“Reimagine our heritage institutions for a new era.” That is this year’s theme for Heritage Month. With how rich South Africa is in history, culture, traditions, and art, it is fitting that the institutions responsible for showcasing and developing these socio-cultural elements are being challenged to evolve into “spaces of relevance, innovation, and community engagement”. So which institutions are at the heart of this call? Museums. The places where time slows down – whether due to an enthralling art installation, a heart-wrenching showcase of key historical moments, or an exciting interactive exhibit. Consequently, here is a list of museums to visit in Pretoria and Johannesburg:
The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP)
Of course, the museum at the top of the list is on home ground. Javett-UP, located on South Campus, looks at the creativity and future aspirations of the African continent. It responds to the present while looking back at history and looking towards the future. The latest exhibition you can go see is Thero Makepe’s “We Didn’t Choose to be Born Here” and Cow Mash’s “Ditšwatšhemong”.
Address: 23 Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00
Apartheid Museum
A clearer look into 20th-century South Africa, comprising film footage, photographs, text panels, and artefacts that tell the events and human stories from the apartheid period. A quick Gautrain trip to Johannesburg South will have you deep into the painful history of our country.
Address: Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg South
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
If you like fossils and the like, this is the place to visit. They have a collection ranging from dinosaur skeletons to plant fossils to pique your curiosity. You even get an insight into the world of Jurassic Park and Shakespearean lore.
Address: City Hall, 432 Paul Kruger St, Pretoria Central
Operating Hours: Daily, 07:30 – 16:00
Museum of Illusions Johannesburg
Optical illusions, holograms, and immersive rooms combine education and entertainment in this unique museum that is said to inspire creativity. It will definitely leave you and your eight reflections having a fun time.
Address: The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 20:00; Friday – Saturday, 09:00 – 22:00; Sunday, 09:00 – 19:00
South African Air Force Museum
A history lesson and an airshow? The South African Aviation Foundation is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of military aviation and its development to modern-day jets.
Address: Old Johannesburg Rd, Valhalla, Pretoria
Operating Hours: Saturday, 09:00 – 14:00
This is just a small selection of spaces that preserve history and still shape contemporary identity. Between them, they hold dinosaur bones and difficult truths, illusions built simply for your delight and airships carrying history. These show that a museum does not have to choose between teaching us something and moving us. So this weekend, pick one you have never been to. Let time slow down for an afternoon, and see what it has to say to you.
Visual: Jemma Thomson
