About Museum of Military History
The National Museum of Military History holds a collection of over 44 000 items from both world wars and the civil war against Apartheid.
Did you know? The Museum accepts donations of military uniforms, badges, medals and flags. Items from the Anglo Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Border War and the Struggle Movement are particularly welcome.
If you are even vaguely into weapons, military aircraft, medals, uniforms and other war memorabilia, then the South African Museum of Military History set on Erlswold Way in Saxonwald, Johannesburg - literally next door to the Johannesburg Zoo - is obligatory.
During the First World War many of the countries involved in the fighting spent time collecting and preserving records of the role of their soldiers. For instance Britain established the Imperial War Museum, but South Africa failed to start any form of a museum and a lot of the material relating to the period was lost. It was shortly after South Africa entered the Second World War that efforts began to preserve documents and materials, and an Historical Research Committee was set up.
Interestingly the state appointed seven war artists who were present at the front. The collection of over 800 art pieces that followed serves as a form of reference to South Africa's role in the war.
The museum opened only in 1947 and was called the South African National War Museum. It was changed in 1975 to the South African National Museum of Military History. It holds a collection of over 44 000 items from both world wars and the civil war against Apartheid, divided into 37 categories that include photographs, the art collection and some of the rarest aircraft in the world.
The Museum of Military History also has a library with a unique collection of journals, archive material and books, and some 80 000 people visit annually.
Need to Know
WhereErlswold Way in Saxonwald, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
WhenDaily from 09h00 to 16h30
Closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and the first Sunday in September
Telephone+27 (0)10 001-3515
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.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Johannesburg
Glendower View Guest House
Glendower View Guest House provides executive accommodation with a personal touch. We cater for long-term stays as well as those just visiting So...
The Lemon Tree
The Lemon Tree offers comfortable accommodation in a selection of apartments in Randburg. The establishment is close to the Rand Park Golf Club a...
Map's View Guest House
Boasting panoramic views of the Kliprivierberg Nature Reserve, Map's View offers accommodation in a six sleeper home in Glenvista. From here you...
The Rooster's Nest BnB
The Rooster's Nest Bed and Breakfast offers eight double and single en-suite rooms, all with separate entrances. Rooms are tastefully decorated a...
The Pecan Tree Guesthouse
The Pecan Tree Guesthouse is a unique up-market Guest House in the heart of Bryanston that offers bed and breakfast accommodation in luxurious su...
Magnolia Guesthouse
Situated in a leafy suburb, Magnolia Guesthouse offers affordable upmarket and secure accommodation in Alberton for out-of-town and corporate gue...
Lapeng Village Guesthouse
Lapeng Village Guesthouse is situated in the township of Daveyton, in Ekurhuleni (Gauteng), which has a rich cultural history and has contributed...
Remote Corner B&B
Remote Corner is a family owned and run accommodation tucked away in a gorgeous garden setting in Parkview. It is just minutes from downtown Joha...
Things to do in the area
Explore the Museum of Military History
If you are staying in Sandton, visit the Museum of Military History in Saxonwold. Although relics of war are not everyone's cup of tea, this muse...
Row Boats on Zoo Lake
Set on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, virtually across from the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake is usually a hive of activity -...
Killarney Mall
Johannesburg is the retail and commercial hub of South Africa and the Killarney Mall is one of its most established shopping centres. This mall, ...
Accommodation convenient to Museum of Military History
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Johannesburg Accommodation