Places to go  >>  Museums

Museums in Gauteng


History plays an important role in everyone’s lives Find an array of museums in Gauteng each showcasing something different, for a family or school outing. Browse the list below.

City Sightseeing South Africa Red Bus Tours

Sightseeing Hop-on-hop-off bus excursions and Soweto Tours in Johannesburg. Sightseeing Hop-on-hop-off bus excursions and Soweto Tours in Johannesburg. Sightseeing Hop-on-hop-off bus excursions and Soweto Tours in Johannesbu...Sightseeing Hop-on-hop-off bus excursions and Soweto Tours in ...
All ages

The Planetarium

Braamfontein

CLOSED UNTIL DEC 2023 Shows for schools and the public about stars, the galaxy, space travel and more. CLOSED UNTIL DEC 2023 Shows for schools and the public about stars, the galaxy, sp... CLOSED UNTIL DEC 2023 Shows for schools and the public about stars, the ...CLOSED UNTIL DEC 2023 Shows for schools and the public about s...
From 5 yrs - All ages

Gecko Jewellers and Kids Party Venue

Crowthorne, Midrand

Replica gemstone mine tours. Gemstone scratch patch, pedal cars, party and corporate venue and open ai...Replica gemstone mine tours. Gemstone scratch patch, pedal cars, party and corpora... Replica gemstone mine tours. Gemstone scratch patch, pedal cars, party a...Replica gemstone mine tours. Gemstone scratch patch, pedal car...
From Birth - All ages

Transvaal Museum

The Transvaal Museum is South Africa's leading natural history museum.The Transvaal Museum is South Africa's leading natural history museum. The Transvaal Museum is South Africa's leading natural history museum.The Transvaal Museum is South Africa's leading natural history...
From 7 yrs - All ages

Museum of Military History

Saxonwold, Randburg

A home for the memory and study of military history of South Africa. We also offer school tours.A home for the memory and study of military history of South Africa. We also offer... A home for the memory and study of military history of South Africa. We ...A home for the memory and study of military history of South A...
All ages

The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP)

An exciting, independent art centre associated with the University of Pretoria. It is an ambitious ini...An exciting, independent art centre associated with the University of Pretoria. It... An exciting, independent art centre associated with the University of Pr...An exciting, independent art centre associated with the Univer...
All ages

Roodepoort Museum

Florida Park, Roodepoort

The Roodepoort Museum houses the memory of the region's culture, achievements and values.The Roodepoort Museum houses the memory of the region's culture, achievements and ... The Roodepoort Museum houses the memory of the region's culture, achieve...The Roodepoort Museum houses the memory of the region's cultur...
From Birth - All ages

Johannesburg Art Gallery

Joubert Park

Art Gallery with a number of important collections of international significance. We offer children's ...Art Gallery with a number of important collections of international significance. ... Art Gallery with a number of important collections of international sign...Art Gallery with a number of important collections of internat...
From 6 yrs - All ages

The Bunny Hop Haven

Observatory

Non profit company (NPC) in animal rescue and as an educational centre.Non profit company (NPC) in animal rescue and as an educational centre. Non profit company (NPC) in animal rescue and as an educational centre.Non profit company (NPC) in animal rescue and as an educationa...
All ages

Ditsong: Museums of South Africa

Saxonwold, Johannesburg; Pretoria West, Donkerhoek, Soshanguve, Silverton, Silvert...

An amalgamation of eight museums that have diverse collections covering the fields of fauna and flora,...An amalgamation of eight museums that have diverse collections covering the fields... An amalgamation of eight museums that have diverse collections covering ...An amalgamation of eight museums that have diverse collections...
All ages

Apartheid Museum

Ormonde, Johannesburg South

Onteractive history museum that illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa.Onteractive history museum that illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid in Sout... Onteractive history museum that illustrates the rise and fall of aparthe...Onteractive history museum that illustrates the rise and fall ...
From 12 - 18 yrs old

Maropeng

Muldersdrift

Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. It is a fun a...Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage... Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind Worl...Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Huma...
From 6 yrs old

Constitution Hill

Braamfontein

Educational tours, promotion of our constitution, children's walk, apartheid memoirs Educational tours, promotion of our constitution, children's walk, apartheid memoirs Educational tours, promotion of our constitution, children's walk, apart...Educational tours, promotion of our constitution, children's w...
From 2 yrs - All ages

Museum of Illusions Joburg

Rosebank

A unique and exciting museum dedicated to providing visitors with a fun, interactive and educational e...A unique and exciting museum dedicated to providing visitors with a fun, interacti... A unique and exciting museum dedicated to providing visitors with a fun,...A unique and exciting museum dedicated to providing visitors w...
All ages

National Cultural History Museum

A museum which explores South Africa's cultural diversity with various permanent and temporary exhibit...A museum which explores South Africa's cultural diversity with various permanent a... A museum which explores South Africa's cultural diversity with various p...A museum which explores South Africa's cultural diversity with...
All ages

Smuts House Museum

Centurion

A museum peaceful surroundings with family friendly restaurant, nature trail and caravan park A museum peaceful surroundings with family friendly restaurant, nature trail and... A museum peaceful surroundings with family friendly restaurant, nature ... A museum peaceful surroundings with family friendly restauran...
All ages

Sterkfontein Caves

Muldersdrift

The ancient dolomite caves, with an underground lake, an hour from Johannesburg, is one of the fossils...The ancient dolomite caves, with an underground lake, an hour from Johannesburg, i... The ancient dolomite caves, with an underground lake, an hour from Johan...The ancient dolomite caves, with an underground lake, an hour ...
From 6 yrs old

The South African Airways Museum Society

Dakota Crescent, Germiston

Day trip to view and learn the history of South African Airways and its aircraft for families, schools...Day trip to view and learn the history of South African Airways and its aircraft f... Day trip to view and learn the history of South African Airways and its ...Day trip to view and learn the history of South African Airway...
All ages

The Voortrekker Monument

Groenkloof

The great grey colossus can be seen from all directions as you near Pretoria. The massive Voortrekker ...The great grey colossus can be seen from all directions as you near Pretoria. The ... The great grey colossus can be seen from all directions as you near Pret...The great grey colossus can be seen from all directions as you...
From 7 yrs - All ages

Adler Museum of Medicine

Parktown, Randburg

The history of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy through the ages. From children's birthday parties to ...The history of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy through the ages. From children's ... The history of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy through the ages. From c...The history of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy through the ag...
From 4 - 14 yrs old

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

Newtown

World Class interactive science museum offering science & technology programmes for general public & s...World Class interactive science museum offering science & technology programmes fo... World Class interactive science museum offering science & technology pro...World Class interactive science museum offering science & tech...
All ages

Museum Africa

Newtown

Johannesburg's major history and cultural museum housed in the old fruit and vegetable market which da...Johannesburg's major history and cultural museum housed in the old fruit and veget... Johannesburg's major history and cultural museum housed in the old fruit...Johannesburg's major history and cultural museum housed in the...
All ages

Hector Peterson Museum

Orlando West, Soweto

A memorial to the 1976 Soweto student rebellion. The Museum is named after Hector Peterson who was a 1...A memorial to the 1976 Soweto student rebellion. The Museum is named after Hector ... A memorial to the 1976 Soweto student rebellion. The Museum is named aft...A memorial to the 1976 Soweto student rebellion. The Museum is...
From 6 yrs - All ages

Delta Environmental Centre

Victory Park, Randburg

Environmental centre for curriculum-linked outings, talks, school programmes & accredited teacher trai...Environmental centre for curriculum-linked outings, talks, school programmes & acc... Environmental centre for curriculum-linked outings, talks, school progra...Environmental centre for curriculum-linked outings, talks, sch...
All ages

James Hall Museum of Transport

Rosettenville, Johannesburg South

Transport Museum which offers tours for school groups and holiday programs for children.Transport Museum which offers tours for school groups and holiday programs for chi... Transport Museum which offers tours for school groups and holiday progra...Transport Museum which offers tours for school groups and holi...
All ages

HartRAO - Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory

Krugersdorp

We demonstrate connections to basic science and technology, and explain astronomical concepts that app...We demonstrate connections to basic science and technology, and explain astronomic... We demonstrate connections to basic science and technology, and explain ...We demonstrate connections to basic science and technology, an...
From 6 yrs - All ages

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

De Wildt, Brits

Cheetah and wildlife Centre for a family trip, educational tour to see wildlife.Cheetah and wildlife Centre for a family trip, educational tour to see wildlife. Cheetah and wildlife Centre for a family trip, educational tour to see w...Cheetah and wildlife Centre for a family trip, educational tou...
From 6 yrs - All ages

Wits Art Museum

Braamfontein

Contemporary & historical art museum/galleryContemporary & historical art museum/gallery Contemporary & historical art museum/galleryContemporary & historical art museum/gallery
All ages

Origins Centre

Braamfontein

The Origins Centre and Museum tells a story of how all humans began in Africa, developed tools, langua...The Origins Centre and Museum tells a story of how all humans began in Africa, dev... The Origins Centre and Museum tells a story of how all humans began in A...The Origins Centre and Museum tells a story of how all humans ...
All ages

Ashers Farm Sanctuary

Boschkop, Pretoria East

Farm parties, day trips and educational tours for kids, families and schools to meet the rescued farm ...Farm parties, day trips and educational tours for kids, families and schools to me... Farm parties, day trips and educational tours for kids, families and sch...Farm parties, day trips and educational tours for kids, famili...
All ages

Play Africa

Constitutional Precinct

Exhibits & programmes that stimulate physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young childr...Exhibits & programmes that stimulate physical, cognitive, social, and emotional gr... Exhibits & programmes that stimulate physical, cognitive, social, and em...Exhibits & programmes that stimulate physical, cognitive, soci...
From Birth - 11 yrs old


Visit places with go-karts and quadbikes in Gauteng.


How to use the museum directory?


You may search by area by clicking on the list above. Click on the suburb you wish to search in and see what comes up. Alternatively you may scroll down through the list of museums in Gauteng. Click on the blue name of the company to get more information about what they offer as well as their contact details. Be sure to note what their days of operation are to avoid disappointment.

Did you know?


Gauteng is the smallest of the 9 provinces in South Africa but Johannesburg is the largest city in SA. The industrial and commercial powerhouse of the country, Gauteng is the destination for many seeking employment. Even in days gone by, Johannesburg became popular due to the discovery of gold in the area, 40% of the world’s gold reserves in fact!

Constitution Hill


Guided tours of Constitution Hill can be arranged beforehand for groups of more than 10 people. This is highly recommended as the information given and the professional manner of the guides adds so much value to the tour. You will get a chance to see the Constitutional Court which is the highest court in South Africa and was born of the country's first democratic Constitution in 1994. Prisoners of the apartheid era were also kept here and a tour of the facilities is a sobering reality of what suffering the era caused to inmates and disadvantaged people of South Africa. A must-see indeed to learn about South Africa's turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy!

Art museums


Johannesburg Art Gallery has extensive collections of traditional and contemporary South African art and international art from the 16th century to the present. It has been at the forefront of the reassessment of the history of South African art through the presentation of groundbreaking exhibitions. Wits Art Museum is home to an extraordinary collection of African art, including contemporary and historical art from South Africa and art from West and Central Africa. It hosts a dynamic program of events and art exhibitions. Please check times of operation of all museums and whether you need to book beforehand.

Historical museums


Apartheid Museum is possibly the most important museum that exemplifies the rise and fall of the Apartheid system of rule in South Africa. Not your average boring museum, you are guaranteed to be amazed and inspired by the stories told in these museums. School groups are welcome and are offered a guided tour.

The National Cultural History Museum explores South Africa's cultural diversity with various permanent and temporary exhibitions. Exhibits include rock paintings and engravings of the San people and looking at archeology through Iron Age figurines. Smuts House Museum is dedicated to the depiction of the simple life style of one of SA leaders.

Museum Africa looks at urban life in Johannesburg from the discovery of gold to the era of township jazz in the Sophiatown shebeens. There is a wide selection of interactive exhibits and temporary exhibitions that change on an ongoing basis. Hector Peterson Museum is built on 3 levels and takes visitors through a selection of oral testimonies, photographs and video installations as well as original artifacts.

Roodepoort Museum displays kick off with information panels illustrating the history of Roodepoort, with particular focus on the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1884 by the Struben Brothers. Visits to this museum are by booking only and is especially interesting for school tours. The Transvaal Museum is decorated with the skeletons of dinosaurs and even a whale. It provides a memorable experience for the whole family and is open 7 days a week.

Origins, geological and astronomy centres


South Africa contains some of the oldest archaeological and human-fossil sites in the world. Maropeng the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. It is a fascinating journey of discovery, using world-class audio visual technology to present the history of the earth and the life forms it supports.

Origins Centre takes visitors on an extraordinary journey of discovery, which begins with the origins of humankind in Africa, and moving through the development of art, symbolism and technology on the continent. Kids can explore and learn about archeology while seeing fossils, dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs. They offer school tours and holiday programs, please contact them for further details.

Sterkfontein Caves, the ancient dolomite caves, with an underground lake, an hour from Johannesburg, is one of the fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind and is part of the World Heritage Site. Guided tours run every half hour and remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

There are museums of transport, astronomy and the planetarium. Museums of Military and an SAA Museum, a Museum of Medicine and the Voortrekker Monument. These are all interesting and informative, well established and looked after to offer you a wonderful trip back in time.

Begin your search


This page of our directory lists museums in Gauteng. Scroll down the names listed on this page to find a place you think is interesting. You may also find other day trip venues and places of interest by clicking on the places to go tab. There are many subcategories created to make your search of places to visit in Gauteng easier so have a look through. Remember to review a place that you’ve visited, whether it was a good or bad experience, tell us what you think.