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Here are some great ideas for museums to visit in each province, along with school discounts offered at each museum.
Most students wouldn’t think of going out to a museum for some weekend fun, however, this can be a quirky and interesting outing when trying to escape the repetitive weekend activities that we have all come to know. It’s International Museum Day so now is as good a time as any to visit a museum. Below are a few interesting museums found in each province that offer a special rate for students.
Gauteng museums
The Maropeng Visitor Center in the Cradle of Humankind:
For those who might say museums are boring, it would be difficult to argue that visiting the very site where all human life on earth originated is a mundane idea. Maropeng is located in the Magaliesberg mountain range, roughly an hour out of Pretoria. With a beautiful surrounding, fascinating exhibits and the option of exploring the wondrous Sterkfontein Caves, this should be a must-visit place for any student in Gauteng.
- Rates: The usual rates are R120 per person, but upon presentation of a valid student card, students can enter for R75.
- Check out their website.
The Apartheid Museum:
This museum is regarded globally as the leading museum of 20th century South African history. The Apartheid Museum gives visitors a true sense of what life was like during the apartheid era and has become a symbol of freedom without violence. It can be found in Johannesburg by Gold Reef City.
- Rates: Students pay R80 per person.
- Check out their website.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban Natural Science Museum:
One of the most visited ones in South Africa, this museum focuses on the history and life of Earth across all of time. It is the only one funded by a local municipality and is open almost every single day of the year.
- Rates: Admission to this museum is completely free, rendering a cheap and intriguing day trip for anyone in KZN.
- Check out their website.
Port Natal Maritime Museum:
Durban has a rich culture of maritime trade and life. This museum gives deep insight into particular voyages, lives spent at sea and provides panoramic views of the Durban Harbour. Not only is it educational, live productions are often shown. The fee usually includes a meal.
- Rates: Admission is on a donation basis.
- Check out their website.
Western Cape
District 6 Museum:
District 6 is a well-known region in Cape Town. In 1901 under the apartheid regime, residents of the area were forcefully evicted to live in what is now known as the Cape Flats. It serves to educate people on the testimonies by those who were removed.
- Rates: Entrance for a self-guided trip costs R40, however, ex-residents of District 6 itself may enter for free.
- Check out their website.
South African National Gallery:
For the art lovers, this is an absolute must. The National Gallery features works of painting, architecture, drawing, sculptures and way more. It is perhaps the most comprehensive art gallery in the country and is found close to Cape Town city.
- Rates: Entrance for adults would usually cost R30, but for students, admission is R15. If you are in Cape Town, it is definitely worth the trip.
- Check out their website.
Eastern Cape
South African Air Force Museum:
One of the quirkier ones in the country, this museum displays a history of aeroplanes and stories of successful flights flown by South African pilots. With an emphasis on South Africa’s contribution to World War 2, the SAAF Museum is a great day trip for history or aeroplane enthusiasts. It is situated on the south side of the Port Elizabeth airport.
- Rates: Donations. R50 for the yearly air show.
- Check out their website.
Amathole Museum:
Found in King William’s Town, the Amathole Museum focuses on Xhosa culture and how British settlers lived in the Eastern Cape. Although it is a little out of the way, it is a fascinating place.
- Rates: Only R5 for adults to visit. While you’re there, the Missionary Museum is also well worth a visit.
- Check out their website.
Free State
National Museum:
In Bloemfontein, you will find the National Museum. This is where 150 year’s worth of rich history about the region can be found. It is simultaneously a natural history, cultural history and art museum rendering it interesting for any person who visits.
- Rates: It costs a mere R5 to gain admission and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
- Check out their website.
Anglo-Boer War Museum:
Also found in Bloemfontein, this is a museum exhibiting one of the most significant events in South African history. It seeks to explain the background and happenings of the Anglo-Boer war through a display of art and unique exhibitions.
- Rates: The entrance fee for adults is R10.
- Check out their website.
North West Province
Totius House Museum:
Located in Potchefstroom, this was once home to famous poet and writer, Jakob Daniel Du Toit, whose pen name was Totius. The museum is now dedicated to preserving his poems, letters and other works which helps you get an inside look at how this famous historical figure once lived.
- Rates: Entrance is free.
- Check out their website.
Goetz Fleischack Museum:
Established in the 1800’s this museum, also found in Potch, it was originally the home to Potchefstroom’s magistrate from 1870 to 1881. It is the last of the New Town square houses that sums up the era, that is why it is of interest to visitors.
- Rates: Admission is free.
- Check out their website.
Northern Cape
McGregor Museum:
Established in 1904, this Kimberley museum was first directed by a woman who majored in Geology, Mineralogy and Chemistry at Cambridge. It provides knowledge and insight into both the ecological and historical background of the Northern Cape.
- Rates: The price is R25 per person and certainly makes for an interesting outing.
- Website here.
William Humphrey Art Gallery:
Also in Kimberley, this art gallery features everything from 17th-century paintings to modern and contemporary works. It is one of only 3 national art museums in the country, making it an exclusive and unique experience for any visitors.
- Rates: Admission is R5.
- Website here.
Mpumalanga
Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum:
This museum seeks to maintain and exhibit South African agricultural history in its own quirky manner. It displays farming techniques and instruments used in South Africa from the Stone Ages until 1945. This is truly a one-of-a-kind museum. They even brew their own mampoer and liquers!
- Rates: At R30 per person, definitely head out to Cullinan to check it out.
- Website here.
Barberton Museum:
As the names suggest, this museum is situated in Barberton. Displaying a thorough history of various geological wonders, mining and the general history of Barberton.
- Rates: Admission fees for adults are R20 per person. For a small and intimate museum experience, this is a great option.
- Website here.
Limpopo
Rhino Museum:
Rhino poaching has become one of the largest issues facing the survival of rhinos and the work of conservationists. A museum that accurately describes their evolutionary history, habitats, wars and histories is definitely a museum that one should visit. Found in Waterberg, the Rhino Museum wishes to raise awareness about this endangered and magnificent species.
- Rates: Admission is free.
- Website here.
Polokwane Art Museum:
This art museum exhibits paintings, ceramics and other works completed by the local artists of Limpopo. This celebration of South African artistry should be a compelling reason to visit this museum.
- Rates: Admission is free.
- Website here.
Try seeing a museum to escape the ritual our weekends tend to become, especially to celebrate International Museum Day. A wealth of intriguing information and quirky fun is held within the walls of museums nation-wide, let’s not let any of this go to waste 🙂
FundiConnect 2cents
We know that museums aren’t seen as the most exciting of activities to spend time on during weekends. International Museum Day comes around once a year and is the perfect opportunity to expand on your knowledge of our countries rich history. Get a group of friends together and go on a historical adventure, maybe throw some wine tasting in afterwards.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
