Museum of Natural History in Gauteng (original) (raw)
On one of the major streets in the centre of Tshwane, the capital city of South Africa, lies what is regarded as the country�s leading natural history museum, open every day of the week.
Did you know? The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum in Gauteng and one of the largest in South Africa.
Founded in 1892, the Museum of Natural History was originally buried away in a tiny room next to the clock tower on the top floor of Parliament House, a collection so small, it hardly justified the hiring of any permanent employees.
But with the increasing number of donations of items made, fossils of plants and animals, and items of European origin - particularly those introduced by Boers and Voortrekkers - the collection rapidly expanded. Today the collection at the Museum of Natural History is housed in a magnificent sandstone building, its entrance dominated by dinosaur skeletons, filled with cavernous display halls.
Exhibits include hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and associated fauna, including Mrs Ples one of the country�s top celebs and the nickname attributed to a fossil skull believed to represent a distant relative of all humankind; fossils of amphibians, fish, reptiles and plants from the Karoo.
There�s a Discovery Centre for children (by appointment) who can enjoy a �hands on� experience of natural history, and the museum caters further for the younger generation by including a reconstruction of a Deinonychus dinosaur - apparently used in the filming of Jurassic Park by Stephen Spielberg.
And a chemical analysis of 17th century clay pipes from Stratford-upon-Avon suggests that Shakespeare and his cronies were smoking cannabis and other compounds, particularly in the light of a new assessment of Sonnet 76 - it may be worth reviewing your Shakespeare before a visit to the Museum of Natural History.
Need to Know
Where432 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
WhenOpen daily from 08h00 to 16h00 (except Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Telephone+27 (0)12 322-7632
OvernightStay in Pretoria Accommodation, Gauteng
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Attractions near Pretoria CBD
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Pretoria
Hotel
Court Classique Suite Hotel
Court Classique Suite Hotel offers accommodation in Arcadia, am upmarket suburb in Pretoria. Court Classique Suite Hotel offers a choice of class...
Guest House
137 @ Murray Guesthouse
137 @ Murray in Brooklyn in Pretoria is a charming guest house, perfect for business and leisure guests. All rooms are elegantly furnished and ar...
Guest House
64 on Malabor
64 on Malabor is located in Lynnwood, Pretoria and is able to accommodate up to six guests. From here you are within easy reach of Faerie Glen Na...
Guest House / Bed & Breakfast
Foundry Guest Lodge
Nestled within 4 hectares of lush, indigenous trees, The Foundry Lodge offers a serene retreat for those seeking exceptional accommodation in Pre...
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Hampton House
Hampton House is a popular and well appointed guest house with five luxury rooms that are named after Scottish Isles. Our spacious rooms feature ...
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Biancas Bed and Breakfast
Bianca's is situated in the North East of Pretoria. We cater and accommodate for everyone's budget. The B&B offers three different set-ups. We ha...
Self Catering
Next To Apart Hotel
Next To Apart Hotel offers accommodation in Menlo Park. Whether you are career oriented, the trend setter looking for the perfect social scene or...
Self Catering
Guesthouse @ 31 Murray
Guesthouse @ 31 Murray is located in Brooklyn which is a suburb situated in the heart of Pretoria East and offers accommodation for a total of si...
Guest House / Self Catering
Rosenthal Guesthouse
Rosenthal Guesthouse in Eldoraigne is named to be a rose valley with the luxurious touch of a 4 Star Guesthouse. The decor is inspired by the own...
Things to do in the area
Family Entertainment
Market On Main
Market on Main Johannesburg saw such resounding success in the City of Gold (Gauteng) that the city of Pretoria has followed suit and was proud t...
Museums
Ditsong Museum of Natural History
The Ditsong National Museum is one of the largest and most impressive natural history museums in South Africa. The museum houses many collection...
Malls & Shopping
Bloed Street Mall
At the Bloed Street Mall you will find a taxi rank in the basement and with the centre situated in the Pretoria CBD this makes transport easily a...
Miscellaneous
National Library of South Africa
The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) in Pretoria holds a collection of South African published books, rare manuscripts, maps, newspapers, ...
Art Galleries
The Javett Art Centre
Staying overnight in Pretoria gives visitors so many opportunities to experience the culture and beauty of South Africa. The University of Pretor...
Accommodation convenient to Museum of Natural History
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Northern Gauteng Accommodation / Pretoria Accommodation
Pretoria as a destination
SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.