Although it is the smallest of nine provinces, Gauteng boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene.
Thus, it makes sense that the province is home to some of the best and oldest museums in the country.
Visiting museums can enrich your exploration and overall travel experience at a particular destination. Here are a few of the best museums worth visiting in the Gauteng province:
The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
Formerly known as the Transvaal Museum, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History was founded in 1892. It is located in Pretoria and stands as one of the largest museums in Africa.
It draws guests in with its giant dinosaur skeletons at its entrance, as well as its magnificent sandstone walls.
The alluring museum is the host of many exhibits which include fossils from the Cradle of Humankind, as well as displays of flora and fauna from the Karoo. Moreover, it offers many different tours for guests, including an educational program and a discovery centre.
Apartheid Museum
Apartheid Museum. Picture: Wikimedia Commons / Katangais.
Located in Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum is one of South Africa’s most important historical attractions. The popular museum affords visitors the opportunity to learn more about the country’s past, and specifically the Apartheid era.
Visiting the museum presents the chance to travel back in time as you delve into how segregation took place based on race, language and even hair texture.
The museum boasts a number of interesting and informative exhibits. These include text panels, film footage and painful stories which expose the atrocities committed during the Apartheid era. It stands not only as an informative reminder of the past, but also as a beacon of hope for all mankind.
Kruger House Museum
Source: Facebook/ @Kruger House, Pretoria
Kruger House is located just a block away from Pretoria’s iconic Market Square, and is a treasure trove of history.
The building was constructed in 1884 and stands as a testament to Victorian architecture with a unique twist. It holds intriguing artifacts from the era of Paul Kruger, offering insightful information about his life before his European exile.
The museum preserves the authenticity of its unpretentious ambience and showcases memorabilia which is true to its original charm.
Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History
Source: Facebook / @ DITSONG MUSEUMS OF SOUTH AFRICA
The National Cultural History Museum is a dynamic centrepiece of Pretoria. Known for its ever-changing and captivating exhibitions, it complements its permanent collections which delve into rock art.
As a hub for living culture, the museum shines a spotlight on South Africa’s diverse cultures and the history of its people. It houses many artefacts, manuscripts, documents, records, photographs, and publications that chronicle cultural history across the nation.
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