The Arend Dieperink Museum in Mokopane is a gracious old school building that houses a collection of cultural and historical artefacts showcasing the history of the people of the region, from early hominids to more recent times. more

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, previously called The King George VI Gallery, has an impressive collection includes British art, international printmaking and Oriental art, as well as art from, and of, the Eastern Cape. It is situated at the entrance to the beautiful St George's Park in Port Elizabeth. more

MuseumAfricA reminds us of humble beginnings of Johannesburg, the economic heart of the country that was never planned. It sprang up overnight in reaction to the discovery of gold. Its sophistication today belies its rough-and-tumble beginnings. The museum records the politics and people who shaped it. more

Some Afrikaans expressions don’t bear translation - no other language quite captures their exact meaning. Like bakgat, which translates to ‘cool’, although ‘cool’ doesn’t really get that element of grudging admiration. Or gatvol, which means ‘fed-up’, but with far less civility. The Afrikaans Language Monument traces the growth of Afrikaans. more

The National Cultural History Museum has items appealing to all - from the ancient art of the San, to contemporary works of leading artists; from the distant history of Mapungubwe to apartheid in the recent past. Appropriately situated in the capital, this stately institution also features a programme of temporary exhibits. more

South African Architecture is wondrous mix of styles. The rural landscape is populated with traditional African architecture and aging monuments to colonialism, while the cities are filled with ostentatious skyscrapers echoing the glory of days gone by and modern buildings reflecting the move to a more green way of living. more

Eco-architecture is taking off in South Africa. Gone are the days when the demands on architecture were to create structures that were bigger, better, more impressive. Instead, the buildings at the forefront of modern architecture are greener, use less resources and have minimal impact on their surroundings. more

The Durban City Hall was built in the early 1900s in classic neo-Baroque-style architecture. Aside from the city's municipal chambers, the building houses a public library, auditorium, the Durban Art Gallery and the Natural Science Museum behind its gracious façade. more

Herbert Baker architecture can be found in the most affluent and historic areas of South Africa’s major cities. While not all his buildings are open to the public, a passing view is a visual treat, offering a glimpse into the style of one of the leading architects in South Africa. more

In recording conflicts involving South Africans, the South African National Museum of Military History narrates our military past, including anti-apartheid armed action. Some fascinating, lesser-known aspects are revealed, such as the role of women. Displays include a one-of-a-kind fighter aircraft and a one-man submarine. more

KwaMuhle is an eThekwini-based museum dedicated to sharing with modern visitors the history and fight against apartheid of the different cultures on which the 21st century of eThekwini (Durban) grows its future. The museum is housed in the old Native Affairs Building and is one of four major historical museums in the city. more

The Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg is an impressive, modern museum covering the natural and cultural history of the KwaZulu-Natal region, with a specific focus on Zulu culture. Also an educational facility, the museum is constantly expanding its own horizons through research projects. more

The National Museum of South Africa is a living museum that strives to reflect history as it is happening as well as recording the natural and social past of this country. more

If you are touring the Free State, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein is a must. It’s situated in a striking neo-Cape Dutch building and features work by top South African artists, art exhibitions, a superb restaurant and magnificent gardens. more