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South African National Museum of Military History, Saxonworld, Johannesburg. Photo by Ossewa –

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about South African National Museum of Military History

Whether you’re a history buff, a military enthusiast, or just want a place to cool off on a hot South African day, odds are you’ll enjoy the South African National Museum of Military History.

With an array of military exhibits that include everything from military vehicles and service medals to Anglo-Boer War paraphernalia and a small arms display, there’s plenty to peruse.

1. The South African National Museum of Military History is the museum’s military aircraft collection

G5 and G6 Howitzers at the South African Museum of Military History, Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by NJR ZA –

But the standout here is the museum’s military aircraft collection, which features iconic planes like a Messerschmitt Me 262 fighter jet, a Blackburn Buccaneer S Mk 50 carrier-borne strike airplane, and a de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito combat plane made mostly of wood.

In addition to its informative, attention-grabbing displays, travelers rave about the museum’s friendly staff and well-maintained grounds. What’s more, thanks to its kid-appropriate exhibits and proximity to the Johannesburg Zoo, the South African National Museum of Military History is a convenient attraction for visitors traveling with children.

2. The South African National Museum of Military History sits in Johannesburg’s northern Saxonwold neighborhood

A lineup of vehicles captured from the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) at the South African National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg. From left to right: Ural, PT-76, T-34-85. Photo by Katangais –

The South African National Museum of Military History sits in Johannesburg’s northern Saxonwold neighborhood (about 4 miles north of downtown). The museum – including a small cafe and memorabilia shop – is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except on Good Friday, Christmas Day, and the first Sunday in September.

To enter, adults are required to pay a 30 rand (about $2) admission fee, while student tickets are 25 rands each. On-site parking is available for those who decide to drive, or travelers can arrive by bus. The bus stop is located about three blocks east of the museum.

3. The National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg has a collection of more than 44, 000 item

Weapons captured and reused by 32 Battalion at the South African National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg. Photo by Katangais –

The South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg has a collection of more than 44, 000 items divided into 37 separate categories and includes the official South African war art and photograph collections.

The aviation collection contains some of the rarest aircraft in the world. For example, the Me 262 B-1a/U1 on display is the only night fighter version of this aircraft still in existence.

Other categories cover such diverse fields as ordnance, armored fighting vehicles, medals, uniforms, small arms, edged weapons, barrack & camping equipment, rations, religion, gifts & comforts, military music, graves & memorials, military insignia, communications, medicine, propaganda, and vexillology, to name a few.

4. The Museum library has a unique collection of books

Johannesburg war museum library. Photo by Hentie Joubert –

The Museum library has a unique collection of books, journals, and archival material. Interviews are regularly conducted in the library as part of an ongoing oral history collection project. In this way, it ensures that previously unrecorded experiences of ordinary servicemen and women are preserved for posterity.

All the collections are curated and researched by graduates with many years of accumulated knowledge and expertise. Displays not only reflect historical aspects but also illustrate technological development in warfare.

The museum has a library that is replete with documents and photographs that you can request for research purposes. Four conference venues that can host several hundreds of people can also be found on the premises. Book a guided tour in advance for a deeper insight into the 40,000 items in possession of the museum.

5. The Nation Museum was inaugurated in 1947

Stone was laid on November 30, 1910, by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and Strathearn at the Rand Regiments Memorial (since renamed The Anglo-Boer War Memorial) at the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg. Photo by NJR ZA –

Inaugurated in 1947, right after the Second World War, The South African National War Museum once sought to trace the country’s involvement in the most devastating war known to mankind.

6. The museum changed its mission and name to document all of the conflicts in South Africa in 1975

Description: US and South African flags outside the Ditsong National Museum of Military History, July 2014. Photo by Katangais –

 It was in 1975 that it changed its mission and name to document all of the conflicts that South Africa had ever been a part of. It is an arm’s length away from the Johannesburg Zoo and possesses weapons that witnessed the two World Wars along with the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars.

7. It was established by General Jan Smuts, the then prime minister of South Africa

Jan Smuts. Photo unattributed –

Established by General Jan Smuts, the then prime minister of the country, you can find everything from handguns and machine guns to massive rifles from the days of yore inside the museum.

The displays also include medals, uniforms, tanks, aircraft, and arms from the World War era and the Apartheid period and they are all very well preserved.

8. The Museum of Military History offers adults a fascinating look at all forms of war

Wilhelm II, German Emperor, bust at the South African National Museum of Military History. Photo by Ossewa –

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.

9. It has a national collection of Guns, aircraft & army Vehicles

Various artillery pieces in the South African National Museum of Military History. Identified guns. Photo unattributed –

The museum has a 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.

10. The main courtyard of the museum features several Memorials

The Hind Memorial is named after 2Lt Adrian Hodgson Hind died on 3 October 1987 during Operation Moduler, when 61 Mechanised Battalion Group destroyed FAPLA’s 47 brigades. The bell was in the possession of FAPLA and taken to Omuthiya where it was placed adjacent to the 61 Memorial. Re-erected at the South African National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold, Johannesburg in 2010. Photo by Ossewa –

The main courtyard of the museum features several Memorials, including one honoring Airborne Forces of the South African Special Forces, as well as several 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.