Wits Art Museum

Situated on the ground floor of University Corner in the heart of Braamfontein, The Wits Art Museum is one of Johannesburg’s foremost tourist attractions. The museum is part of the Wits University Cultural Precinct and is just three blocks from the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Its’ collections begun in the 1950’s and was known as the first collecting institution that included classical African art. Named the Getrude Posel Gallery in 1972, it was established on the ground floor of Senate House, now known as Solomon House and the specialist collection was founded through generous donations from a collector by the name of Vittorino Meneghell. In 1992, the Gallery was joined by the Studio Gallery which formed the “lower gallery” and was specifically reserved for displaying African art. The Studio Gallery was known for having one of the best African beadwork collection in the world. 

The amount of purchased and donated art works grew substantially and in 2002 the gallery closed as a larger space was needed for the art works to be displayed and archived.  In 2012 they reopened the doors as the Wits Art Museum and it has since been home to a vast collection of art from the continent and includes contemporary and historical art from South, West and Central Africa. The Wits Arts Museum hosts an array of events and art exhibitions from both local and international artists, as well as Wits Fine Arts student works throughout the year.