Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, Johannesburg
The year 1948 marked the beginning of a very dark era in South Africas history, an era which was to last for 46 years, Apartheid. The word apartheid is an Afrikaans word which means separation, and in 1948 the ruling party, the National Party implemented the policy of apartheid which turned 20 million people into second class citizens, damning them to a life of servitude, humiliation and abuse. Those 46 years saw the rise and fall of many freedom fighters and activists, one of the most famous being South Africas first democratically elected president, President Nelson Mandela. 1994 was the beginning of a new era, the birth of The New South Africa, a proud South Africa, and a South Africa for the people.
The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa , at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Museum was constructed at a cost of approximately R80m which was paid for by Akani Egoli, who were the developers of the adjacent Gold Reef City Casino. The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid and is a truly South African experience, pieced together by a team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. The exhibits include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories from this terrible period. There are a series of 22 individual exhibition areas which take the visitor through a journey that tells the story of the state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.
The museum is described as a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own. For anyone who wants any insight into this oppressive period in South Africas history, a visit to The Apartheid Museum is a must.
5 Interesting facts about The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg:
1. Comprehensive History: The Apartheid Museum offers an in-depth and comprehensive look at the apartheid era in South Africa, covering the period from 1948 to 1994. It includes a wide array of exhibits, photographs, videos, and personal stories that document the struggle for freedom and equality.
2. Interactive Exhibits: The museum is designed to be an interactive experience, engaging visitors with multimedia displays and installations. This includes a replica of Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island and a walk-through exhibit that simulates the conditions under which political prisoners were held.
3. Symbolic Architecture: The architecture and layout of the museum itself are highly symbolic. Upon entry, visitors are randomly assigned a racial identity (either “White” or “Non-White”), and they must enter through separate doors, experiencing firsthand the segregation that defined apartheid.
4. Emotional Impact: The museum's exhibits are designed to evoke an emotional response and to foster a deep understanding of the harsh realities of apartheid. Displays include graphic photographs, personal testimonies, and detailed accounts of events like the Sharpeville Massacre and the Soweto Uprising.
5. Educational Programs: The Apartheid Museum is not just a static exhibit; it also serves as an educational center. It offers a range of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours aimed at educating school groups, tourists, and locals about the history of apartheid and the ongoing struggle for social justice in South Africa.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00to 17:00.
Guided tours are available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.
Contact details for the Apartheid Museum located in Ormonde, Johannesburg:
Address: Apartheid Museum, Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2091, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 (0)11 309 4700
Email: info@apartheidmuseum.org
Website: Apartheid Museum
Accommodation Near Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, Johannesburg
Melville Gap Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Melville
6km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgMellville Gap Guest House is situated a stone's throw from the Bohemian suburb of Melville's famous 7th Street with its vibe atmosphere, pavement cafes, cozy restaurants, antique/vintage stores and cocktail clubs, we are in the perfect location... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
7th Street Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Melville
6.4km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, Johannesburg7th Street Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Melville, Johannesburg. With 13 luxury en suite rooms equipped with DSTV, Wifi internet access, heaters, hairdryers, fans, digital safes, coffee/tea facilities and bar fridges stocked... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Forest Town Guest Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Forest Town
7.2km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgForest Town Guest Cottages situated in Forest Town in Johannesburg. These attractively and comfortably furnished villas are self-contained, separate and private, 1- and 2-bedroom villas to suit families, the business traveller and tourists. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Jack Rose
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
9.6km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgThe The Jack Rose offers the perfect Rosebank accommodation for business and leisure travellers. There are 56 huge rooms and apartments, the beds are comfortable, the WiFi is fast & free and the coffee is GOOD! This perfect location makes getting... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Residency Jellicoe
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
9.9km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgLocated centrally in the affluent and upmarket area of Rosebank, The Residency Jellicoe offers our valued guests the option of three different apartment types: A hotel room, a one-bedroom apartment, or a two-bedroom apartment, allowing for the... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Panhandle Place Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
10.9km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgPanhandle Place Cottages are lovely self-catering units in a beautiful garden setting with views of the Johannesburg city skyline. We are centrally placed in an old Johannesburg suburb with tree-lined streets, safe for walking and jogging. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Apartment at 34 Columbine
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Randpark
13.3km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgThe Apartment is a double story self catering fully equipped with linen and towels. It can sleep 4 persons. Downstairs it boasts an open plan kitchen - equipped with dishwasher, microwave, fridge opening on to the dining room area, a bathroom... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Marle' Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Alberton, East Rand
14.2km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgMarle' Lodge has 11 double en-suite rooms all beautifully finished in matching African theme. Two of the rooms have an inter-leading door to cater for families who wish to stay together. All rooms have DStv. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Louhallas
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Edenvale
17.3km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgLouhallas provides self catering accommodation in Edenvale in Johannesburg's East Rand, Gauteng. Set in Central Edenvale, close to shopping centres, banks and a variety of other amenities. We offer 3 fully furnished self-catering cottages... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Grosvenor Inn
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Bryanston, Johannesburg
18.1km from Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, JohannesburgGrosvenor Inn provides spacious bed and breakfast accommodation in Bryanston, Sandton, Johannesburg. "The most outstanding quality of the Grosvenor Inn is the welcoming and friendly atmosphere created by the management and staff who go to great lengths... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Gold Reef City Casino - Johannesburg (0.60km)
- Gold Reef City Theme Park - Johannesburg (0.60km)
- FNB Stadium - Nasrec, Johannesburg (2.64km)
- Johannesburg Expo Centre - Nasrec, Johannesburg (2.82km)
- The Rand Show (2.84km)
- Turffontein Race Course (3.79km)
- Oriental Plaza - Fordsburg, Johannesburg (3.81km)
- Nelson Mandela Shadow Boxer Statue - Johannesburg (4.04km)
- SAB World Of Beer - Newtown, Johannesburg (4.16km)
- Sci-Bono Discovery Centre - Johannesburg (4.18km)
- Worker's Museum (4.18km)
- Newtown Diwali Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg (4.21km)
- Museum Africa - Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg (4.26km)
- Arts Alive Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg (4.32km)
- James Hall Museum of Transport - Johannesburg (4.50km)
- Gandhi Square Precinct - Johannesburg (4.67km)
- Origins Centre (Wits University) - Johannesburg (4.91km)
- Wemmerpan (5.00km)
- The Playground (5.10km)
- Wits Art Museum (5.11km)
