Mapungubwe Museum

The Mapungubwe Museum is located on the upper level of the Old Arts Building, (declared a National Monument in 1908) at the University of Pretoria. It houses the national treasures of Mapungubwe, a 13th-century Iron Age World Heritage Site in the Limpopo Valley of South Africa.The University of Pretoria has been the custodian and owner of this magnificent archaeological collection since its discovery in 1933.

The museum opened its doors on 15 June 2000 and around 156 000 objects related to the cultural, natural, technological and historical importance of Mapungubwe are housed there. Many of these exhibits are rare and unique in the world, such as the famous figurine of a gold rhinoceros, a replica of which stands in Main Street, Johannesburg.

The Exhibition

The museum houses :

  • The largest ancient gold collection in Southern Africa
  • A substantial Iron Age ceramic collection
  • Indigenous and glass trade beads
  • Many other artefacts, all recognised as distinctive heritage objects and rare national treasures.

The Mapungubwe Museum mostly reflects archaeological research interests from Mapungubwe and from the initial finds in 1933 the Mapungubwe collection has expanded significantly over the years through fieldwork, excavations, a few donations and conservation efforts. This expansive stock makes it one of the foremost museum collections for use in comparative studies and research in Iron Age archaeology.

Visiting Hours

  • Weekdays, 10h00 - 16h00
  • or by appointment

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