Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg explores the institution and abolition of the racially discriminatory system of apartheid in 20th century South Africa.

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg explores the institution and abolition of the racially discriminatory system of apartheid in 20th century South Africa. The development of the country was marred by state-sanctioned segregation of whites and non-whites which was enforced from 1948 to 1994. The museum has 22 exhibition areas which display film footages, photographs, documents, text panels and artifacts illustrating the disturbing events, riots, and human stories of that era. Admission is R85 for adults, and R70 for seniors, students, and children.

The 'Journeys' exhibit traces the immigration of people of various races who came to South Africa after the discovery of gold in 1886. People were classified as native, coloured, Asian or white, assigned to specific 'homelands', and segregation was institutionalized, leading to violent protests and riots. The rise of black consciousness led to greater resistance against apartheid, culminating in the first democratic election in 1994 after the signing of the National Peace Accord and Bill of Rights. The end of apartheid saw the election of the Constituent Assembly, which guaranteed fundamental values which are celebrated by the seven pillars in the museum courtyard - democracy, equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect and freedom.