About Museum of Natural History
On one of the major streets in the centre of Tshwane, the capital city of South Africa, lies what is regarded as the country's leading natural history museum, open every day of the week.
Did you know? The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum in Gauteng and one of the largest in South Africa.
Founded in 1892, the Museum of Natural History was originally buried away in a tiny room next to the clock tower on the top floor of Parliament House, a collection so small, it hardly justified the hiring of any permanent employees.
But with the increasing number of donations of items made, fossils of plants and animals, and items of European origin - particularly those introduced by Boers and Voortrekkers - the collection rapidly expanded. Today the collection at the Museum of Natural History is housed in a magnificent sandstone building, its entrance dominated by dinosaur skeletons, filled with cavernous display halls.
Exhibits include hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and associated fauna, including Mrs Ples one of the country's top celebs and the nickname attributed to a fossil skull believed to represent a distant relative of all humankind; fossils of amphibians, fish, reptiles and plants from the Karoo.
There's a Discovery Centre for children (by appointment) who can enjoy a ‘hands on' experience of natural history, and the museum caters further for the younger generation by including a reconstruction of a Deinonychus dinosaur - apparently used in the filming of Jurassic Park by Stephen Spielberg.
And a chemical analysis of 17th century clay pipes from Stratford-upon-Avon suggests that Shakespeare and his cronies were smoking cannabis and other compounds, particularly in the light of a new assessment of Sonnet 76 - it may be worth reviewing your Shakespeare before a visit to the Museum of Natural History.
Need to Know
Where432 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
WhenOpen daily from 08h00 to 16h00 (except Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Telephone+27 (0)12 322-7632
OvernightStay in Pretoria 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 Pretoria

Court Classique Suite Hotel
Court Classique Suite Hotel offers accommodation in Arcadia, am upmarket suburb in Pretoria. Court Classique Suite Hotel offers a choice of class...

Blue Diamond Boutique Hotel
We take guest comfort very seriously - who wouldn't want to be serious about experiencing fine 100% cotton linen, king and queen size beds, plush...

464 On 22nd Ave Guesthouse
464 On 22nd Avenue is a guesthouse offering quality accommodation in Pretoria for business travellers, family visitors or overnight guests. Each ...

Villa Amor
Located in Pretoria, Villa Amor provides accommodation in seven opulent and beautifully appointed suites. The establishment is close to the N1 an...

Menlyn Maine 509
Menlyn Maine 509 has one bedroom furnished with a Queen-size bed. The kitchen is fully equipped for self catering. There is a dining area and a c...

Leopardsong Manor
Located in the Centurion Golf Estate, Leopardsong is known for its stylish decor and spacious rooms which overlook one of the best golf courses i...

Christa's Place
Christa's Place is a guest house in Pretoria offering clean and comfortable accommodation ideal for corporate or leisure travellers in Montana Pa...

Brooklyn Blok
Break away from stereotype lodging! Brooklyn Blok offers unique luxury self-catering accommodation in concrete pods situated on the Brooklyn Circ...

PhysEQFiT Guesthouse
Situated a mere 20 minutes outside of Centurion, PhysEQFiT Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests. Here you are near to ...
Things to do in the area

Market On Main
Market on Main Johannesburg saw such resounding success in the City of Gold (Gauteng) that the city of Pretoria has followed suit and was proud t...

Ditsong Museum of Natural History
The Ditsong National Museum is one of the largest and most impressive natural history museums in South Africa. The museum houses many collection...

Bloed Street Mall
At the Bloed Street Mall you will find a taxi rank in the basement and with the centre situated in the Pretoria CBD this makes transport easily a...

National Library of South Africa
The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) in Pretoria holds a collection of South African published books, rare manuscripts, maps, newspapers, ...

The Javett Art Centre
Staying overnight in Pretoria gives visitors so many opportunities to experience the culture and beauty of South Africa. The University of Pretor...
Accommodation convenient to Museum of Natural History
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Northern Gauteng Accommodation / Pretoria Accommodation