Joburg is a bustling cosmopolitan city filled with museums and art galleries showcasing everything from the heritage of the country to contemporary works of art, affirming that Joburg does indeed have its fingers firmly on the pulse of the art world.

Don’t forget to check what’s happening in Joburg today and this weekend.

Joburg has a rich cultural history that is almost tangible. As one of the major cities of South Africa it is no surprise that there are a number of museums to be found in Joburg.

Some celebrate South Africa’s rich heritage whilst others provide an insightful glimpse into the turbulent past of the country.

The Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum tells the story of 20th century South Africa with 22 exhibitions by historians, filmmakers and designers detailing the heart-breaking stories and events of the Apartheid era.

Apartheid — meaning “separation” – was the government-sanctioned segregation of the population by race that lasted for around 40 years.

The construction of the museum was funded by Gold Reef City and its design is a wonderful example of modern South African architecture. Visitors usually visit for about 2 hours.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adult - R80
  • Kids - R45
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 09:00 - 17:00
• Contact Number: 011 309 4700
• Address: Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory

Nelson Mandela is arguably the most famous person in recent South African history. The Mandela Foundation constructed a museum and archive about the life of Nelson Mandela and his social justice work.

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory contains exhibits about his life, his exile and his history-changing years as president of South Africa. Entrance to the museum is free but booking is essential.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Free
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 08:00 - 17:00
• Contact Number: 011 547 5600
• Address: 107 Central St, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum

The Hector Pieterson Museum is in Orlando West, Soweto. It commemorates the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and particularly the role played by the school children who took part in the Soweto Uprising of 1976.

The museum was named after one of the students protesting against the substandard level of education in black schools who was shot by the apartheid police.

The student was the 12-year-old Hector Pieterson. The iconic photograph of Pieterson’s body being carried by a fellow student, his sister running alongside them, has become a powerful symbol of the senseless cruelty, brutality and repression experienced under the Apartheid regime.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R30
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sat, 10:00 - 17:00
• Contact Number: 011 536 0611
• Address: 8287 Khumalo Rd, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill gives you an insight into the evolution of human rights in South Africa. It is home to disused men’s and women’s prisons, an old fort and the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

The Constitutional Court is the highest court in South Africa and protects the human rights of all citizens. You can choose from a variety of tours and experiences such as the highlights tour, art and justice tour or even a night tour.

Tip: If you visit as part of a City Sightseeing Red Bus tour, you are eligible for a discount on your entrance ticket!

• Entrance Fee:
  • R30 to R300 (depending on tour)
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 09:00 - 17:00
• Contact Number: 011 381 3100
• Address: 11 Kotze Road, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

National Museum of Military History

The museum was built as a memorial for the South Africans who died in service to their country and to preserve South Africa’s military history.

The exhibits at the National Museum of Military History include:

• Hardware — such as army guns, small arms, armoured vehicles and aircraft
• Awards — including orders and decorations
• Memorials — for the Anglo-Boer War and the First World War

One of the best displays allows viewers to see just how medicine was practiced in the field during war times.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults - R40
  • Learners - R40
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 09:00 - 16:30
• Contact Number: 011 646 5513
• Address: 22 Erlswold Way, Randburg
• More Info: Website

The Lindfield Victorian House

The Lindfield Victorian House Museum was designed by Herbert Baker, a prominent British architect. It has been decorated precisely as it would have been more than 100 years ago.

Stepping into its halls is like stepping back in time, with 22 rooms showcasing a Victorian era homestead. Entrance to the museum is by appointment only and this includes a 2-hour tour.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R50 per person
• Operating Hours:
  • Open by appointment
• Contact Number: 011 726 2932
• Address: 72 Richmond Ave, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

James Hall Museum of Transport

James Hall Museum of Transport was established in the 1960s and holds many collections and thematic exhibits about the history of transport in South Africa.

The collections cover all forms of transport, including:

• Animal-drawn vehicles
• Bicycles
• Motorcycles
• Buses, Coaches and Motorcars

The extensive collection of motorcars is a must-see. It features a selection of vintage cars from South Africa’s motoring history, including a 1940s Model T Ford and locally manufactured electric cars.

Tip: Take a picnic along and enjoy the beautiful picnic grounds after your visit.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Free
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 16:30
• Contact Number: 011 435 9718
• Address: Pioneers' Park, La Rochelle.
• More Info: Website

ABSA Money Museum

Located in the city’s bustling financial district, the ABSA Money Museum is obviously money-obsessed.

It holds a collection of the different forms of money used throughout South African history, detailing the birth of money as we know it today as well as the advent of the modern banking system from abacuses.

Exhibits include:

• A history of money in South Africa — from 4500 years ago where commodities such as salt, cowrie shells, beads and animals were exchanged for services to modern notes and coins
• A display of coins and notes from all over the world
• A history of the ABSA bank group
• The history of technology in South African banking

Details:

• Entrance Fee:
  • Free
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 08:00 to 16:00
• Contact Number: 011 350 4167
• Address: 15 Troye St, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

Joburg’s art galleries celebrate local and international artists of the highest calibre. Peruse artworks from centuries long past or choose exquisite contemporary artworks to decorate your home.

Gallery Momo

The Gallery Momo is a contemporary art gallery which showcases both local and international artworks with exhibitions being held on occasion.

Artists such as Dillon Marsh, Martin Y Sicilia, Maurice Mbiyaki and Dumeli Feni have had their work in Gallery Momo.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 –17:00 & Sat, 09:00 – 16:00
• Contact Number: 011 327 3247
• Address: 52 7th Avenue, Parktown North
• More Info: Website

David Krut Projects

The gallery’s mission is to encourage the pursuit of careers in media, literature and arts through the hosting various artists and collaborative installations. The gallery offers an alternative look into contemporary art culture.

International and local artists including Senzo Shabangu, Beth Armstrong, Deborah Bell and Aida Muluneeh have their work on display in the gallery.

• Operating hours:
  • Tues - Fri, 09:00 –17:00 & Sat, 09:00 –16:00
• Contact Number: 011 447 0627
• Address: 140 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood
• More Info: Website

Absa Art Gallery

The Absa Art Gallery is located in the Absa Bank Tower, north of Joburg.

The Barclays L’Atelier, a prestigious art competition which rewards young visual artists between the ages of 21 - 35 with opportunities to develop their talents abroad, is held at the Absa Towers North building.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 08:30 – 16:00
• Contact Number: 011 350 5139
• Address: Absa Towers North, Commissioner Street, Joburg CBD
• More Info: Website

Circa on Jellicoe Gallery

The Circa on Jellicoe Gallery, located in Rosebank, celebrates all things architecture and art.

The gallery explores contemporary artwork and technology. The gallery is supported by the Deutsche Bank.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 – 17:00 & Sat, 09:00 – 13:00
• Contact Number: 011 788 4805
• Address: 2 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank
• More Info: Website

Everard Read

The Everard Read is the oldest commercial art gallery in South Africa. It is located in Rosebank alongside the Circa on Jellicoe. This unique gallery showcases exhibitions displaying human technological development and scientific installations.

Artists who have had their work displayed in the gallery include Louis Maqhubela, Speelman Mahlangu and Percy Konqobe.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 – 17:00 & Sat, 09:00–13:00
• Contact Number: 011 788 4805
• Address: 6 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank
• More Info: Website

Spaza Art Gallery

The Spaza Art Gallery, located in Troyeville, showcases young and upcoming artists’ work.

Public artwork is displayed, mosaic workshops are held in the gallery and live performances are hosted in the garden.

• Operating hours:
  • Tues - Sat, 10:00 – 19:00
• Contact Number: 011 614 9354
• Address: 19 Wilhelmina St, Troyeville
• More Info: Facebook Page

Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery

The Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery is located in the gardens of Ngwenya Glass Village in Muldersdrift. Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery opened in 2010 with little stock.

Now, artists Debbie Joy, Margie Kaufman and Tina Hepworth love stocking their shop with beautiful original art pieces. The artwork is in Ngwenya Gallery is handcrafted out of recycled glass and then painted.

• Operating hours:
  • Tues - Sun, 09:00 – 16:30
• Contact Number: 084 582 3209
• Address: Sunridge Farm, Muldersdrift
• More Info: Facebook Page

Museum of African Design

Museum of African Design (MOAD) is the first museum on the African continent to be dedicated to design. Explore the culture of the African continent from the hub of the museum. The museum hosts educational programmes, events and exhibitions.

MOAD opened its doors to the public in October 2013 with the annual Southern Guild designer showcase. Prior to the opening, the venue hosted numerous prestigious events such as the Little Dragon concert, STR CRD 2012 and Michel Gondry’ Home Movie Factory.

• Operating hours:
  • Tues - Sun, 10:00 – 17:00
• Contact Number: 010 500 2448
• Address: 281 Commissioner Street, Jeppestown
• More Info: Website

Afronova Art Gallery

Afronova Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Parkhurst. The gallery has hosted many exhibitions, book launches, fashion shows and screenings.

Throughout this time the gallery has stayed true to its mission of providing a platform for African contemporary expressions. Afronova Art Gallery has exhibited the works of artists including Jodi Bieber, Ricardo Rangel, Mauro Pinto and Bille Zangewa.

• Operating hours:
  • Visit to the gallery by appointment only
• Contact Number: 083 726 5906
• Address: Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, Parkhurst
• More Info: Website

Purple Heart Gallery

Purple Heart Gallery, situated in the Honeydew Village Shopping Centre, is all about the promotion of local artists, whether they are established or up and coming. The gallery promotes and supports South African artists whose work is both decorative and appealing.

Inside the Purple Heart Gallery you’ll find canvas print services, wall decor, stunning art and gifts. The gallery’s stock is continually updated insuring their stock keeps up with the trends and appeals to a variety of tastes.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00
  • Sat, 09:00 - 14:00 & Sun, 09:00 - 13:00
• Contact Number: 011 475 7411
• Address: Honeydew Village Shopping Centre, Christiaan De Wet & John Vorster Road
• More Info: Website

Stevenson Gallery

Stevenson Gallery, based in Braamfontein, is home to many international artworks in South Africa. The gallery opened its doors in 2003 and has since then participated in international shows like the Art Basel, Paris Photo, Frieze London and New York.

Stevenson Gallery has brought to South Africa the works of Rineke Dijkstra, Francis Alÿs, Glenn Ligon Walid Raad and Thomas Hirschhorn, often for the first time.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00 & Saturdays, 10:00 - 13:00
• Contact Number: 011 403 1055
• Address: 62 Juta Street, Braamfontein
• More Info: Website

Goodman Gallery

The Goodman Gallery opened in 1966 and is one of the oldest contemporary art galleries in South Africa.

The gallery aims to create a space for social transformation to ultimately shift perspectives. The Goodman Gallery is where the Zuma spear painting as well as other provocative pieces have been exhibited.

• Operating hours:
  • Tues - Fri, 09:30 - 17:30 & Sat, 09:30 - 16:00
• Contact Number: 011 788 1113
• Address: 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood
• More Info: Website

Johannesburg Art Gallery

The Johannesburg Art Gallery is located in Joubert Park in Joburg’s CBD. It is the largest gallery in South Africa with a collection that rivals the Iziko South African National Art Gallery in Cape Town.

The gallery houses collections consisting of a print cabinet containing works stretching from the 15th century to the present, 17th-century Dutch paintings, 18th- and 19th-century British and European art, 19th-century South African artworks and a large collection of contemporary art both local and international in origin.

• Operating hours:
  • Mon - Sun, 10:00 - 17:00
• Contact Number: 011 725 3130
• Address: Corner Klein and King George Streets, Joubert Park
• More Info: Facebook Page

The museums of Joburg are historical gems and a must-do when visiting Joburg as they perfectly capture the cultural heartbeat of Joburg. The art galleries bear witness to the current climate of South Africa as well as ensuring the country's place in the global art scene.

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