Built heritage
SITES DECLARED
Several historical sites have been declared heritage sites, meaning that they have been given protection.
Places to visit
Credo Mutwa VillageA place of myth, the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village in the heart of Soweto contains a remarkable collection of sculptures and buildings created by traditional healer, prophet and writer Credo Mutwa.
FIETAS MURAL
A subway wall has become a canvas for memories. The massive artwork spreads across the pass, which links Fordsburg with the old suburb of Fietas. Its vibrancy once destroyed by apartheid, it is again rising up.
Monuments Johannesburg has a rich history, remembered through its many memorials and monuments. Find out more about the Indian War Memorial and the Katyn Memorial (Polish War Memorial), among others.
Buildings & sites
Johannesburg’s eclectic past is reflected in its buildings and heritage sites, from Iron Age sites and other archaeological finds through to colonial influenced buildings designed by Herbert Baker.
16 JUNE TRAILOn 16 June 1976, Soweto erupted, and the flames engulfed the whole country. The spark was a protest march by schoolchildren. A heritage trail follows their path, letting us tread in their footsteps through the township.
Bram Fischer mural
The Afrikaans anti-apartheid activist has been remembered in a series of murals depicting his life and strong commitment to freedom for all.
Plaques Find out more about Johannesburg’s tumultuous history and it’s diverse people and places through the plaques placed around the city identifying significant sites.
GANDHI IN JOHANNESBURG
To be in Johannesburg is to walk in the footsteps of greatness, for it is the foundry that forged two of the 20th century's greatest leaders - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi at the beginning and Nelson Mandela later.
Public art From statues and sculptures to murals and reliefs, there are many works of art dedicated to people or events that had a significant impact on the history of Johannesburg.
Inner City Map [download, 3Mb]
BOSMAN BANNER
A large billboard of Herman Charles Bosman, a Joburger and one of the country's most talented writers, now adorns the High Court Building in Gandhi Square where Bosman had an office in the 1940s.
Watch video
Calendar
- Geology Museum at Museum Africa
May 17, 2012
(African holidays) - Transport through the ages
May 22, 2012
(James Hall Museum of Transport) - Geology Museum at Museum Africa
May 24, 2012
(African holidays) - Africa Day
May 25, 2012
(African holidays)
PUBLIC ART POLICY
Check out the benefits for enhancing the urban environment.
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FLYING THE FLAG POLICY
Flying flags promotes social cohesion.
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Check out the benefits for enhancing the urban environment.
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FLYING THE FLAG POLICY
Flying flags promotes social cohesion.
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REBATES
Because the costs of maintaining a heritage property can be significant the City of Johannesburg offers support to responsible owners of heritage sites.
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Because the costs of maintaining a heritage property can be significant the City of Johannesburg offers support to responsible owners of heritage sites.
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HERITAGE POLICY
In an increasingly globalised world, only cities with a strong sense of place will stand out and succeed. Find out more about the heritage policy framework [PDF, 274kb]
In an increasingly globalised world, only cities with a strong sense of place will stand out and succeed. Find out more about the heritage policy framework [PDF, 274kb]