University of Pretoria Museums
About This Museum
Tucked away in the stately Old Arts Building, the University of Pretoria Museums feel less like a formal institution and more like a series of fascinating academic cabinets of curiosity. You wander from room to room, never quite sure if you'll stumble upon ancient Egyptian artifacts or a meticulously preserved collection of traditional African crafts. The air is thick with the quiet hum of history, a palpable sense of discovery that makes every visit feel personal and slightly secret. It’s a place where the legacy of learning is on full display, inviting quiet contemplation.
Collection Highlights
The Mapungubwe Collection is an undeniable star, showcasing breathtaking gold rhinoceroses and other treasures from a sophisticated pre-colonial kingdom. Elsewhere, you'll find an unexpectedly deep Egyptology exhibit with genuine sarcophagi and ushabti figures that speak to centuries-old rituals.
Visitor Information
You'll find it in Rooms 1-9 of the Old Arts Building on the main campus; it's the kind of place best enjoyed without a strict schedule, so you can linger over whatever captures your imagination.
Architecture & Building
Housed in the grand Old Arts Building, the museum's home is a beautiful example of early 20th-century South African academic architecture—all high ceilings, creaking wood floors, and tall windows that flood the spaces with soft light.
Contact & Location
Address: 0002, Tshwane Ward 80, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: +27 12 420 4017
Website: Visit Website
