James Hall Museum of Transport

AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Accommodation | Tourist Experiences | OPEN: Monday – Saturday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Phone: +27 (0)11 435 9485
Introduction
The James Hall Museum of Transport is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich history of transportation. Located in Johannesburg, this museum is a treasure trove of transportation-related exhibits, showcasing the evolution of transportation technology over the years.



About the Museum
The James Hall Museum of Transport is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of land transport in South Africa, dating back over a century. The museum houses a vast collection of vehicles, memorabilia, and artifacts that showcase the evolution of road transport, rail transport, and even animal-drawn vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to see at the museum.
- The North Hall features an impressive collection of vintage, post-vintage, pre-war, and post-war motor cars. Visitors can marvel at the various body styles and technical advancements made by different manufacturers. Over the past 120 years, South Africa has seen a diverse range of imported and locally assembled motor vehicles, which are all represented in the North Hall.
- From the North Hall, visitors can take a diversion to the porch to see steam locomotives, municipal vehicles, and agricultural equipment. The West Section displays steam locomotives dating back to the Anglo-Boer War, including a mine locomotive that ran on compressed air. The East section showcases a complete collection of municipal animal-drawn vehicles used in Johannesburg in the early days.
- The West Hall houses a selection of South African trams, buses, and trolleybuses. It features the first horse-drawn tram used in Johannesburg from 1891-1902, as well as electric trams that ran until 1961. Visitors can also learn about the history of public transport in South Africa.
- The mezzanine level in the South Hall is devoted to the history of animal-drawn vehicles, which were the earliest forms of transport in South Africa. Of particular interest are the two- and four-seater Cape Carts, a unique South African invention designed to cope with African conditions. Other vehicles include Spider (Surrey), Governess Cart, and Victoria, which was commonly used as a taxi in towns and cities.
- The South Hall showcases larger, more robust animal-drawn vehicles, such as a replica Zeederberg Coach and a Voortrekker wagon. Visitors can also see various types of ox-wagons that could carry loads of up to 2,700 kg. This area is also used as temporary exhibition space for various displays from time to time.
Overall, the James Hall Museum of Transport offers an educational and fascinating day out for visitors of all ages. The exhibits bring to life the rich history of transport in South Africa and the role it has played in shaping the country’s development.
Interesting Facts
- The museum is named after James Hall, a pioneer of transport in Johannesburg, who introduced the first electric tram service to the city in 1906.
- The museum’s collection includes over 4000 items, ranging from vehicles and machinery to photographs and documents.
- The museum’s steam engine, built in 1896, is one of the oldest locomotives in South Africa and still in working order.


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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 James Hall Museum of Transport is an excellent destination for anyone interested in the history of transportation. With its impressive collection of vehicles and artifacts, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of transportation technology over the years. So, whether you're a history buff, a transportation enthusiast, or just looking for an educational day out, the James Hall Museum of Transport is definitely worth a visit.