Apartheid Museum
Gauteng
The Apartheid Museum, located in Johannesburg's Gauteng province, is dedicated to illustrating the history and impact of apartheid in South Africa during the 20th century. Opened in November 2001, it forms part of the Gold Reef City complex and provides visitors with a compelling narrative of racial segregation, discrimination, and the struggle for freedom. The museum's architecture and exhibits are carefully designed to evoke emotional responses, beginning with the racially segregated entrances that simulate the apartheid era's division. Key exhibits include the Pillars of the Constitution, which highlight the fundamental values of South Africa's democracy, and the Race Classification exhibit, which immerses visitors in the realities of racial categorization under apartheid. The Journeys exhibit reflects on the diverse origins of Johannesburg's inhabitants post-gold discovery, while the Segregation exhibit outlines the policies that paved the way for apartheid. The museum also hosts events commemorating the end of apartheid and the dawn of multiracial democracy, making it a vital cultural and educational landmark.
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Astuce: Visit the Apartheid Museum on weekdays to avoid larger weekend crowds, and consider arriving early to fully experience the exhibits. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking the official website for any special events or free entry days, such as Freedom Day on April 27th for South African citizens, is recommended. The museum is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Allow at least two hours to explore the museum comprehensively.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum features two separate entrances labeled 'white' and 'non-white' to simulate the apartheid-era segregation experience for visitors.
- •The Pillars of the Constitution exhibit showcases the seven core values enshrined in the South African Constitution: Democracy, Equality, Reconciliation, Diversity, Responsibility, Respect, and Freedom.
- •The museum is part of the Gold Reef City complex, a popular entertainment and cultural precinct in Johannesburg.
- •Events celebrating the end of apartheid and the start of multiracial democracy are held at the museum at least five times a year.
- •A notable sculpture at the museum is the replica of Nelson Mandela's artwork by Marco Cianfanelli.
Histoire
The Apartheid Museum was established in November 2001 within the Gold Reef City complex in Johannesburg.
It was conceived as the first museum of its kind to document the rise and fall of apartheid, South Africa's system of institutionalized racial segregation that lasted from 1948 until the early 1990s.
The museum's creation marked a significant step in acknowledging and educating about this difficult period in South African history.
Over the years, it has become a central site for commemorating the country's transition to democracy, hosting regular events that celebrate freedom and reconciliation.
Guide du lieu
Pillars of the Constitution
This outdoor exhibit features seven pillars, each representing one of the fundamental values of South Africa's Constitution: Democracy, Equality, Reconciliation, Diversity, Responsibility, Respect, and Freedom. It sets the tone for the museum's message of unity and human rights.
Race Classification Exhibit
This entry point exhibit immerses visitors in the apartheid system of racial classification, displaying identity documents that categorized people as native, white, coloured, or Asian. Visitors enter through either a 'white' or 'non-white' entrance based on a random ticket, reflecting the segregation policies.
Journeys Exhibit
Located outside on the path to the museum building, this exhibit features large photographs of descendants of individuals who migrated to Johannesburg after the 1886 gold discovery. Visitors see the backs of these figures as if walking alongside them, symbolizing the diverse origins and the impact of apartheid segregation.
Segregation Exhibit1910
This section provides historical context on the official segregation policies in the Union of South Africa formed in 1910, which excluded blacks and white women from voting and laid the groundwork for apartheid.
Contact
Téléphone: 011 309 4700