Johannesburg's 50-Year Record of Racial Segregation

At a Glance

The Apartheid Museum south of Johannesburg opened November 2001 to document South Africa's 1948–1994 racial segregation system and its overthrow. Over 250,000 visitors a year.

Segregation at the Entrance

Visitors randomly receive "White" or "Non-White" tickets, entering through separate doors and corridors before meeting inside — a visceral design choice.

Highlights

• Colonial history from 1652.
• Original apartheid laws, pass books, whites-only signs.
• Nelson Mandela room with letters and prison clothes.
• 1976 Soweto uprising and Hector Pieterson.
• 1994 first democratic election materials.

Visiting Tips

15-min cab from downtown Johannesburg. R150. 3–4 hours. Closed Mondays. Pair with Constitution Hill.