Museum Virtual Tours: A List of Virtual Tours Offered by Museums in South Africa - Explore them from Home (updated 2025)

Introduction

In recent years, virtual tours have become increasingly popular as a way to explore new places and learn about different cultures from the comfort of your own home. There are different types of virtual tours available, such as video tours and 3D virtual tours.

Video tours allow visitors to experience a place through pre-recorded video footage, while 3D virtual tours provide an immersive experience by allowing visitors to move through a virtual environment in real-time.

Both types of virtual tours offer an engaging preview of the museum, and they have become especially popular during global pandemic when travel restrictions have made it difficult to visit museums in person. In this article, we explore some of the available virtual tours of museums in South Africa, which offer visitors a preview experience that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world. Some of these are official tours created by the relevant museums, and others have been created by third party enthusiasts. Most virtual tours are free, but some also offer visitors a paid for experience.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site & Visitor Centre

The Nelson Mandela Capture Site & Visitor Centre in KwaZulu-Natal commemorates the place where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. The 3D museum virtual tour includes a 360-degree view of the site and its surrounding landscape, as well as exhibits that explore the life and legacy of Mandela. The tour also includes audio recordings of Mandela’s speeches and interviews with people who knew him well.

Huguenot Memorial Museum

The Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek, Western Cape, is a testament to the rich history of the region and the impact of the Huguenot community. This museum offers a unique perspective on the life and culture of the Huguenot settlers who arrived in the Franschhoek Valley in the late 1600s. The museum offers a captivating and stunning 3D virtual tour with accompanying video and audio which provides a fascinatingly immersive experience.

Iziko South African Museum

The Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town is a world-renowned institution that showcases the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. The museum hosts a number of virtual exhibitions. In our view the Tata Madiba 3D virtual exhibition and Boonstra Diarama 3D virtual exhibition about ancient creatures are two of the best featured by the museum.

Robben Island Museum

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The Robben Island Museum’s 3D virtual tour takes you on a journey through the island and prison, exploring the cells, exercise yards, and communal spaces where political prisoners were held.

!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre

Located just 70 kilometers north of Cape Town, !Khwa ttu is a San culture and education center that spans across an 850-hectare nature reserve. The !Khwa ttu 3D virtual tour allows visitors to explore the center’s exhibits and collections, which showcase San art, crafts, and artifacts, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Through the virtual tour, visitors can learn about the San people’s way of life, their spiritual beliefs, and their traditions.

Cape Town Science Centre

If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience in Cape Town, then the Cape Town Science Centre is definitely worth a visit. With its wide range of exhibits, interactive activities, and educational programs, the Centre offers something for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Afrikaans Language Museum & Monument

The Afrikaans language has a rich and fascinating history in South Africa. Originating from Dutch settlers in the 17th century, Afrikaans has grown to become a significant part of South African culture and history. As a symbol of this rich cultural heritage, the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument serves as a hub of knowledge and celebration of the language. The museum offers 3D virtual tours of both the monument and the museum.

Genadendal Mission Museum

The Genadendal Mission Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in South African history and culture. With a comprehensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and displays, visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of this fascinating town and its role in the establishment of Christianity in South Africa. The Genadendal Museum 3D virtual tour allows visitors to explore the museum’s various buildings and exhibitions.

CP Nel Museum

The CP Nel Museum is a treasure trove of South African history and cultural heritage. From the Le Roux Town House to the Synagogue, each display provides a unique insight into South Africa’s rich and fascinating past. The museums offers a 3D virtual tour. The tour starts with a preview of the museums Ostrich Hall, with audio guide. However, visitors have to pay for access to the full length virtual tour.

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a must-visit for anyone interested in South Africa’s tumultuous past. The museum’s video virtual tour takes you on a journey through the museums exhibitions, exploring the country’s history of racial segregation and the struggle for democracy.

Togryers Museum

Nestled in the heart of Ceres, the Togryers Museum is a cultural and historical treasure trove that offers a unique glimpse into the town’s rich heritage. The museum has compiled an interesting 3D virtual tour entitled: Ceres: Then and Now, which takes visitors through a journey of the town looking at how the town has changes over the years. The virtual tour is available in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. When you are on the tour landing page, just scroll down to access the tour.

University of Pretoria Museum

If you’re looking for a place to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of South Africa, then the University of Pretoria Museum is a must-visit destination. The Museum has been managing, conserving, and curating a diverse range of collections for over a century, making it an iconic institution in the region.

Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre

Genocide and mass atrocities are among the most devastating events in human history, causing untold suffering and loss of life. The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre (JHGC) is a place of memory, education, and lessons for humanity, exploring the history of genocide in the 20^th century with a focus on the Holocaust and the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

First South African Perfume Museum

The First South African Perfume Museum in Franschhoek is a unique and fascinating destination for those interested in the world of perfumery. Established in 2012, the museum is the first of its kind in Africa and was created by the Kumanov family, who are importers of fine perfume oils and manufacturers of fine fragrances. The museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the art of perfumery, with a focus on bridging the rich heritage of the world of perfume with the unique experience of each individual visitor.

Stellenbosch Museum

The Stellenbosch Museum, located in the heart of the historic town of Stellenbosch, provides visitors with an in-depth look into the rich cultural heritage of the Western Cape. Established in 1973, the museum showcases the history of the town and the surrounding areas, including the unique blend of indigenous cultures, Dutch and colonial influences, and the impact of the vineyards and wineries that have become so synonymous with Stellenbosch.

West Coast Fossil Park

The West Coast Fossil Park, located in Western Cape, is a paleontological treasure trove that provides a unique insight into the ancient past. The site boasts close to 300 fossil animal species, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments, making it one of the most diverse paleontological sites in the world.

Origins Centre

The Origins Centre at Wits University in Johannesburg is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the rich and diverse history of Southern Africa. The Centre is a world-renowned facility that showcases the origins of humanity and the evolution of culture in the African continent. The Centre has an excellent online 3D virtual tour, be sure to have a look.

Phansi Museum

Phansi Museum is one of the world’s most extensive Southern African art museums located in Durban. The museum is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts and artwork that showcase the region’s diverse indigenous communities’ spiritual and social development. The museum offers a fasinating sneak peek with its 3D virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture.

DITSONG: National Museum of Military History

If you are a history enthusiast and looking for a place to explore South Africa’s involvement in World War I, the DITSONG: National Museum of Military History is a must-visit destination. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the country’s military history and honors the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war. Its stunning 3D virtual tour allows you to explore several of the museum’s exhibitions.

DITSONG: Kruger Museum

The Ditsong Kruger Museum is located in Pretoria, Gauteng. The museum was named after President Paul Kruger, who was the President of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900. The museum is housed in his former residence, which was built in 1884. The building was declared a national monument in 1936 and was later converted into a museum in 1937. The museum offers a stunning 3D virtual tour to explore from the comfort of your home.

DITSONG: Pioneer Museum

If you’re interested in history and want to step back in time to learn about the pioneer years in South Africa, DITSONG Pioneer Museum in Gauteng is the perfect destination for you. This living museum offers a unique opportunity to experience how people lived in the early 19th century in South Africa. Explore its beautiful 3D virtual tour here.

DITSONG: Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum

If you are looking for a unique museum experience that showcases the history of agriculture in South Africa, then look no further than the DITSONG: Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum in Gauteng. Located on the farm Kaalfontein, the Museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the development of agriculture in South Africa from the Stone Age until 1945. You can preview the museum through its 3D virtual tour here.

Wijnland Auto Museum

Not your typical museum, the Wijnland Auto Museum is an intriguing mix of private collection, rental business, wreck yard and museum. Car enthusiasts looking for a unique and charming experience should definitely consider visiting the Wijnland Auto Museum. This museum boasts a vast collection of over 400 cars and is an excellent destination for photographers and anyone who loves cars. The museum offers a several 3D virtual tours of its exhibition spaces.

Conclusion

Virtual tours are a great way to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of South Africa from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re interested in the country’s apartheid history, natural history, or artistic expression, there’s a virtual tour for everyone.

While virtual tours offer an excellent way to explore these museums, nothing beats the real-world experience of visiting them in person. There’s something special about seeing artifacts and exhibits up close, and experiencing the atmosphere and energy of these cultural institutions. So, we encourage you to go and explore these museums in person if you have the opportunity. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these museums offer a unique and fascinating insight into the rich history and diverse cultures of South Africa, and they’re well worth a visit.