Best Free Museums In Johannesburg Near Me

4worldlovers: The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story.

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4worldlovers: The James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. It was established by the Late Jimmie Hall together with the City of Johannesburg in February 1964.

The JHMT gives visitors a rare glimpse of Johannesburg's transport history, dating back more than a century. The museum is the most comprehensive land transport museum in South Africa, with thematic displays and exhibits in the various exhibition halls.

In addition there is a fascinating collection of memorabilia, artefacts and special interest vehicles as well as an extremely rare and exciting steam vehicle collection.

At the James Hall Museum of Transport generations of youngsters can see the many ways their grandparents and great-grandparents got around the city - and the country - all those years ago.

A trip to the James Hall Museum of Transport in Pioneers' Park in La Rochelle is a must for anyone keen on vehicles, history, or just meandering through a small sector of South Africa's past.

Ever wondered whether there was a time when Johannesburg's roads weren't packed with speeding cars? Take some time to visit the James Hall Museum to find out more about the history of land transportation.

The museum is a treasure trove of information and displays dealing with over a hundred years of land transport in all its forms. Our city's rich history of transportation is recreated at the James Hall Museum of Transport, which is dedicated to preserving the history of land transport in the city for posterity.

Children will be in awe of the museum's collection of animal-drawn carts, ox-wagons, bicycles, coaches, motorbikes, steam locomotives, electric cars, fire engines and other self-propelled vehicles.

In conjunction with the City Council, the late James "Jimmie" Hall founded the museum in 1964. Hall was a car enthusiast with a special interest in vintage models. The oldest motorcar on display is a 1900 Clement Panhard.

Peter Hall, son of Jimmie, was head of the museum until he retired at the end of December 2012.

Peter honoured his father's legacy by collecting and preserving vintage cars. The museum houses a collection of over 2500 items and is the largest of its kind in South Africa.

The museum appeals to a cross section of society, from school children learning about the history of transportation to enthusiasts from all over South Africa and overseas.

Other remarkable items on display include rickshaws, which were used in Johannesburg until 1967, horse-drawn trams that were still in use at the turn of the last century and the last electric double-decker tram that ran through parts of Johannesburg back in 1961.

Early motorcycles that combined the principles of the bicycle and the internal combustion engine are on view, and visitors can also see a luxurious private coach from 1905, fire fighting vehicles like the 1913 Merryweather Steam pump and a 1959 Mayoral Rolls Royce.

Funds are raised by The Friends of the Museum to help with the upkeep.

You may wish to use the picnic areas around the museum.

Secure parking within the museum grounds. The museum is accessible for the disabled, and wheel chairs are on hand at the entrance.

Tours are available for school groups, clubs, interest groups and enthusiasts.

4worldlovers: Join us on a journey of discovery and experience Africa’s rich, complex heritage which boasts an extensive collection of rock art, fossils, artefacts and ancient stone tools. Hours and Admission

4worldlovers:
Weekdays: 09h00 – 16h30 | Saturdays & Public Holidays: 09h00 – 16h30 | Sundays: 09h00 – 15h30


Sci-Bono is a world-class science centre that supports maths, science and technology education and offers innovative, dynamic learning experiences that contribute to building South Africa’s science, engineering and technology capacity.

4worldlovers: Mandela House strives to be a world-class visitor attraction and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation, and research of the historical heritage and Mandela Family legacy.