Which cultural institutions and museums help preserve Johannesburg’s history?

Johannesburg features a variety of cultural institutions and museums dedicated to preserving the city's complex history, ranging from its industrial origins to its pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Museums and Historical Sites

• Apartheid Museum: This institution provides a comprehensive and critical look at the history of apartheid in South Africa.
• Constitution Hill: Located at a former prison complex and military fort where many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held, this site now houses the country’s Constitutional Court.
• Museum Africa: Situated at the city's old produce market, this museum focuses on the history and culture of the region.
• Bensusan Museum of Photography: Also located at the old market, this museum preserves the history of photography.
• Gold Reef City: An amusement park built on the site of a defunct gold mine, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's "old" mining history.1
• Liliesleaf: Located just north of the city in Rivonia, this former farm served as a secret headquarters for the liberation movement in the early 1960s.

Arts and Research

• Johannesburg Art Gallery: Established in the early 20th century, it houses a significant collection of European Impressionists and works by African artists.
• Market Theatre: A world-renowned complex that serves as a vital hub for local theatre and cultural expression.1
• Johannesburg Public Library: Established in 1889, this institution anchors an extensive network of libraries that support historical and cultural research.