Arts and Culture in Johannesburg
Football is one of the biggest sports in the world, and in no other African city is it bigger than in Johannesburg. The pride of South Africa is the host of the 2010 World Cup. Its dedication to the sport and its prosperity may have put it in that prestigious position, but this football-crazy city is much more than just South Africa’s largest metropolitan area. It is a place where contemporary and ancient African culture converges.
Johannesburg Art Gallery (Photo by Hostel World)
Apartheid and more
There is little doubt that Johannesburg has a rich history. Because the city itself was founded in 1886, most of that history is rooted in the 20th century, which is most remembered for the official government policy of apartheid. This dark part of the country’s history is showcased in the Apartheid Museum (Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg, +27 11 309 4700, website). Visitors to this monument to the struggle for equality are classified racially to demonstrate the system that divided a nation for so long. The Apartheid Museum features the struggle against that system, and it celebrates the triumph of freedom over tyranny.
Apartheid Museum (Photo by caribbeanfreephoto)
Constitution Hill (Corner Kotze and Hospital Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, +27 11 381 3100, website) takes the tourist back to apartheid times as well. This former prison held such personalities as Nelson Mandela and Mohandas Gandhi, the Indian freedom icon. Built under the orders of President Paul Kruger in 1892, it became notorious for holding black political prisoners protesting the government’s discriminatory practices. This legacy of bigotry is fortunately part of the past, but Constitution Hill still stands as a reminder of man’s cruelty toward man.
However, South Africa’s history goes back much further, and in fact many citizens participated in various earlier struggles, from the Anglo-Boer war to the two world wars. To honor South African soldiers and their heroic efforts towards peace, the South African National Museum of Military History (22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, +27 11 646 5513, website) was opened in 1947, two years after the end of World War II. It honors the memory of those who died in battle and those who survived to tell the story.
South African National Museum of Military History (Photo from Google images)
City art
Johannesburg is not only an historical center. It is also an artistic menagerie, with many art galleries proving the city’s celebration of culture. The Johannesburg Art Gallery (Corner Klein and King George Streets, Joubert Park, Johannesburg, +27 11 725 3130) is a prime example of this fact. Its 15 exhibition halls house a prestigious collection, which includes works by Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin, as well as various South African artists. This is the premier public gallery in the city of Johannesburg, and its place in the city’s culture is rightfully earned.
Live performances
The Market Theatre (Photo from Google images)
Johannesburg also has a vibrant performing arts culture, as demonstrated in The Market Theatre (56 Margaret Mcingana Street, Johannesburg, +27 11 832 1641, website). This revolutionary theater was founded in 1976, and it played a substantial role in the anti-apartheid struggles of those years and beyond. Indeed, some of the early works featured here were plays that protested the social structure of the times. Since the breaking down of those discriminatory laws, though, the Market Theatre has adapted and continually seeks new playwrights in its quest to develop South Africa’s drama performance scene.
Another splendid center for the performing arts is The Joburg Theatre (Loveday Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, +27 11 877 6800, website), which is actually a complex consisting of four venues. Formerly called the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, or more simply “The Civic,” it hosts diverse performances and is the leading destination for dramatic arts in Johannesburg. There are also available tours of the venue, which need to be booked ahead of time. This is a world class destination, and tourists to Johannesburg should definitely catch a performance and take in South African drama at its finest.
Tourist options
Visitors to this historical city can find assistance at the Johannesburg Tourism Company (195 Jan Smuts Avenue, Ground Floor, Grosvenor Corner, Parktown North 2193, +27 11 214 0700, website). This is the official tourist center of Johannesburg, and it offers travelers information regarding the best places to visit. Its website offers a wealth of information on hotels, destinations, and events. To be fully informed, the tourist would do well to check out this option.
The city of Johannesburg is rightfully the pride of South Africa. While it certainly is not the national capital, it is nevertheless one of its most important metropolitan areas. With an excellent collection of museums, art galleries, and theaters, Johannesburg today is a far cry from the city which, only 30 years ago, was at the brink of disaster. It has risen like a phoenix from the ashes to become one of the most significant cities in the country.
Destinations
Apartheid Museum
- Address: Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg
- Tel: +27 11 309 4700
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed Monday, Good Friday, and Christmas Day
- Cost: Adults—R50; Pensioners, students, and children—R35
Constitution Hill
- Address: Corner Kotze and Hospital Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Tel: +27 11 381 3100
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Closed Sundays
- Cost: Adults—R30; Special tours—R45; Night tours—R80; Learners, pensioners, and children under 13 years old—R15
South African National Museum of Military History
- Address: 22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg
- Tel: +27 11 646 5513
- Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
- Cost: Adults—R22; Pensioners, scholars, and children—R11
Johannesburg Art Gallery
- Address: Corner Klein and King George Streets, Joubert Park, Johannesburg
- Tel: +27 11 725 3130
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Market Theatre
- Address: 56 Margaret Mcingana Street, Johannesburg
- Tel: +27 11 832 1641
- Box office times: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 12 noon to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon to 3:30 p.m.
The Joburg Theatre
- Address: Loveday Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Tel: +27 11 877 6800
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