Apartheid Museum Verified listing

The Apartheid Museum is located in Johannesburg, South Africa, near the Gold Reef City complex. Opened in 2001, it is the first museum dedicated to illustrating the rise and fall of apartheid — the system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. Through powerful exhibits and deeply moving storytelling, the museum presents a detailed account of the struggle for freedom and human rights during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history.

The museum’s design itself is symbolic: visitors are randomly assigned entry tickets labelled "white" or "non-white" to simulate the racial divisions of the apartheid era. Inside, exhibits include photographs, newspaper clippings, film footage, personal testimonies, and large-scale installations that guide visitors chronologically through the political, social, and personal impact of apartheid. Special galleries honour figures such as Nelson Mandela and explore the ongoing legacy of resistance, reconciliation, and nation-building.

The Apartheid Museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, with an admission fee required. It is highly recommended to set aside at least two hours for a meaningful visit, although many spend longer due to the emotional depth and scope of the content. Photography is restricted in some areas, and the museum is fully wheelchair accessible. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in South African history, human rights, and the global struggle against injustice.