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Museums

Discover Joburg’s Museum Treasures

Step into the heart of the city and traverse the rich tapestry of heritage, innovation and memory that defines Johannesburg. From the stirring narratives of struggle and triumph to the triumphs of science, industry and culture, our curated museum-portfolio offers something for every curious mind. Whether you’re an explorer, a scholar or simply someone seeking a deeper connection to this dynamic city, our selection of museums invites you to journey through time, reflect on the present and be inspired for the future.

ABSA Group Museum

  • 187 Fox Street, Johannesburg
The ABSA Group Museum showcases the history of the ABSA banking group and the evolution of money in South Africa. It houses the world’s largest collection of South African currency and explores numismatics, financial history, and economic literacy. The museum is unique in South Africa and open daily.

Adler Museum of Medicine

  • 7 York Road, Parktown, 2093

Founded in 1962 by Dr Cyril and Mrs Esther Adler, the Adler Museum of Medicine houses over 40,000 artefacts illustrating the history of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Exhibits include reconstructions of early 20th-century medical rooms, traditional African healing displays, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. The museum features rare books, historical documents, and multimedia collections, offering guided tours, lectures, and exhibitions that highlight humanity’s evolving relationship with health and healing.

​​AECI Dynamite Factory Museum

  • No 2 Main Street, Modderfontein
The AECI Dynamite Factory Museum, housed in an 1895 mining official’s residence, explores the history and production of explosives. Visitors learn how explosives, famously used in movies, were developed and how they contribute to constructive applications, particularly in the mining industry. The museum highlights both the technological innovations and historical significance of explosives, offering an engaging and educational experience into the science and industry behind these powerful materials.

​​Antropology Museum and Resource Centre

  • University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Established in 1923, the Anthropology Museum and Resource Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand has long been a leader in anthropological study in South Africa and beyond. Most of its collection is managed by the Gertrude Posel Gallery in Senate House, with additional artefacts housed in the Department of Social Anthropology’s museum in Central Block. It continues to serve as an important centre for academic research, teaching, and cultural understanding.

Apartheid Museum

  • Corner of Gold Reef and Northern Parkway Roads, Johannesburg
The Apartheid Museum offers a powerful journey through South Africa’s apartheid era. Multimedia exhibits, artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays depict the struggles, protests, and resilience of those affected by racial segregation. Visitors experience life in the townships, the 1976 Soweto uprising, and the stories of political prisoners. The museum culminates in a reflective space celebrating democracy and human rights, highlighting the country’s journey from oppression to freedom. Guided tours are available by appointment.

​​Bensusan Museum of Photography​

  • Top floor, Museum Africa, Newtown, Johannesburg
The Bensusan Museum of Photography, established with Dr Arthur Bensusan’s 1968 donation, showcases the history of photography from early shadow puppets to modern cinema. Its collection includes 400 antique cameras, 5,000 photographs, rare negatives, and photographic books, including a William Fox Talbot negative and Winston Churchill’s camera. Interactive features include a unique camera obscura offering a 360° view of Newtown. The museum highlights photography’s evolution and South Africa’s visual history through engaging exhibits and archives.

Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological

  • Geosciences Building, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

The Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research houses the Bleloch Geological Museum, with a vast collection of rocks and minerals. Supporting studies in geology, geophysics, planetary science, crystallography, mineralogy, and palaeontology, it is primarily educational. Guided tours are available by appointment. Open on weekdays, the museum offers students and visitors insight into Earth’s processes, mineral wealth, and the evolution of life through palaeontological research.

​​Bleloch Geological Museum

  • Geosciences Building, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand
The Bleloch Geological Museum showcases an extensive collection of rocks and minerals supporting studies in geology, geophysics, planetary science, meteorite research, environmental earth science, crystallography, mineralogy, and palaeontology. Primarily used for educational purposes, it offers guided tours by appointment. The museum provides students and visitors with insight into Earth’s processes, mineral diversity, and the evolution of life through hands-on palaeontological and geological study.

Ditsong National Museum of Military History

  • 22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg
The Ditsong National Museum of Military History, opened in 1947, is South Africa’s premier military museum. Its collection of over 44,000 items includes rare World War I and II aircraft, tanks, armaments, medals, uniforms, and war art. Highlights include the unique ME 262 jet fighter and displays on resistance movements such as Umkhonto weSizwe. The museum also offers school and group tours, interactive exhibits for children, and facilities for conferences and functions, providing a comprehensive look at military history and heritage.

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