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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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
The Peech Hotel
The Peech Hotel is Joburg's newest boutique hotel. Situated centrally in Melrose, The Peech features luxurious rooms, contemporary design and ple...
Botle's Guest House
Come and experience some truly South African hospitality and friendly service at Botle's Guest House in Soweto. Relax and enjoy excellent, yet af...
B&B on Buckingham
Located in the up-market suburb of Craighall Park, Buckingham fills a unique niche in Johannesburg's accommodation offering. Occupying a mid 20th...
Villa Vittoria
Villa Vittoria offers Accommodation and a Conference Facility in the heart of Sandton, in close proximity to the Sandton Convention Centre and So...
Dunvegan Execu Lodge
Dunvegan Execu Lodge is proudly a four star luxury guesthouse, conveniently situated in the tranquil residential area of Dunvegan in Edenvale. We...
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...
Borgo de Felice 106
This Modern Furnished Apartment offers accommodation in Fourways, Sandton. The apartment enjoys valley views in a tranquil setting overlooking Da...
Akweja B&B Accommodation
Akweja offers affordable accommodation in Alberton in 12 luxurious rooms, each with private entrance. Our beautifully furnished rooms create a pe...
The Willows Apartments
Set amongst a natural wetland where bird life abounds, The Willows @ OR Tambo offers accommodation in a collection of superbly appointed, one or ...
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