Origins Centre Join us on a journey of discovery and experience Africa’s rich, complex heritage which boasts an extensive collection of rock art, fossils, artefacts and ancient stone tools. Hours and Admission
Origins Centre Join us on a journey of discovery and experience Africa’s rich, complex heritage which boasts an extensive collection of rock art, fossils, artefacts and ancient stone tools. Hours and Admission
Start main page content
What's OnAll Events

Plan your visit

The Origins Centre is located on the West campus of the University of the Witwatersrand in Braamfontein and is open to the public and schools. Get to know what is available in the Centre as well as the surrounding area to better plan your visit. Also look our for special events and exhibitions.

Read more
Venue Bookings Origins Centre offers a choice of nine different venues, each catering for a different-sized function, from an intimate workshop to a plush cocktail evening.
Schools Learners and Educators can experience Africa's rich, complex, and sometimes mysterious past through our tours and lecture series.
Our Shop Visit our shop which stocks ethnic art and traditional crafts, a vast range of books, and corporate gifts. Our helpful staff members are ready to assist you with your queries.

Museum Shutdown

11 September 2026 08:00am - 21:00pm

Please be advised that the Origins Centre Museum will be CLOSED on Friday 11 September 2026 for a private event, from 08:00am to 21:00pm. No visitors, school tours, students, or staff will be permitted into the museum, and no tickets will be sold for this day. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

THANK YOU!

Exhibitions

The interactive exhibits at Origins Centre take visitors on an extraordinary journey of discovery, which begins with the origins of humankind in Africa and then moves through the development of technology, art, culture and symbolism. The journey continues with an exploration of the diverse southern African rock art traditions. These ancient masterworks, and the artists, are illustrated through contemporary art installations by well-known South African artists.

Permanent Exhibitions

Share