Maropeng: Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site
About This Museum
It’s a strange feeling to stand in a building designed to look like an ancient burial mound, knowing you're actually at the starting point of humanity's story. The whole place feels like a portal, with its grassy, rolling roof that seems to rise right out of the South African earth. Inside, it’s anything but ancient—you're greeted by this vast, airy atrium that feels more like a modern art gallery than a museum. The journey begins with a quiet boat ride through the elements, which is a brilliantly unexpected way to set the scene before you even see a single fossil.
Collection Highlights
The real stars are the hominid fossils, including casts of the famous 'Mrs. Ples' and 'Little Foot,' which make our million-year-old ancestors feel startlingly real. One of the most powerful exhibits is a wall of skulls tracing our evolutionary path—it’s both humbling and awe-inspiring to see it laid out so clearly.
Visitor Information
It's located on the R400 in the heart of the Cradle, so it's easy to pair a visit here with a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves nearby. Give yourself a good three hours to really soak it all in without rushing.
Architecture & Building
A stunning piece of modern 'Afro-futurist' design, where the main building is a massive tumulus (or burial mound) seamlessly integrated into the landscape, covered in grass.
Contact & Location
Address: R400, Riebeek-Oos, Makana Ward 1, Makana Local Municipality, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 14 577 9000
Website: Visit Website
