About Apartheid Museum
Visitors are randomly assigned a 'white' or 'non-white' entrance, setting the tone for a powerful chronological journey through the rise and fall of apartheid.
Founded in 2001, Apartheid Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 25 years. Today it draws approximately 380,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited memorial & remembrance museums in the world. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 12,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Apartheid Museum ranks #125
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #125 in our composite ranking, Apartheid Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–4 hours, planning your route through Apartheid Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Race classification entrance
- ◆Pillars of the Constitution
- ◆Mandela exhibition
- ◆Soweto uprising room
Recognition & awards
Apartheid Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 9:00–17:00. Closed Mon–Tue.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Apartheid Museum is located in Johannesburg, South Africa at coordinates -26.2369°N, 28.0086°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Apartheid Museum
Apartheid Museum was established in 2001, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Johannesburg. With 380,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in South Africa's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important memorial & remembrance museums in the Africa region.
Other top memorial & remembrance museums
If you enjoy memorial & remembrance museums like Apartheid Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #33Yad VashemJerusalem, Israel
- #34Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-BirkenauOświęcim, Poland
- #35United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumWashington, United States
- #36Anne Frank HouseAmsterdam, Netherlands
- #399/11 Memorial & MuseumNew York, United States
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Apartheid Museum?
Wed–Sun 9:00–17:00. Closed Mon–Tue. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Apartheid Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Apartheid Museum located?
Apartheid Museum is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The exact coordinates are -26.2369°, 28.0086°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Apartheid Museum known for?
The story of 20th-century South Africa. Key highlights include Race classification entrance, Pillars of the Constitution, Mandela exhibition. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 12,000 reviews.
How many people visit Apartheid Museum each year?
Apartheid Museum receives approximately 380,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in South Africa.
When was Apartheid Museum founded?
Apartheid Museum was founded in 2001, making it 25 years old. It is categorised as a memorial & remembrance museum in our directory.
