Origins Centre, Wits University
Museum · Johannesburg ·

Origins Centre, Wits University

Museum · Johannesburg ·

Exhibits on early humans, rock art, San people history

Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by Photo courtesy of Origins Centre
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null
Origins Centre, Wits University by null

Information

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

Information

Static Map

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

+27 11 717 4700
wits.ac.za
originscentre
𝕏
@OriginsCentre

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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."

12 Must-Do Experiences in Johannesburg
Photo courtesy of Origins Centre
Wits University Origins Centre

Elizabeth C.

Google
An amazing museum open to the public. Highlighting the incredible discoveries made in South Africa that revolutionized our understanding of the history of humans.

David N.

Google
If you’re even mildly curious about early humans and rock art, this museum is excellent. Exhibits are clear, tactile where it counts, and the audio pieces add mood without dragging. I appreciated how the displays connect Southern African stories to the big human timeline—felt educational but never heavy. Staff gave us a simple route so we didn’t miss the highlights, and the shop is actually good (books, prints, thoughtful gifts). Plan 60–90 minutes. It’s an easy pair with coffee in Braamfontein afterward.

Phillip K.

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.

Benjamin G.

Google
The Origins Centre on the Wits campus is one of the best places to get a sense of how deep human history on this continent really goes. The exhibits on early humans, rock art and archaeology are fascinating and laid out in a way that makes sense even if you are not a science person. You leave with your brain buzzing a bit. The campus around it has its own charm: old trees, students moving between lectures, bits of architecture from different eras. It is easy to combine a visit to the museum with a short wander through the campus and maybe a coffee in Braamfontein afterward.

Lisa H.

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

Thomas M.

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.

Roo N.

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.

John L.

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