About Kliptown Open Air Museum
Standing in Freedom Square in Soweto, the Kliptown Open Air Museum, dedicated to Walter Sisulu, tells the story of the drafting of the Freedom Charter. And it does so via photographs, art, song, news clipping and narration. It is a thoroughly visual journey made by visitors to the museum, one that emphasises the freedom South Africa fought so hard to achieve.
It is not an original idea, using multi-media to paint a story, neither is the concept of an open air museum - the first was established in Scandinavia at the end of the nineteenth century - but in this particular case, the story that it tells – the attainment of freedom - gains an added dimension, unfettered by the walls of a building.
Displays include artefacts from the people who witnessed the signing of the charter, as well as songs sung at the meeting in Kliptown, and the testimonies narrated by those who were there. This combination of sound and art is particularly impactful.
Photographs and newspaper clippings, documents, handmade wire sculptures of specific people who helped draft the charter – such as Walter Sisulu, Lillian Ngoyi, Dorothy Nyembe and Professor ZK Matthews, who originally proposed the idea of the Freedom Charter - collectively paint a picture.
Kliptown back in those days was something of a buffer between Soweto and Johannesburg, a multi-racial, freehold area, and thus chosen for the event, which happened despite a police blockade. People came from miles away to see the charter signed. The museum is not only there to demonstrate the magnitude of the charter, but also to serve as a reminder that it serves as the basis for democracy and needs to be upheld.
Need to Know
WhereWalter Sisulu Square, Corner of Klipspruit Valley Road and Union Road, Kliptown, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
Telephone+27 (0)11 945-2200
OvernightStay in Johannesburg Accommodation, Gauteng
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Johannesburg
Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park
The elegant full service Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park, with surrounding landscaped gardens, situated in Historical Parktown, a leafy s...
Foxwood House
Foxwood House offers accommodation in luxurious garden suites, a theatre and a private restaurant are only a few features that sets Foxwood House...
Crib Lodge
Crib Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in Ferndale. Rooms include DStv, free Wi-Fi, a safe for valuables and a tea / coffee station. We offe...
Marion Lodge
Marion Lodge offers quality accommodation in a stylish suburb and elegant surroundings centrally located in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg. M...
The Dorr Guest House
The Dorr Guesthouse is located at one of the best addresses in the Sandton area. It offers not just a luxurious accommodation but also warm, frie...
TreeTopia Guesthouse
Situated five kilometers outside of Benoni, TreeTopia Guesthouse offers accommodation for up to eight guests in four rooms. Here you are near to ...
Ellipse Waterfall 2008
Ellipse Waterfall 2008 is an executive studio apartment located in Ellipse Waterfall complex, adjacent to the renowned Mall of Africa. It is a lo...
The Tyrwhitt 401
The Tyrwhitt 401, located in the secure Tyrwhitt apartment hotel, and with the convenience of Rosebank right on the doorstep, this apartment is i...
1945 On Kloof Guesthouse
1945 On Kloof IS a charming guesthouse conveniently situated on the corner of Kloof Road and Frederick Street. The prime location offers easy acc...
Things to do in the area
Choc's Restaurant & Bar
Famous for being a vibey spot that services upmarket locals of Soweto, Johannesburg and tourists from all over the world, "Choc's" as the locals ...
Credo Mutwa Cultural Village
The Credo Mutwa Cultural Village is one of Soweto’s many gems, and a must to see for visitors from all over the world who want a taste of deep Af...
Diepkloof Park
The suburb famous for the Soweto Wine Festival and one of the founding places of kwaito (a style of hip-hop specific to South Africa) and where a...
Walter Sisulu Square
Walter Sisulu Square in the heart of Kliptown, Soweto, is South Africa’s first township entertainment explosion centre, the very first of its kin...
Accommodation convenient to Kliptown Open Air Museum
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Johannesburg Accommodation