Apartheid Museum - Ormonde, Johannesburg
The Pool of Reflection at the Apartheid Museum. © 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
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