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The African Window to our culture
National Cultural History Museum
Rock art in the central Drakensberg.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The National Cultural History Museum has the largest collection of artifacts and records in South Africa.
The National Cultural History Museum, also known as the African Window, is rightly regarded as the most dynamic, innovative heritage institution in South Africa.
At first part of the State Museum of the old Transvaal Republic, this Pretoria cultural history museum moved to its own premises near the National Zoological Gardens in Boom Street in 1904. Here it became the Pretoria Museum, then the Transvaal Museum.
When the South African Mint moved premises to Midrand, the museum moved to the Old Mint building in Visagie Street. There it became the National Cultural History Museum before completely reinventing itself as the cutting-edge African Window.
The museum still has its massive collection of documents, manuscripts, records, photographs and artifacts representing the country's diverse cultures and history, some of which are on permanent display. These range from the Stone and Iron Ages through our recent past to the present.
But it is how they are displayed that sets this cultural history museum in Pretoria apart. Here the rock art exhibit is the ‘rainbow collection' and the contemplation of space is ‘reach for the stars'. A must is the African headdresses collection.
This is where the African Window comes in, giving life to everything. For this is a living museum as well where culture is presented through regular song, dance, drama and film festivals.
This National Cultural History Museum, with over 5-million objects and artefacts, has the largest storage facility in southern Africa. There's also a library, auditorium, conference facility and gift shop on the premises.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
National Cultural History Museum
Tel: +27 (0) 12 328 5173.
How to get here
The National Cultural History Museum is in Visagie Street, between Bosman and Schubart streets. There are taxis and buses readily available in the city centre.
Around the area
The Transvaal Museum of Natural History is around the corner.
What will it cost
Entrance to the museum is free of charge unless there's a particular performance or event on the go.
Length of stay
Half a day is sufficient.
Where to stay
Pretoria has a variety of accommodation options.
What to eat
The museum has a cafeteria on the premises serving light meals and snacks.