Workers' Museum - Newtown, Johannesburg
Housed in an old migrant labour hostel compound, the Workers' Museum provides a detailed look at the lives of the workers who lived there. (Image adapted). © Museum ExplorerWorkers' Museum - Newtown, Johannesburg
The Workers' Museum in Newtown, Johannesburg, is a poignant testament to South Africa's labour history, particularly under apartheid. Situated in the old municipal workers’ compound, the museum highlights the harsh realities of life for black migrant labourers who worked for the city. Built in the early 20th century, the compound was originally used to house migrant workers under inhumane conditions, with shared facilities and limited personal freedoms.
The museum sheds light on the system of migrant labour and its pivotal role in Johannesburg’s growth. It explores themes of exploitation, segregation, and resistance. Visitors can view preserved living quarters, communal facilities, and exhibits that recount workers' experiences and their role in building the city’s infrastructure.
The museum's exhibits focus on the lives of the workers, highlighting their resilience and the unjust systems they endured. Artifacts, photographs, and oral histories help paint a vivid picture of life in the compounds. The site serves as a memorial to the often-overlooked contributions of labourers and a reminder of the human cost of Johannesburg’s development.
Contact details for the Workers' Museum:
Address: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Phone: +27 (0)11 833 5624
Email: belindah@joburg.org.za (Belinda Hlaka Workers Museum Curator)
Accommodation Near Workers' Museum - Newtown, Johannesburg
Forest Town Guest Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Forest Town
3.2km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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.
7th Street Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Melville
3.7km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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.
Melville Gap Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Melville
3.9km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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.
The Jack Rose
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
5.8km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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
6.1km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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
8.2km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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
11.2km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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
13.1km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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
13.4km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, 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.
Acacia House Executive Suite
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Kelvin
14.2km from Workers' Museum - Newtown, JohannesburgAcacia House Executive Suite offers bed and breakfast and dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation in Kelvin, a tranquil suburb of Sandton, Johannesburg. An exclusive private suite, comprising accommodation for a single business professional or a couple. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Newtown (0.09km)
- City West (0.97km)
- Fordsburg (0.98km)
- Braamfontein (1.11km)
- Wanderers View Estate (1.11km)
- Johannesburg City Centre (1.28km)
- Marshalltown (1.32km)
- Selby (1.34km)
- Selby South (1.55km)
- Salisbury Claims (1.55km)
- Park Central (1.61km)
- Pageview (1.63km)
- Braampark (1.65km)
- Wemmer (1.70km)
- Vrededorp (1.72km)
- Sci-Bono Discovery Centre - Johannesburg (0.10km)
- Newtown Diwali Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg (0.10km)
- Mary Fitzgerald Square - Newtown, Johannesburg (0.12km)
- Arts Alive Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg (0.15km)
- Market Theatre - Newtown, Johannesburg (0.16km)
- Museum Africa - Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg (0.18km)
- SAB World Of Beer - Newtown, Johannesburg (0.22km)
- Nelson Mandela Shadow Boxer Statue - Johannesburg (0.42km)
- Oriental Plaza - Fordsburg, Johannesburg (0.78km)
- The Playground - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (0.95km)
- Wits Art Museum - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (1.03km)
- Origins Centre (Wits University) - Johannesburg (1.13km)
- Alexander Theatre - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (1.14km)
- Gandhi Square Precinct - Johannesburg (1.17km)
- University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - Johannesburg (1.20km)
- Joburg Theatre Complex - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (1.36km)
- Wits Planetarium - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (1.53km)
- Joubert Park - Johannesburg, Gauteng (1.64km)
- Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct - Johannesburg (1.73km)
- Absa Art Gallery - Johannesburg (1.78km)
- Absa Money Museum - Johannesburg (1.82km)
- Constitutional Court of South Africa - Johannesburg (1.85km)
- Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) - Johannesburg, Gauteng (1.86km)
- Windybrow Theatre - Hillbrow, Johannesburg (2.17km)
- The Bioscope Independent Cinema - Johannesburg (2.27km)
- Arts on Main - Johannesburg (2.57km)
- Maboneng Precinct - Johannesburg Central (2.71km)
- Milpark Hospital Netcare - Parktown, Johannesburg (2.77km)
- Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium) - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (2.89km)
- The Country Club Johannesburg - Auckland Park, Johannesburg (2.95km)
