Johannesburg’s Must-See Museums

As the centre of commerce and industry in South Africa, Johannesburg is the place to get things done and seal those business deals. But the city's not just a symbol for business, as its rich heritage will tell you.

Johannesburg and its surrounding regions have deep-seated origins that stretch way back to the very beginning of humankind – a little visit to the nearby Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site will show you that!

So while you're staying at the Maslow Hotel to get business done, take a break and head out to these museums in Johannesburg to reflect upon the great story behind the "city of gold":

The Origins Centre

Because the story of Johannesburg is so closely tied to the story of humankind, it makes sense that the Origins Centre at Wits University is the only museum of its kind in the world.

This unique and compelling set of exhibitions lets you explore modern humankind's evolutionary journey. The museum showcases the origins of mankind and displays an extensive collection of rock art that's owned by the Wits Rock Art Research Institute (RARI).

Moving through the museum, you'll be treated to audiovisual exhibits that include ancient artefacts and archaeological finds that tell the story of humankind's evolution. Expect to spend an hour or two immersed in planet Earth's greatest story – the story of us.

Museum Africa

You'll find Johannesburg's major cultural history museum, Museum Africa, in the buzzing Newton Cultural Precinct, where the fresh produce market used to be housed. The building, constructed in 1913, has been beautifully renovated and now contains the Museum Africa collection, including historical items, painting and photographs that date back to 1935.

With township jazz setting the mood and incredible displays bringing history to life, you'll meander through the permanent exhibitions and get an up-close look at Johannesburg urban life, over the last 80 years.

Bensusan Museum of Photography

Attached to Museum Africa, you'll find a photographic museum that's beyond compare. The Bensusan Museum of Photography brings the story behind the medium of photography to life.

Named after former Johannesburg mayor, Dr AD Bensusan who was an avid supporter of science and technology, this museum takes you on a fascinating trip through the world of photography and how it has evolved since 1839.

Keep an eye out for the old cameras, collected images and experiments used by keen engineers that propelled photography forward as an art form.

Kliptown Museum

Did you know we've got the little town of Kliptown to thank for our South African Constitution? It's here that the Freedom Charter was signed in 1955, setting out the firm principles upon which a democratic South Africa would eventually be founded.

But behind the scenes of the signing, there was a massive community effort that's not often spoken of in history class. The Freedom Charter was actually a collation of citizen demands and dreams that were collected by thousands of volunteers, who all had one question to ask of South Africans – "what are your freedom demands?"

Photographs, oral testimonies and more from both the collection phase and the day of the Freedom Charter signing are on display in the Kliptown Open Air Museum and you'll find this in Walter Sisulu Square.

Which Johannesburg Museum do you think you'll visit on your next trip to the City of Gold?