Pretoria is a bustling city home to a handful of exceptional art galleries and museums. Whether you’re looking to learn about South African history or you simply want to treat your eyes to beautiful artwork, Pretoria has it all and so much more!

This guide will take you on a journey to some of the most prestigious art galleries and museums Pretoria has to offer. From the Pretoria Art Museum, to the Fried Contemporary gallery, we’ve covered it all.

Don’t forget to check out what’s happening in Pretoria today!

In Pretoria you’re never far from a museum. The city is full of cultural institutions. It’s got national museums, free museums, museums specialising in military equipment and culture. Heck, they’ve even got an old fort that has been turned into a museum.

The National Cultural Museum

The National Cultural Museum is one of South Africa’s most comprehensive documentations of the life of South Africans from the early Stone Age up until today.

During the museum's relocation from the former Market Square, it merged with the Transvaal Museum which later became independent again only to merge with the South African National Museum of History. Each Museum is operated independently, but managed by the same board.

Housing famous displays such as the San Art Exhibition and the Marabastad Exhibit, the National Cultural Museum is a must visit.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R20.00 / R35.00pp
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 8am - 4pm
• Contact Number: 021 324 6082
• Address: 149 Visagie Street, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

The Pretoria Art Museum

The Pretoria Art Museum is an art gallery that occupies an entire city block in Pretoria - an impressive block of art! The museum has local, international and travelling exhibits. The museum is home to thousands of installations any art lover would appreciate.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R5.00 - R22.00pp
• Operating Hours:
  • Tues - Sun: 10am to 5pm
• Contact Number: 012 358 6750
• Address: Cnr Schoeman and Wessels Str, Arcadia Park, Pretoria
• More Info: Website

SAAF Museum

The South African Air Force Museum houses exhibits and restores material related to the South African Air Force. The museum is spread over three locations of which Pretoria’s is the largest, occupying five aircraft hangers.

The Pretoria exhibit is located in Centurion just outside the city limits. It contains a number of Dassault Mirage IIIs, Dassault Mirage F1s, Atlas Cheetahs and various other historical aircrafts as well as aviation paraphernalia.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Free
• Operating Hours:
  • Wed - Sat : 9am - 3pm
• Contact Number: 012 351 2290
• Address: Zwartkop Airfield, Valhalla
• More Info: Website

Kruger House

The Paul Kruger House is situated a block from the famous Market Square where the first church in Pretoria was erected, which later burnt down. Built in 1884 by architect Tom Claridge, the structure is quite unique, creating an impression of a Victorian styled building with a twist.

During the construction of the President's house, the cement used was considered to be inferior, so builders decided to mix it with milk instead of water. Paul Kruger’s house was also the first in the city to have the luxury of electricity and a working telephone.

Recently refurbished, visitors can expect to find an array of interesting artefacts used and collected by the president himself before his exile to Europe. The house displays simple furniture replicated according to the original unpretentious feel it once held.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R20.00 / R85.00pp
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 8:30am - 4:30pm
• Contact Number: 012 000 0010
• Address: 60 WF Nkomo Street, Pretoria
• More Info:Website

African Window Cultural History Museum

As one of the eight museums under Ditsong: Museums of South Africa, this museum features stunning rock art and thousand year old Iron Age figurines.

It is one of the largest museums in South Africa that has collected over three million items including textiles, furniture and clothing from various cultural groups.

The museum offers educational tours that cover topics of history, geography, arts and culture, technology and life orientation. There is also a restaurant and a curio shop at the museum.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: R 35
  • Learners & pensioners: R20
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 8:00 am - 16 :00
• Contact Number: 012 324 6082
• Address: 149 Visagie Street, Sunnyside
• More Info: Website

Fort Klapperkop

Fort Klapperkop was the third fort erected after Paul Kruger commanded the construction of forts to protect Pretoria.

The fort was completed on the 18th of January 1898 and was surrounded by a moat and a drawbridge.

The fort is considered one of the most beautiful forts ever built and thus has been restored and arranged as a museum. The fort is home to a military museum and a soldier holding a rifle in memory of all members of the South African Defence Force who lost their lives during their service.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: R 22
  • Learners & pensioners: R11
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 8:00 am - 16 :00 :00
• Contact Number: 012 346 7703
• Address: Johan Rissik Avenue, Sterrewag
• More Info: Website

The Pioneer Museum

This open air museum is set in a restored 3 hectare Victorian settler farmstead in Silverton, Pretoria.

Initially, the farm house belonged to David Botha, who later sold the farm in 1874 to Hans Mundt, a German immigrant. The house is surrounded by a vegetable garden, a vineyard and a furnished wagon house.

There are also picnic and braai facilities available for use by visitors who would like to extend their visit to the museum. There are also two lapas which can be hired for events and celebrations. There is a farmer’s market that takes place outside every Saturday morning from 6am to 9am.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: R 25
  • Learners: R20
  • SA senior citizens: R15
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 07:00 - 16 :00
  • Sundays, Saturdays & Public holidays: 09:00 - 16:00
• Contact Number: 072 323 9758
• Address: Struben Street, Silverton
• More Info: Website

The Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument is nothing short of majestic. It is a unique monument that commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and honours the Afrikaner’s principal historic event: The Great Trek (1835 - 1843).

The Monument is home to a variety of impressive sculpted portrayals of the journey (trek). It was inaugurated in 1949 and is home to the world’s longest historical marble frieze which adds to its historic appeal. Today, it is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical attractions in the country.

The Monument was designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk and resembles the Art Deco Style with beautifully sculpted walls lining the interior of the Monument. It’s a must-do for locals and tourists visiting Pretoria.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: R70
  • SA scholars (without guides): R35
  • SA scholars (with guides): R45
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 07:30 - 16 :00
  • Sundays, Saturdays & Public holidays: 09:00 - 16:00
• Contact Number: 012 326 6770
• Address: Eeufees Rd, Groenkloof 358
• More Info: Website

The art scene in Pretoria is definitely worth noting. Contrary to popular belief, Pretoria boasts an array of colourful galleries that are bursting with talent and beautiful creations. If you ever find yourself in Pretoria, make sure you take time to check out some of these exceptional art galleries.

Longstreet Art Lovers 1932

Art Lovers 1932 believe that it is important for the growth of the art market to make contemporary art accessible to a mixed audience of art lovers, buyers and investors.

To do this, they utilize three exhibition spaces and their passion for art to create an environment where people can feel relaxed and inspired at the same time!

They deal in contemporary art, paper, printed works and handmade jewellery. The team is passionate about the development of young artists and therefore provide young artists with opportunities to participate in solo and group exhibitions.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:30 - 17 :30
  • Saturdays, 08:30 - 13:00
• Contact Number: 012 346-6593
• Address: Long Street, Waterkloof
• More Info: Facebook Page

The Showroom Art Gallery

Gallery owner, Ilze Du Preez, is passionate about bringing good art to people! It was this passion that ignited her drive to open the Showroom Art Gallery that features and sells art in the form of painting and sculptures.

Ilze also specializes in valuations, assists with framework and is passionate about beautiful things. A visit to The Showroom Art Gallery is sure to be met with a flurry of emotions and colour. It’s a must-do for anyone who appreciates beautiful works of art and exceptional talent.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturdays, 09:00 - 13:00
• Contact Number: 012 991 2374
• Address: Plot 78C, Leander Road Olympus
• More Info: Website

Fried Contemporary

Founded in 2005, Fried Contemporary is considered one of the leading art galleries in Pretoria under the directorship of Dr David Thom. It showcases the very best of South African talent, from established to emerging artists.

The gallery has three dedicated rooms that exhibit different artists or group shows every month. The Collector’s Room is one of the main rooms in the gallery and presents the world of the professional artists to collectors and invited guests. The gallery also invites young and established curators to put up exhibitions and it is used annually as a platform for the one-year internship programme where applicants can display their first curated exhibition.

• Operating Hours:
  • Tue - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturdays, 10:00 - 14:00
• Contact Number: 012 346 0158
• Address: 1146 Justice Mahomed St, Brooklyn
• More Info: Website

Chris Tugwell Art Gallery

Are you looking to browse for fabulous South African art? Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or you just want to add a touch of beauty to a space in your home or office, the Chris Tugwell Art Gallery is the place to look.

This gallery has been in existence for over 50 years and features South African fine art paintings and sculptures. This gallery displays paintings, ceramics and limited edition bronzes and sculptures by well-known South African masters.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 18:30
  • Saturdays, 09:00 - 17:00
  • Sundays, 09:00 - 15:00
• Contact Number: 012 346 0925
• Address: Shop 313 Upper Level, Brooklyn Mall, Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk
• More Info: Website

Pretoria is home to a trove of history, diversity and culture. Its people and land hold beautiful stories that should not go unheard. So whether you’re a tourist making your way through South Africa or you’re a local living it up in the Capital city, make your way to the museums and art galleries, you won’t be disappointed.

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