DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History
AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Wheel Chair Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Sunday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Phone: +27 (0)12 492 5744
Introduction
If you’re interested in the natural world and looking for a unique experience, then the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History in Gauteng is definitely worth a visit. Formerly known as the Transvaal Museum, it was founded in 1892 and has since then been acting as the custodian and documentation center of South Africa’s natural heritage.
About the Museum
The DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of South Africa’s natural heritage. The museum curates vast collections of fossils, including hominids from Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai, which are part of the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum also houses late Permian therapsids, which are prehistoric proto-mammals from the Karoo.
One of the most notable exhibits is Mrs Ples, which is the most complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus specimen. Besides fossils, the museum boasts a wide range of collections that include mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. These collections are used for educational purposes and research, which is then shared with the broader community, both locally and internationally. What makes the museum exceptional is that visitors get to view original fossil material that is typically not accessible to the public.
Interesting Facts
The DITSONG: National Museum of Cultural History was amalgamated with the Pretoria-based Transvaal Museum for Natural History and the South African National Museum of Military History on 1 April 1999 to form the Northern Flagship Institution. In April 2010, the new name was launched, and the NFI became DITSONG Museums of South Africa. DITSONG is managed by a chief executive officer and a board, which replaced the three separate previous museum boards.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Tourist Experiences
Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.
Conclusion
The DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History in Gauteng is an incredible destination for anyone interested in the natural world. Its collections of fossils, skeletons, skins, and mounted specimens are among the most impressive in South Africa, and its dedication to research and education makes it an important institution. If you're planning a trip to Gauteng, be sure to add the DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History to your itinerary.
