South African National Museum of Military History
About This Museum
People come here for all sorts of reasons. Some are veterans looking for a piece of their own past, others are schoolchildren wide-eyed at the hulking armoured vehicles, and many just have a deep curiosity about the conflicts that shaped this nation. You'll find more than just guns and medals; there are entire aircraft suspended in the great halls and quiet, thoughtful exhibits on the often-overlooked role of military medicine. It’s not a place that glorifies war, but one that insists we remember the immense human cost.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the Spitfire fighter plane, a legend of the skies, or the massive G6 self-propelled howitzer parked outside. The collection of Victoria Cross medals in hushed display cases tells stories of incredible bravery, while the medical exhibit quietly reveals the other side of battle.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away in Saxonwold, right next to the Johannesburg Zoo, so you can easily make a day of it. Wear comfortable shoes—there's a lot of ground to cover between the main building and the outdoor vehicle park.
Architecture & Building
The main building is a solid, unpretentious structure from the 1940s, functional and dignified, with later modern additions that give it plenty of space for those big machines.
Contact & Location
Address: National Museum of Military History, 22, Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg Ward 117, Rosebank, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, 2196, South Africa
Phone: +27 87 086 7019
Website: Visit Website
