From fascinating exhibitions and public lectures to free museum entry and heritage celebrations, International Museum Day promises an exciting the launch of a month-long programme across museums and heritage sites in Pretoria. Oberrved annually on 18 May, this global occasion highlights the important role museums play in preserving culture, promoting dialogue, and building more inclusive societies. This year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” encourages communities to connect through heritage, storytelling, art, science, and shared human experiences.
Museums are more than places that preserve objects - they're spaces where communities visit to learn, reflect, engage, and connect across generations and cultures. Visitors can look forward to a diverse calendar of activities hosted by museums and heritage institutions across Tshwane throughout May 2026.
FREE MUSEUM ENTRY DURING MUSEUMS WEEK during 18 – 24 May 2026
As part of Museums Week, visitors can enjoy free entry to participating museums from 18 to 24 May 2026, a public iniiative that gives an opportunity for residents, families, students, and tourists to experience South Africa’s rich heritage and cultural collections at no cost.
ART, HERITAGE AND EXHIBITION EXPERIENCES
18 – 24 May 2026: Pretoria Art Museum will host a series of exhibitions which will include South African Art linked to the school syllabus, landscapes and scenes, miniature artworks, the Lady Michaelis Bequest collection and textiles and prints.
18 – 24 May 2026: Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site Exhibitions will offer visitors exhibitions relating to the Anglo-Boer War / South African War (1899–1902), providing historical perspectives on one of South Africa’s defining conflicts.
18 – 22 May 2026 - University of Pretoria Museums Guided Tours will offer free entry and guided exhibition tours. These curated experiences combine archaeology, art, and African history in engaging ways and will be featuring The Return of Arab Priest, Unclaying, South African Ceramics and The Mapungubwe Gallery.
FESTIVALS, STORYTELLING AND CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
20 – 23 May 2026 - One of the major highlights of the month - the JOZI aMUZE Festival of Museums will be taking place at the Ditsong Museum of Military History. exeepct a celebration of museums through interactive programming, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities.
Enjoy an intimate storytelling experience that brings local history and heritage narratives to life with Stories on the Stoep taking place on 22 May 2026 at the Ditsong Kruger Museum.
The International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 programme, hosted at the Ditsong Tswaing and Natural History on 22 May 2026 highlights biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness through museum-based activities and exhibitions.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXHIBITION OPENINGS
Experience art, culture, and outdoor creativity in a relaxed heritage setting. with Art in the Park on 23 May 2026 at Smuts House Museum.
The Opening of the Regiments Room on 24 May 2026 at Ditsong Museum of Military History introduces visitors to new military heritage displays and historical narratives.
in commemoration of Africa Day on 27 – 28 May 2026, Professor Pitika Ntuli will present the Azibuyele Emasisweni Exhibition Workshop, celebrating African identity, heritage, and creativity at Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History.
Discover a new exhibition - the “Beautiful Things” Exhibition showcasing artistic and cultural treasures on 28 May 2026 at Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History.
Support local creatives and artisans while enjoying cultural exhibitions and handcrafted works at the Craft Market and Exhibition which will be hosted by Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History during 28 – 29 May 2026.
PUBLIC LECTURES AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Close off International Museum Month celebrations with two educational public lectures:
The Sound of Our Ancestors – Intersections of Tangible and Intangible Heritage is a thought-provoking lecture examining the relationship between physical heritage objects and living cultural traditions. It takes place on 22 May 2026 at the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History.
Conclude the month with another engaging educational session hosted at one of Tshwane’s historic landmarks - the Old Raadsaal Building on Church Square on 30 May 2026.
For more information, contact the museums in the poster below, or send an email to discovertshwane@tshwane.gov.za.
