The Origins Centre boasts an extensive collection of rock art affording visitors the opportunity to view the earliest images made by humans, found in South Africa. We seek to restore the African continent to its rightful place in history – the beginning of mankind’s journey to humanity. The museum is also home to a vast array of palaeoanthropological, archaeological and genetic materials. These include ancient tools, artifacts of spiritual significance to early humans and examples of the region’s striking rock art.

The Origins Centre offers exciting school tours. You and your pupils will enjoy an expertly guided educational tour of the museum. The tour comprises curriculum-related content: African Origins and the Origins of Art; San Hunter-Gatherer Lifeways and Rock Art. The Khoi; Bantu Speakers’ Art. Tours can also be personalized to emphasise certain sections such as our indigenous garden & the contemporary art in the permanent exhibition.

The Origins Centre hosts public lectures by researchers and academics from Wits and around the world to present on their research and projects,

Lectures usually take place in the evening starting at 18:00 for 18:30 or on Saturday mornings

Exhibitions @ Origins Centre

Activity Days are fun events for the whole family. Each event has a different topic and theme.

Museum Walkabout: discuss the neuroscience of love and the power of community with neurologist and brain health consultant, Dr. Kirti Ranchod.