the past but also as an educational sanctuary for reflecting on human nature and advocating peace, attracting hundreds of thousands of international visitors annually who come to remember, learn, and contemplate.

✨ Highlights

01
Racial-classification entry
Randomly assigned "white" or "non-white" tickets let you feel the humiliation of apartheid.
02
Themed exhibition halls
Thirteen themed halls systematically chronicle apartheid from its rise to its fall.
03
Historic photo archives
A wealth of rare photographs and documents recreates the dark decades of apartheid.
04
Struggle and rebirth
A Mandela section, a gallows replica and the 1994 election finale trace the road to democracy.

🛈 Practical Info

→Language:English signage; audio guide rental available.
→Photos:Photography is restricted in some halls; check the signs.
→Parking:Free parking at Gold Reef City, safe and secure.
→Dining:The on-site cafe serves light meals and beverages.
→Shop:The gift shop sells books and crafts.
→Transportation:Located opposite Gold Reef City casino, Johannesburg. Take Gautrain to Park Station then bus, or drive/taxi

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Wednesday09:00-17:00
Thursday09:00-17:00
Saturday09:00-17:00
Sunday09:00-17:00

Wed-Sun 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00); closed Mon, Tue & Good Friday

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Adult R100, Student/Senior R55, Child (6-17) R35, under 6 free

💡 Tips

• Allow ample time; the content is rich and deserves unhurried attention.
• Some exhibits are distressing; children need adult supervision.
• Combine the visit with Gold Reef City casino and theme park.
• Watch the introductory film at the entrance before touring.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Apartheid Museum?

Wednesday: 09:00-17:00; Thursday: 09:00-17:00; Saturday: 09:00-17:00; Sunday: 09:00-17:00; Wed-Sun 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00); closed Mon, Tue & Good Friday

How much is the admission for Apartheid Museum?

Adult: Free; Adult R100, Student/Senior R55, Child (6-17) R35, under 6 free

Any practical tips for visiting Apartheid Museum?

Allow ample time; the content is rich and deserves unhurried attention. Some exhibits are distressing; children need adult supervision.

How long should I spend at Apartheid Museum?

A typical visit takes Recommended 2-3 hours.

Above information is for reference only; hours and prices may change, please verify with official sources