Origins Centre, Wits University

Museum · Johannesburg

Origins Centre, Wits University

Museum · Johannesburg

Yale Road &, 1 Enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa

Highlights

Discover early human history and stunning San rock art through immersive exhibits and engaging audio tours at Johannesburg’s Origins Centre.

Yale Road &, 1 Enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa Get directions

wits.ac.za

@afar

"Housed in Johannesburg’s historically significant University of Witwatersrand, the Origins Center details the history of humankind through displays, artwork, and more. Touring the interactive exhibits, either with a guide or a headset, will not only change the way you think about human existence, but also provide further insight into the way we’ve developed over the ages. While the museum focuses most on South African human development, there’s enough on offer to keep everyone engaged. Be sure to check out the 11 panels depicting the history of the San people in South Africa. Created by local women’s groups, the works serve as a timeline, covering everything from the distant past and the colonial period to issues affecting the San community today."

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Phillip Kania

Google

Maybe it's the most underrated museum in Joburg. It's perfect for everyone who wants to discover the origins and humanity of southern Africa. It's better and much more worth a visit as the cradle of humankind. It focuses on the culture of the San and their rock art, which is impressive. Take some time at least 3 hours to see all the artifacts. The staff is super friendly and helpful. It's important to know to bring your ID or passport which is an entry requirement as a visitor and follow the description on the website the drop-off location from bolt and uber are wrong.

Thomas Meyer

Google

What an awesome experience- a definite “must visit”! We arrived only to be told that there was a conference and that they were not really open to the public. But one of the staff members took us on a quick tour to explain the basics. We’ll definitely be back to do it properly. So perhaps just phone ahead of visiting in order to make sure that they are open.

John Lonyala

Google

It's a great day with the Origins centre, very interesting and educational. I recommend a physical visit

Braam van Dyk

Google

Interesting experience and history lesson. The exhibits have been preserved delicately and kept in great condition. The guide we had (however) was not so great. Understandable if youre a 1st year student doing weekend work but I was expecting someone with a little deeper subject matter knowledge and patience towards the not so knowledgeable visitors to lead the group.

Serge Zing

Google

Waoah such an amazing experience that was ...this museum has taken me back to our roots...to the human origins more people should visit this museum to educate themselves especially those who are discriminating others 😊

Roo Nai

Google

Amazing Museum. Has replicas of skulls of human species, short films, and tells you about the discoverers. I found it amazing that information was dedicated to San discoverers as well, even though there were no pictures of some of them. The museum will make you feel something emotional, not just educate you, and it's quite large so dedicate a few hours to see everything. I wish I could've spent more time. I was expecting a small exhibition since it was in a university, but now I regret not being able to take my time at each display. Also entrance was free for me as I'm a student and it was the wits parade. I want to go again.

Lisa Harlow

Google

A much underrated museum in Johannesburg. Well worth a visit if you are interested in the origins of humans and how the San people developed If you’re driving, it is tedious to enter the university and then phone to get a code to enter the car park A good way to spend a couple of hours in Joburg. There was also a tour you could prebook

Jeremiah Goddard

Google

Very interesting experience. The short videos and movies went a long way to explain many of the information and exhibits. The artifacts were very interesting to look at and read about. Overall this was a great experience for an tourist or local. Small cafe onsite.