Attraction
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum beside Gold Reef City tells the story of the rise and fall of apartheid through film, photographs, documents and a striking race-classified entrance.
Origins Centre
The Origins Centre at Wits University explores the story of human origins in Africa and holds a large collection of southern African rock art.
At a glance
- Type
- Museum of human origins and rock art
- Area
- Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Sunday)
- Official site
- wits.ac.za
Good to know
- Online tickets
- Guided tours for groups
- Parking
- Curious Café
- Rea Vaya bus stop nearby
Why we recommend it
The Origins Centre is a museum on the West Campus of the University of the Witwatersrand, known as Wits, in Braamfontein. It was opened in 2006 by President Thabo Mbeki and tells the story of modern humans from their beginnings in Africa, drawing on the university's long research record in palaeoanthropology and archaeology.
The permanent exhibition begins with human origins and evolution and moves through early technology, art, culture and symbolism. The second half focuses on southern African rock art, with one of the most extensive collections in the region, shown alongside contemporary installations by South African artists that respond to the ancient paintings and engravings. The museum also runs temporary exhibitions, which are free with a main museum ticket.
It is an excellent introduction before or after a trip to the Cradle of Humankind north-west of the city, and it suits curious adults, students and families with older children. The museum says the average visit takes between 90 minutes and two hours, with extra multimedia material for anyone who wants to go deeper. Groups can book a guide, and there is a separate fee for exclusive guided visits for smaller parties.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays and public holidays from 09:00 to 16:00; it is closed on Sundays. Note that the centre is closed for a private event from 26 to 29 October 2026 and reopens on 30 October. Tickets can be bought online, with reduced prices for seniors, students, children and learners.
Drivers use the Yale Road entrance on the corner of Enoch Sontonga Avenue, and there is a parking area in front of the centre. Access is controlled, so call the number on the museum's website on arrival or email ahead for the code. If you arrive on foot or by ride-hailing app, use the Sutton Close entrance on Jorissen Road, about 100 metres away, and bring identification for campus security. Rea Vaya buses on the inner-city circular route stop nearby on Jorissen and De Korte streets. Curious Café, open Monday to Saturday, is on site, and the cafés and galleries of Braamfontein are a short walk away.
Origins Centre FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, Saturdays and public holidays 09:00 to 16:00, closed on Sundays.
How long should I allow?
The museum says a typical visit takes between 90 minutes and two hours.
Can I book tickets online?
Yes, through the museum's online ticketing partner.
Is there parking?
Yes, in front of the centre. Call on arrival or email beforehand for the access code.
Which entrance should I use on foot?
The Sutton Close entrance on Jorissen Road, about 100 metres from the centre. Bring ID.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes. Rea Vaya inner-city circular buses stop on Jorissen and De Korte streets.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, for groups and as exclusive guided visits for smaller parties, for an extra fee.
Is there a café?
Yes. Curious Café on site is open Monday to Saturday.