Museum · Joanesburgo, Gauteng

Museu do Apartheid

Museum south of central Johannesburg that tells the story of apartheid, from 1948 to the 1994 elections, with films, photos and objects — a long, intense visit.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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About Museu do Apartheid

The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001, next to the Gold Reef City amusement park, south of central Johannesburg. It occupies a building of concrete, brick and steel on roughly 7 hectares, with a lake and native vegetation.

The visit begins at the entrance: each visitor is randomly given a “white” or a “non-white” ticket and enters through the corresponding door, to experience the separation imposed by the regime. Inside, consecutive rooms tell of migrants arriving in the city of gold, the creation of apartheid in 1948, the racial classification laws, the resistance, the years of conflict and the negotiated transition up to the 1994 elections.

In the courtyard, the Pillars of the Constitution display the seven values of the democratic Constitution: democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, accountability, respect and freedom. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to Nelson Mandela.

Some rooms show strong images, and the museum recommends visits for ages 12 and up.

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Before you go

Practical information

Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.

How much time to set aside

2 to 3 hours.

Best time

In the morning, to allow time and calm. The visit works well before going to Soweto, about 15 km away.

How to get there

It is on Northern Parkway, beside Gold Reef City, about 8 km south of the centre. You can get there by car, rideshare app or the city sightseeing buses.