"A museum in Africa for the people of the world"
The Origins Centre is a world-class facility located on the University of Witwatersrand campus as part of the Archaeology Department. It tells the story of the emergence of human beings and humanity in Southern Africa. Ex-President Thabo Mbeki acknowledged that for the first time in South Africa, archaeology can be appreciated by the public in a practical manner.
The first section of the origins centre showcases the origins of Homo sapiens in Africa and the movement of humankind into all areas of the world. There are displays of tools made by early man as well as moulds of the skeletal features of hominid species. The second section of the museum covers the evolution of art, symbolism, technology and language in Africa. Exhibitions, film, holograms, and touch screens accompanied by narratives bring to life the heritage of people the San (Bushman), whose genetic DNA print has been linked to the early Homo sapiens (160 000 years ago). Their rock art, ancient tools, belief systems and dances, including the intensely spiritual Great Dance are explored. The final exhibit at the museum demonstrates how genetic testing contributes to our understanding of human evolution.
The origins centre boasts an extensive collection of rock art from the Wits Art Research Institute. You can see the earliest image made by man, which was found here in South Africa. The second phase of the museum will focus on the fossil discovered in South Africa and the contribution these fossils have made to understanding the development of humanity.
The displays will centre on the country's four billion-year-old fossil record, the oldest evidence of life on earth. The average museum experience lasts from between 90 minutes to 2 hours, but for the enthusiast, there is a wealth of extra multi-media material on Africa's past. Audio guides come with the price of admission and are available in six languages - Zulu, Sotho, English, Afrikaans, French and German.
South Africa" rich and complex past with visitors being taken through an extraordinary journey aided by cutting-edge technology and creative vision by South Africa's foremost artists.
The Origins Centre Museum's motto: "We are who we are because of who we were"
Perfect tour options to include with the Origins Centre to create a full day tour:
Gold Reef City or Soweto or Johannesburg or Constitution Hill or Cradle of Humankind
For Tour details or bookings - please Contact us
Soweto Tour - Johannesburg Tour - Apartheid Museum - Constitution Hill - Gold Reef City - Lion Park
De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary - Elephant Sanctuary interaction - Pretoria Tour - Pilanesberg National Park
Sun City and the Lost City - Cullinan Diamond Mine - Rhino and Lion Park - The Origins Centre
Adventure Sports - Nile Crocodile Farm - The Lesedi Cultural Village - Cradle of Humankind
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