Entrance fees for the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg cost R170 for South African adults (R120 for local pensioners, students, and children) and R240 for international adult visitors (R190 for international pensioners, students, and children). Official guided tours are available for an additional R20 per person, while pre-booked school learner groups receive a discounted rate of R60 per student. Located next to Gold Reef City in Ormonde, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.
Current Apartheid Museum Entrance Fees and Ticket Prices
The Apartheid Museum operates a tiered pricing structure based on residency, visitor age, and whether you choose a self-guided walkthrough or an official guided tour. Valid identification or a student card must be presented at the ticket office to qualify for local resident or concessionary rates.
| Ticket Category | South African Citizens / Residents | International Visitors |
| Adults (Self-Guided) | R170.00 | R240.00 |
| Adults (Guided Tour) | R190.00 | R260.00 |
| Pensioners (60+) | R120.00 (Self-guided) / R140.00 (Guided) | R190.00 (Self-guided) / R200.00 (Guided) |
| Students (with valid student card) | R120.00 (Self-guided) / R140.00 (Guided) | R190.00 (Self-guided) / R200.00 (Guided) |
| Children (Ages 11–18) | R120.00 (Self-guided) / R140.00 (Guided) | R190.00 (Self-guided) / R200.00 (Guided) |
| School Learners (Pre-booked group) | R60.00 per learner | R60.00 per learner |
| School Educators / Teachers | R65.00 – R70.00 per educator | R65.00 – R70.00 per educator |
Note: All prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR). Standard ticket prices include admission to both the permanent exhibitions and any temporary showcase galleries.
Tour Options and Add-On Experiences
Visitors can explore the museum independently or participate in an organized guided tour to gain deeper historical context from specialist site guides.
Self-Guided Exploration
Standard admission grants self-paced access to all 22 exhibition zones. Information is presented through large-scale photography, historical text panels, authentic audio recordings, artifact displays, and multimedia video installations. Audio tour companion apps can also be downloaded to personal smartphones for audio-guided navigation.
Official Guided Tours
Guided tours offer an in-depth, interactive walkthrough led by knowledgeable museum historians. These tours require a small additional fee (R20 above standard admission) and provide valuable background on the key figures, anti-apartheid campaigns, and political transitions of 20th-century South Africa. Guided group tours should be requested at the reception desk upon arrival or booked in advance for large private parties.
School and Educational Group Tours
The museum provides tailored educational programs and activity booklets aligned with school curricula (specifically Grades 6 through 12). School tours must consist of 15 or more learners and require booking at least four to six weeks in advance via email ([email protected]) or telephone.
Discounts, Concessions, and Group Rates
Several discounts and concession options are available to make the museum accessible:
- City Sightseeing Red Bus Tour Passengers: Visitors arriving via the Johannesburg City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus (Stop 14) are eligible for discounted entrance rates (typically R160 for local adults and R220 for international adults).
- Tour Operator & STO Rates: Registered inbound tour operators receive dedicated STO rates (R160 local adults / R220 international adults for self-guided entry).
- Free Public Entry Days: The museum occasionally offers free general admission on select national public holidays, such as Human Rights Day (March 21) or National Women’s Day (August 9).
Operating Hours, Location, and Visit Planning
Operating Days and Times
- Wednesday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
- Public Holidays: 09:00 – 17:00 (Open on most public holidays)
- Closure Dates: Closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Day (January 1).
Location and Directions
The Apartheid Museum is situated in Ormonde, in the southern region of Johannesburg, adjacent to the Gold Reef City casino and theme park complex.
- Physical Address: Corner of Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road (Data Crescent), Ormonde, Johannesburg, 2001, Gauteng, South Africa.
- By Car / Ride-Hailing: Accessible via the M1 South highway. Dedicated, secure on-site parking is available free of charge for visitors within the museum grounds.
- By Tourist Bus: Stop 14 on the City Sightseeing Johannesburg Red Route.
Recommended Visit Duration
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to walk through the permanent collections and temporary exhibits comfortably. History enthusiasts and researchers often allocate 3 to 4 hours to read through the extensive archival documents and view the historical video footage in full.
Key Exhibits and What to Expect
The Apartheid Museum is recognized worldwide as the pre-eminent institution documenting the rise and fall of South Africa’s system of racial segregation.
- Racial Classification Turnstiles: At the entrance, each visitor receives a ticket that arbitrarily designates them as either “White” or “Non-White.” Visitors must enter through segregated turnstiles, immediately introducing the lived reality of identity classification under apartheid law.
- The Rise of Apartheid: Displays tracing the roots of segregation, early 20th-century gold mining conditions, and the institutionalization of apartheid policies following the 1948 general election.
- Resistance and Repression: Chronicles of key anti-apartheid campaigns, including the Defiance Campaign, the Sharpeville Massacre, the Rivonia Trial, and the 1976 Soweto Student Uprising.
- Nelson Mandela Exhibition: A dedicated pavilion celebrating the life, imprisonment, release, and leadership of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
- The Path to Democracy & The Pillar Garden: The culmination of the museum experience, exploring the CODESA negotiations, the historic 1994 democratic elections, the drafting of the South African Constitution, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Essential Visitor Guidelines
- Age Suitability: Due to the graphic nature of photographs, historical footage, and political violence depicted in certain sections, the museum is not recommended for children under 11 years old.
- Photography Policy: Photography and video filming are strictly prohibited inside the exhibition galleries to protect archival materials and respect the solemnity of the exhibits. Photography is allowed in the outdoor courtyards and the Pillar Garden.
- Accessibility: The facility is fully wheelchair-accessible, featuring wide ramps, spacious hallways, and adapted restroom facilities.
- Amenities: An on-site café serves light meals, hot beverages, and snacks. A museum shop provides a curated collection of books, historical publications, crafts, and educational materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does entry to the Apartheid Museum cost?
Standard self-guided admission is R170 for South African adult citizens and R120 for local students, pensioners, and children. For international visitors, admission is R240 for adults and R190 for students, pensioners, and children. Guided tours are available for an extra R20 per ticket.
Do I need to book tickets online in advance?
Individual travelers and families do not need to book in advance; tickets can be purchased directly at the on-site ticket counter upon arrival via cash, debit card, or credit card. Large groups of 15 or more, as well as educational school tours, must book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
What proof of identity is required for discounted tickets?
To qualify for South African resident rates, visitors must present a valid South African ID card, smart ID, driver’s license, or passport. Pensioners must show proof of age (60+), and students must produce a valid university or tertiary institution student card.
How do I get to the Apartheid Museum using public transit or tourist transport?
The most convenient tourist transport is the Johannesburg City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which stops directly at the museum (Stop 14). Alternatively, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate reliably to and from the museum entrance.
Is photography permitted inside the Apartheid Museum?
No, personal cameras and photography (including smartphone photos and video recording) are not permitted within the interior exhibition spaces. Visitors may take photographs only in the outdoor courtyards and garden areas.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility impairments?
Yes, the Apartheid Museum was designed with complete universal accessibility in mind. All main exhibition areas, walkways, and restrooms accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices without stair-only barriers.