The best museums in South Africa

South Africa’s museums are more than places to visit. They’re spaces where history, culture, and art collide to tell the nation’s most compelling stories. Whether you’re tracing humanity’s roots, exploring the fight for justice, or diving into the vibrant world of African art, you’ll have an experience that will resonate long after you leave.

Here are some highlights:

Which art museums to visit in Cape Town?

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

If you’re ready to dive into the boundary-pushing world of modern art, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town is the place to be.

Housed in a repurposed grain silo, the museum is as much a visual feast on the outside as it is within. Indeed, the building is an architectural icon that perfectly complements the cutting-edge art it celebrates.

Inside, you’ll find yourself immersed in the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world. From bold paintings and striking sculptures to captivating installations and digital art, Zeitz MOCAA showcases the creative brilliance of Africa and its diaspora. Every gallery across its nine floors tells a story – of identity, resilience, and ever-evolving life.

With its constantly changing exhibitions and engaging events like artist talks and workshops, no two visits are ever the same.

Zeitz MOCAA, South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre

For a truly immersive journey into the rich culture and history of the San people, a visit to the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is an absolute must.

Nestled in the rolling hills of the West Coast (just an hour’s drive from Cape Town), this museum offers a rare opportunity to connect with one of South Africa’s Indigenous communities, their heritage, and traditions.

A living celebration of San culture, visitors are treated to a wide range of interactive exhibits, guided tours, and storytelling. Walk the trails with San guides to learn about indigenous plants, track wildlife, and hear the age-old stories passed down through generations.

!Khwa ttu also features breathtaking landscapes, with hiking and biking paths offering stunning views. Plus, there’s a restaurant serving locally inspired dishes that reflect the region’s flavors.

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, R27 West Coast Road, Yzerfontein

Robben Island Museum

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a meaningful and unforgettable experience, Robben Island Museum (RIM) is an essential stop on any trip to South Africa.

Situated just off the coast of Cape Town, this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site has a harrowing yet inspiring history. Many will know it as the prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders were held during their fight against oppression.

The museum offers guided tours led by former prisoners, providing firsthand accounts of life on the island and a unique perspective on South Africa’s turbulent past. Walking through the stark prison cells and hearing stories of resilience and sacrifice is both humbling and deeply moving.

But Robben Island is more than a historic prison – it’s a place of natural beauty. The island itself is home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking views of Table Mountain. The ferry ride to and from the island also offers stunning panoramic views of Cape Town’s coastline.

Robben Island Museum, Private Bag Robben Island Cape Town

Which museums to go to in Johannesburg?

Absa Money Museum

Tucked away in the heart of Johannesburg’s bustling financial district, the Absa Money Museum is a bit of a hidden gem. This museum offers a fascinating journey into the history of currency and commerce in South Africa.

Its collection features everything from ancient cowrie shells and gold coins to historic banknotes and early credit cards. Exhibits paint a vivid picture of the evolution of money over the centuries. Interactive displays and beautifully curated timelines bring the story to life, making it accessible for visitors of all ages.

One of the museum’s standout exhibits is its exploration of South Africa’s economic history during pivotal moments. For example, the gold rush and the rise of modern banking. It provides not just a look at currency but a rare glimpse into how money has shaped culture, politics, and daily life.

Absa Money Museum, Absa Towers West, 15 Troye Street, Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is an emotional and eye-opening journey through South Africa’s struggle for freedom and equality. As one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks, this museum offers an unflinching look at the rise and fall of apartheid.

From gripping video footage to stirring photographs and artifacts, each section of the museum captures a different aspect of this painful but pivotal period. The exhibits combine powerful visuals, moving personal accounts, and multimedia displays to take you through apartheid’s grim history and the heroic resistance that eventually dismantled it.

But it’s not just about the human cost of segregation and oppression. The museum also celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and South Africa’s progress toward reconciliation and democracy.
This is one of those experiences that will stay with you long after your visit.

Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg

What are must-visit museums in Gqeberha?

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in Gqeberha is a treasure trove for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Nestled in the serene St. George’s Park, this museum celebrates South Africa’s diverse artistic heritage while offering a platform for contemporary creativity.

The collection spans centuries, showcasing everything from traditional beadwork and ceramics to modern paintings and sculptures. Highlights include works by renowned artists, as well as pieces that reflect the cultural traditions of the Eastern Cape.

Regularly changing exhibitions keep the experience fresh, with displays ranging from cutting-edge contemporary art to thought-provoking retrospectives. Whether you’re drawn to intricate craftwork or bold modern creations, the museum offers something to inspire every visitor.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, 1 Park Drive, St. George’s Park, Gqeberha

South End Museum

The South End Museum in Gqeberha offers a deeply moving glimpse into one of South Africa’s most poignant histories. The museum memorializes the South End community. This was a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood that was dismantled during apartheid’s forced removals in the 1960s.

Through evocative exhibits, personal accounts, and historic photographs, visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like in South End before its residents were uprooted. From its bustling streets and schools to its places of worship, the museum depicts a community that thrived despite adversity.

The exhibits also shed light on the resilience of the displaced residents. It’s a tribute not just to loss but to the unbreakable bonds of community and hope and the ongoing quest for justice.

South End Museum, Walmer Boulevard, South End, Gqeberha

What museum is worth going to in Pretoria?

Ditsong National Museum of Natural History

Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria. This iconic museum, formerly known as the Transvaal Museum, is a treasure trove of fossils, towering dinosaur skeletons, and natural specimens that bring millions of years of Earth’s history to life.

The museum’s star attraction is its incredible fossil collection. It includes some of the most significant finds from the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of some of our earliest ancestors. You’ll get up close to ancient hominid fossils, dinosaur bones, and a wide array of prehistoric creatures that once roamed southern Africa.

But it’s not just about dusty bones – exhibits on geology, zoology, and biodiversity showcase South Africa’s modern-day habitats and the extraordinary wildlife that calls this region home.

Perfect for families, students, or anyone with a love for the natural world, the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History promises an unforgettable adventure into the story of life on Earth.

Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, 432 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria

Johann van Heerden’s Art Gallery

A true gem for visitors to Pretoria’s Garsfontein neighborhood, Johann van Heerden’s Art Gallery offers a breathtaking escape into a world of art.

This intimate gallery showcases the stunning works of Van Heerden, a master of capturing South Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and people with unmatched vibrancy and detail.

From vivid depictions of African sunsets to lifelike portraits of the Big Five, every piece reflects van Heerden’s deep connection to the land and its stories. His skill with light, color, and texture brings his canvases to life, making each painting feel like a window into another world.

In addition to the painter’s personal works, the gallery also features pieces by other talented local artists. The collection offers a variety of styles and perspectives that complement the central theme of South African heritage.

Johann van Heerden’s Art Gallery, 593 Jacqueline Drive, Pretoria

Pretoria Art Museum

If you’re interested in South Africa’s contemporary art scene, the Pretoria Art Museum is well worth a visit. Located in Arcadia at the heart of Pretoria, the museum showcases the works of modern artists, reflecting all genres, art mediums, art movements, influences, and supplemented by traditional craftwork.

From mid-20^th-century pieces to the latest in modern art, the collection offers a deep look into the development of the South African artistic landscape over the years. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and events, ensuring there’s always something new to see.

Pretoria Art Museum, Corner of Francis Baard and Wessels Street, Arcadia Park, Pretoria

Other famous museums in South Africa

If your hunger for art remains insatiable, why not check out some of South Africa’s other museums? Here are a few that are worth going to:

Museum	Where?	What about?
Shipwreck Museum	Bredasdorp	Artifacts of shipwrecks
The Iziko South African Museum	Cape town	History and science
Durban Natural Science Museum	Durban	Natural science
Phansi uBuntu-art Museum	Durban	African art
Old Harbour Museum	Hermanus	Maritime history
James Hall Museum of Transport	Johannesburg	Transportation
MuseuMAfricA	Johannesburg	History
Turner Contemporary	Margate	Early modern art
Freedom Park	Pretoria	Monument
South African Air Force Museum	Various locations	Military