The Museum of Military History offers adults a fascinating look at all forms of war vehicles and weapons. And it will captivate children with the visual spectacle of its displays, from planes to trains. Tours are provided for schools and military groups; other visitors can make their way around the exhibits themselves. The museum has a collection of more than 44 000 items, divided into 37 separate categories, including official South African war art (also listed under museums).
National Collection of Guns, aircraft & army Vehicles, plus Medals & exhibits on Medicine & History. Opened by the former Prime Minister of South Africa, Jan Smuts in 1947 to preserve the History of the Country’s involvement in WWII, the South African National War Museum in Johannesburg now includes all Conflicts that the Country was involved in. In 2010, it was officially renamed the Ditsong National Museum of Military History. Today the Museum holds a Collection of over 44,000 items in 37 separate categories. These categories include Medals, Armored Fighting Vehicles, Graves and Memorials, Propaganda, Military Music, Military Insignia and more...Of particular interest to Military buffs is the Aviation section, Home to some of the rarest Aircrafts in the World.
The Main Courtyard features several Memorials, including one honoring Airborne Forces of the South African Special Forces, as well as a number of Field Guns. You can view Aircraft such as the Messerschmitt BF 109 and the Focke-Wulf FW 190 in the Sailor Malan Hall. Head to the GE Brink Hall to take in other aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire. This Hall also presents the Anglo Boer War Exhibits, Medal Collections and a look at South Africa’s involvement in the Angolan Civil War. Various guns from around the World, are showcased in the Dan Pienaar Gun Park, while an M4 Sherman Tank is the highlight of the FB Adler Hall. Visitors will also find more modern Exhibitions relating to Conflicts within South Africa.
The museum is well located next to the Johannesburg Zoo on an 80ha site.
