Apartheid Museum Complex

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South African history, specifically the rise and fall of the apartheid system. Opened in 2001, the museum was designed by a consortium of leading architectural firms, including GAPP Architects, and is a masterpiece of symbolic design. Upon entry, visitors are randomly classified as 'white' or 'non-white,' forcing them to enter through separate gates to simulate the experience of racial segregation. The exhibits use high-tech multimedia, original documents, and archival film footage to tell the harrowing story of apartheid from 1948 to 1994. It highlights the struggle of the oppressed majority and the eventual transition to a multi-racial democracy under Nelson Mandela. The building's use of raw concrete, glass, and galvanized steel creates a stark, prison-like environment that underscores the gravity of the subject matter. Developed as part of a social investment requirement for the nearby Gold Reef City complex, it now serves as a global center for learning and reflection. The museum is essential for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of South Africa's past.

Nearby cities

Johannesburg

The country's largest city emerged during a gold rush and is today the economic hub of Africa.

Pretoria

The executive capital of the country is famous for the thousands of Jacaranda trees that bloom purple in spring.

History & landmarks

Ponte City

A cylindrical skyscraper in Johannesburg and the tallest residential building in Africa.

Pretoria City Hall

A monumental historical building in Pretoria featuring a large clock tower and 32 bells.

Soweto

A historic township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Soweto is the vibrant heart of South African history and culture.

FNB Stadium

The largest stadium in Africa and venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

Sentech Tower

A 237-meter-tall television and radio broadcasting tower in Johannesburg.

11 Diagonal Street

A distinctive skyscraper in Johannesburg designed to look like a diamond.

Nelson Mandela Bridge

A striking cable-stayed bridge linking the central business district of Johannesburg with Braamfontein.

Carlton Centre

A skyscraper and shopping center that was the tallest building in Africa for decades.

More places

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill in Johannesburg is a former prison complex that is now the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Hector Pieterson Memorial

The memorial honors the young student Hector Pieterson and the students who died during the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

South Deep Gold Mine

One of the largest gold mines globally by reserves, utilizing highly mechanized mining techniques.

Sterkfontein Caves

The Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind, are globally renowned for their rich fossil finds, particularly of early hominids.

Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage site housing some of the oldest hominid fossils in the world.

Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument is a massive granite structure in Pretoria commemorating the Boer pioneers who left the Cape Colony.

Church Square

Church Square is the historic center of the city of Pretoria, surrounded by significant architectural buildings from the late 19th century.

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and are an iconic landmark in Pretoria designed by Sir Herbert…