johannesburg

40 WHAT TO SEE
MOAD G-4, 281 Commissioner St, Maboneng, City Centre,
www.moadjhb.com. The first new museum in the city in
years the Museum of African Design in Maboneng is housed
in a cavernous industrial building. Its focus is on contemporary
African art, fashion and culture and it brings together a
fascinating mix of artists and thinkers. A cultural laboratory
rather than a collecting museum, the space also hosts events.
QOpen Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, Thu until 23:00. Closed Mon.
Admission R20. Free for children, students. Thurs free to all.
Constitutional Court, Braamfontein Constitutional Court Trust
Ditsong National Museum of Military History 20
Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, tel. +27 11 646 5513, www.
ditsong.org.za. The fascinating displays here illustrate technological
developments in warfare. In two Bellman Hangars
these cover key events including the Anglo-Zulu war, the
Anglo-Boer war, South Africa’s role in the first and second
world wars, and resistance movements against apartheid.
Climb into the military vehicles for an even more interactive
experience.QMon–Sun 09:00–16:30. Admission: Adults R25,
senior citizens and children R15. UL
Liliesleaf Farm 7 George Ave, Rivonia, tel. +27 11 803
7882, www.liliesleaf.co.za. In the early 1960s this idyllic
farm in Rivonia (now part of the suburb of Sandton) was the
secret hideout and meeting place of prominent anti-apartheid
leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Bram Fischer,
Joe Slovo and Govan Mbeki. It was here that the plans for an
armed struggle against apartheid were formulated. Interactive
exhibits help you understand the lives of these incredible
characters. Don’t miss the customised overland safari bus
parked that was used to smuggle weapons into South Africa.
Give yourself a few hours in this outstanding museum.QOpen
daily 09:00–16:00. Admission R60, children 8–17 years old
R30, under 7 free. Guided tours from R110. ULKW
Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng R400 just off
the R563 to Hekpoort Cradle of Humankind, tel. +27 14
577 9000, www.maropeng.co.za. This cave-strewn area
(58km from Joburg), now a World Heritage Site, is where some
of the most important hominid fossil discoveries in the world
have been made. Prehistoric fossils continue to be found
here. The exhibition sites are spread across the countryside,
and the main ones are full of information, making it worth a
day-long visit. The striking Maropeng Museum is designed
to resemble a burial mound and is the main visitors’ centre.
It takes an interactive approach to the history of life, from the
big bang to the evolution of humans, the discovery of fire and
the spread of people across the continents. Tour the nearby
Sterkfontein Caves where the remains of Little Foot, Mrs Ples
and others were found. The caves include a great exhibition on
geology and evolution, which also looks at the development
of other animals such as the sabre-toothed cats which once
inhabited the area.QOpen 09:00–17:00. Tours of the caves
every 30 minutes. Admission to Maropeng R145, students
R85, kids under 14 R82. Sterkfontein Caves R150, students
R85, kids under 14 R88. Combination ticket (Sterkfontein
Caves and Maropeng), R215, kids under 14 R155. Kids under
four get in free. ULK
Johannesburg In Your Pocket
Museum Africa B-4, Mary Fitzgerald Sq, Newtown, tel.
+27 11 833 5624. This impressive old building was once
the city’s fruit and vegetable market. Sadly, nowadays there’s
an air of neglect inside the vast space, and the museum has
struggled to maintain some of its permanent exhibitions. That
said, they do regularly host some excellent temporary art and
history exhibitions which alone are usually worth a visit. Permanent
displays include the origins and customs of the different
ethnic groups that make up South Africa, a history of political
cartoons and a small exhibit on Gandhi’s time in Joburg. The
fifth floor is dedicated to an astonishing photography collection.
QOpen 09:00–17:00. Closed Mon. Admission free.
Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory 107 Central St,
Houghton, tel. +27 11 547 5600, www.nelsonmandela.
org. The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory was founded
in 2004 as a publicly accessible archive and centre for the
continuation of the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
It focuses on the life and times of Mandela and his
lifelong dedication to social justice. An exhibit outlines his
life and the context of his struggle, complimented by many
personal artefacts such as his letters from prison, personal
photographs and his Nobel Peace prize. The centre is two
blocks from Mandela’s final home on 4th Street.QVisits by
appointment only. LU
Origins Centre B-2, Cnr
Yale Rd and Enoch Sontonga
Ave, Wits University,
Braamfontein, tel. +27 11
717 4700, www.origins.
org.za. From artist Walter
Oltmann’s exceptional wire
sculpture at the entrance
to the design of each exhibit,
this must-see museum
showcases the origins of
humankind. It explores and
celebrates the history of modern humans, tracing their
emergence along an 80 000-year-long path to its African
source. The exhibits include an extensive collection of rock
art and paleoanthropological, archaeological and genetic
materials, including ancient tools and artefacts of spiritual
significance. It throws a fascinating light on San culture and
rituals. The museum can be viewed in 90 minutes or a few
hours. There’s a gift store worth a visit.QOpen Mon–Sat
09:00–17:00, Sun 10:00–17:00. Admission: adults R60,
children under 12 (accompanied by an adult) R35. Guide fee
R180 (minimum 10 people). ULK
SAB World of Beer C-4, 15 President St (Cnr Gerard
Sekoto St), Newtown, tel. +27 11 836 49 00, www.
worldofbeer.co.za. A light-hearted, multi-sensory experience
tracing the history of all things beer, from the Egyptians
to the present day. Highlights include a crisp, cold one in a
replica of a 19th-century South African pub. Tours last approximately
80 minutes (including drinking stops) and leave
every half hour. Over 18s only.QOpen 10:00–18:00 (last tour
16:30). Closed Mon, Sun. Admission: R65 (R60 with a City
Sightseeing Bus ticket), Students R55.
johannesburg.inyourpocket.com