Hector Pieterson Memorial image

Hector Pieterson Memorial

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Soweto


Address

8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa

Website

www.joburg.org.za

Contact

+27 11 536 0611

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (3.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 10 am to 5 pm, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (31) Soweto (20) visit (18) South (17) people (17) experience (17) museum (16) tour (15) memorial (15) Africa (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 V C. 10 months ago on Google • 736 reviews
    Interesting smaller museum about the young boy who was shot during the Soweto school uprising. Very moving story. The museum itself can be seen within 30 minutes or so. Note there are 'guides' outside the museum who will tell you about the events and ask for a tip.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lesego M. 9 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    It tells a great Historical stories. The meaning of June 16 in South Africa and why they started the Soweto uprising strike. Thank you to our Heroes/Heroin who fought for our nation.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tebello m. 2 years ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Thou a great source of painful memories for black South Africans, it is a truly magnificent monument of historic truth and a display of courage for those who fought for black people to have equal right with white people. Even willing to rist their lives for us. The tour guide was truly informative and it was awe inspiring to stand were courageous young men and women matched for the future to be brighter we will forever be grateful. Must see.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dayana A. 5 months ago on Google • 613 reviews
    I came here early Saturday morning. Before the heap of tourist buses arrives. The museum is really good 👍 I spend almost an hour just taking it all in my own time. You can have a guided tour if you want. I didn't feel the need. It's such a huge historical monument. It's also a very planned layout. If you're a wheelchair user, you'll will not have a problem visiting here. It's incredibly accessible with ramps. Also It's walking distance from the Nelson Mandela house, too. People outside are very friendly and I meet Hectors sister Antoinette!! She does guided tours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eric P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) If you go to Soweto, a small detour to this monument honoring a child victim Hector Pieterson of the anti apartheid demonstrations. Historical. (Original) Si vous passez à Soweto petit détour à ce monument hommage à une victime enfant Hector Pieterson des manifestations anti apartheid. Historique.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thabi M. 2 years ago on Google
    It was interesting n educational to visit the memorial on June 16 on a Bicycle tour around Soweto by Book ibhoni. More so as we encountered members of a political party singing struggle songs n coming to lay wreaths n pay their respect. To be in that atmosphere was astounding. Quite an experience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 queen e. 2 years ago on Google
    Guide help explain the history of the memorial and each component. It is important support the community and even better if you know something prior to walking in.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gloria M. 2 years ago on Google
    It was my first time visiting Hector Pieterson menoria, for me , I felt like Hactor was just pass yesterday the way thing were there. People bring flowers, some were praying while others took pictures. Then inside the whole there is all the history of 18's every sing information about apartheid in south Africa until we got freedom. I learned a lot on 16 June 2021 & I also visited tata Mandela House
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 The Investigative J. 2 years ago on Google
    Pictures Copyright ©️ blackjohannes. All pictures as is and was not edited or manipulated. It is always an eye opener to visit the Hector Pieterson museum. You have to spend time so it all soak in again how much many people have sacrificed, especially the youth. Went for a coffee at Vilakazi espresso, so it was my first taste of an espresso in Soweto. Would never ever thought I would one day drink an espresso in this historic township. Also had an oven baked pizza at The Soweto Pizza Company. Was good to pass Madibas house again in the now vibrant Vilikazi street, home to two Nobel Peace Laureates. Archbishop Desmond Tutu's former home is close to the one of the former home of Nelson Mandela. And whilst people cheers and drink the night in, let us remember how these two icons help to give us freedom in the New South Africa.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Romz M. 1 year ago on Google
    very rich in history, touching though
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J L. 4 years ago on Google
    If this doesn't touch you in some kinda way....then I'm not sure you should stop and visit. No photos are allowed inside but the most special place was right inside the entrance. The forgotten ones who have never been found their names are on 🧱 in a courtyard that is peaceful and tranquil. MUST STOP AND VISIT
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jozy triangel Tours street a. 1 year ago on Google
    On a tour with the one and only Hectorpietersons sister she gives an amazing tour, as she goes back in time to explain her captured Memories of the tragedy that happened in 1976; a tragedy that took her Brothers life away right infront of her eyes, she calmly takes you through the traumatic experience. She has alot to give to the youth and a message for the future.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tafara M. 11 months ago on Google
    Loadshedding suck you have to confirm first before visiting there .. house of learning 🤝👌🤝 i have a full version of a movement of 1976.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tien S. 6 months ago on Google • 233 reviews
    Only visited the outside and got a full explanation of the history and the meaning of the memorial. I'm sure there is a lot more to learn and see, but after visiting the Apartheid Museum just previous to visiting this site, my mind was spinning from learning specifics of the experience of South African Blacks/Natives.

  • 5/5 Sibusiso M. 1 year ago on Google • 17 reviews
    This place gives you more insight about the soweto uprisings, you get to experience the turmoil that occurred in Soweto. There are pictures and videos that were taken as the events were happening. You get to relieve that era. There are also volunteering sight guides who will help you navigate the memorial outside the museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sandeep P. 4 years ago on Google
    A memorial which has been dedicated to Hector Peterson who was a small child waiting for his sister and was shot during the during a peaceful protest. This person was not exactly a part of any of our history books or any of the different aspects of South African history. However we understand that he played a very important role in the ignition of the Civil War. A memorial has been built and the entry to the museum is around 35 Rands. Not very impressive but the Soweto tour will have a stop here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tebogo M. 3 years ago on Google
    Profound
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Goodson M. 3 years ago on Google
    It was nice n so emotional to be hear.. Everyone must visit this place to see & learn about what happened 1976..it's really really emotional n nice to be here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khomotso M. 3 years ago on Google
    A lovely experience, I enjoyed visiting the meseum,
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aina Segun A. 3 years ago on Google
    A well preserved historical account of extreme brutality against black youth, especially primary and secondary school children who seek to preserve their rights and voices in peaceful manner. Such large scale brutality and crime against humanity where thousands of these children were murdered in cold blood. This is a story of the Soweto uprising, this is the story of infant tears and blood. May the souls represented by those walls rest in peace and bless the land of Africa and its people. I do hope that humanity will never witness this again 😭😭😭
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bukelwa N. 5 years ago on Google
    The museum and information is laid out well. Their audio visual system was not functioning during our visit which lessens the experience. This needs to be fixed to allow people a full historic and memorable experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 wilfred m. 3 years ago on Google
    The place must be preserved for future generation and must form part of education syllabus
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nelisiwe K. 3 years ago on Google
    History of what happened in 1976 is well kept there
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Oluwakemi Remi E. 3 years ago on Google
    Really touched by the teenage boy carrying Hector who was shot. The mother's comment - My boy did what any brother/neighbour could have done.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CRRSS-Aurthaat A. 2 years ago on Google
    Historically very rich and emotionally moving.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fahim J. 2 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful memory of our youth that fought for our freedom.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shamsiya A. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice to hear about history of what happened during Apartheid. Also a good reminder.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosetta O. 1 year ago on Google
    Well organized, touching stories of the country and the people. Great memories of the great people of South Africa.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ebru T. 2 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    I know The Memorial is very very important. I feel sad , because children were killed for no reason. I got depressed. I already knew history, but felt angry again. Memorial is very well organized. No one can turn away from the violence that happened; no one should. Main story is out of the building. When you visit please do not think it is a museum; whole area is the idea. Try to understand what happened.

  • 3/5 terry n. 1 month ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    It's quite dull. One has to read to understand the whole message. It would be good if they have guides to quicken the process especially for tourists. The reading is ideal for students not tourists.

  • 5/5 Flavor B. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a very important Historical Place that brought change by the Youth of South African. Young people died fighting for Freedom and their rights.

  • 3/5 Mandisa M. 3 years ago on Google
    There was litter everywhere but great place

  • 5/5 Letsoalo Mokhwathi C. 4 years ago on Google
    It's very interesting with lots of memorials of life experience from our leaders. I love the setup.

  • 5/5 Moss M. 3 years ago on Google
    Perfect place next to it's a beautiful coffee shop.

  • 4/5 Thomas M. 4 years ago on Google
    If u like to know history and the famous picture will be explained in detail. Loved the place and guides

  • 4/5 Emily D. 4 years ago on Google
    Visited the memorial as part of a tour and our guide was quite knowledgeable about the incidents surrounding this street. It was quite harrowing. A really good lesson to keep in your heart. People from Soweto truly suffered. The only thing I did not like was that people were posing with the famous image there, it was not appropriate to stand there smiling in front of the photo

  • 5/5 Kuti M. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a place to be when you want to connect with your inner being. Though in the heart of Soweto. It's a holy ground for good spiritual connection. A liberated souls of struggling spirits. Pray there and your prayers will be answered.

  • 4/5 Mahara M. 3 years ago on Google
    History preserved. So educational. So eye-opening.

  • 3/5 Makoma M. 3 years ago on Google
    This heritage place is not well taken of

  • 5/5 marcia m. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Carol W. 3 years ago on Google
    We're going back because the museum was closed.

  • 2/5 Lulu H. 3 years ago on Google
    Not well taken care of anymore

  • 5/5 Verdi G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great site visit!

  • 3/5 Sipho N. 3 years ago on Google
    It's ok.

  • 1/5 Zizi S. 3 years ago on Google
    Water is diŕty and stinking

  • 5/5 Tshepo Clive M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very well kept and rich History and knowledgeable locals

  • 5/5 Dumisomuzi D. 3 years ago on Google
    Somber but safe

  • 5/5 ciska m. 3 years ago on Google
    When u re around Meadowlands u can js quick peek

  • 5/5 DYONDZO K. 3 years ago on Google
    A great historical museum that demonstrates the role of the youth in the fight against apartheid.

  • 4/5 marco m. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting

  • 5/5 Hector M. 3 years ago on Google
    Paying homage to a fallen hero

  • 5/5 BIZZY FIRE CONTROL PTY L. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent

  • 5/5 Bongani S. 3 years ago on Google
    Clean and neat

  • 5/5 Claudio M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I consider it a mandatory place to visit and learn about history that should not be repeated. (Original) Considero un lugar obligatorio para visitar y conocer la historia que no se debe repetir.

  • 4/5 Bantu M. 4 years ago on Google
    If you happen to visit Soweto, please do check it out

  • 3/5 Sevha Amos V. 4 years ago on Google
    Quite

  • 5/5 Refilwe S. 3 years ago on Google
    Though we could get in, we were able to take beautiful pics. It will always be a memorial site important to blax kSouth Africans.

  • 5/5 Henry D. 3 years ago on Google
    Well preserved historical data. Amazing place. One feels in sync with the rich history South Africa has.

  • 5/5 Caesar A. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a chilling and inspiring moment to come her. Long live the legacy of Hector Pieterson🙏🏿

  • 5/5 Rae J. 3 years ago on Google
    A very moving and memorable tour that is powerful in imagery and one that will leave you saddened by the injustices faced by native South Africans during the years of Apartheid. An injustice to one is an injustice to all. If you’re easily triggered by these incidents in history, be prepared but it is important to reflect on the experience so people can be understanding of others plights.

  • 5/5 Mali N. 3 years ago on Google
    The place is something else, the tour guide that we found was top class, he explained to us thinks that we didn't know. It was a eye opener indeed, I won't hesitate to visit even the restaurant close by are very amazing

  • 4/5 Rusiano T. 3 years ago on Google
    Very knowledgeable guide. Keep up the good work

  • 5/5 Johanna` R. 3 years ago on Google
    It brings sad memories of 16th june 1976 as I was part of the uprising of Soweto. The monument will be twenty years next year i can't wait to celebrate it.Our own history 👆👌👏

  • 5/5 Solly L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Hlengiwe N. 3 years ago on Google
    It is wonderful

  • 5/5 Patrick Musilwa M. 3 years ago on Google
    Historical place

  • 5/5 Thandi N. 3 years ago on Google
    Pizza hut soweto...excellent

  • 4/5 Melinyaniso M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great setup, sad part of our painful history, poorly maintained grounds 😢

  • 4/5 Zoliswa M. 3 years ago on Google
    Well looked after

  • 4/5 Joseph M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great heritage site

  • 5/5 Viagens, Yoga e Mais A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This place has a lot of history of freedom in this country, people are very polite and friendly, there is a souvenir fair here, a lot of beautiful art (Original) Esse lugar tem muito da historia da liberdade desse país, as pessoas são muito educadas e simpáticas, tem um feira de suvenires aqui, muita arte linda

  • 1/5 Hamilton T. 3 years ago on Google
    The place is dirty and the water that were flowing from the memorial site has run dry.The Hector Peterson museum is çlosed.

  • 5/5 Menzi D. 3 years ago on Google
    The tour guide gave a very detailed history of the site

  • 5/5 Walid I. 3 years ago on Google
    It's safe

  • 5/5 Nontsikelelo M. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a beautiful place, neat

  • 5/5 Patience N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Memorial

  • 3/5 DLN Nhlapo L. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place but not well kept

  • 4/5 mahlatse m. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it

  • 5/5 jesse E. 3 years ago on Google
    How it must have felt in 1986

  • 3/5 Thabisile N. 3 years ago on Google
    There's no activity

  • 5/5 Gerty M. 3 years ago on Google
    Good for family members to know about South African history

  • 5/5 GIDEON N. 3 years ago on Google
    Very Historical

  • 5/5 Ntokozo G. 3 years ago on Google
    nice one

  • 5/5 Marianka B. 3 years ago on Google
    Very emotional place. Recomended 👍🏻

  • 5/5 Thomas R. 3 years ago on Google
    🙏

  • 5/5 Fanie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Historical experience

  • 5/5 sibongile m. 3 years ago on Google
    Safe place to be around

  • 5/5 David S. 3 years ago on Google
    It is quite a good place. Vilakazi Curio shop and coffee shop open with pizza place

  • 5/5 Mlungisi T. 3 years ago on Google
    ❤❤❤ I loved the place and got a chance to learn about history of schools and education in Soweto as well as South Africa as a hole.

  • 5/5 Joe M. 3 years ago on Google
    Rich history. The.Memorial requires maintenance.

  • 5/5 Mikateko N. 3 years ago on Google
    💪🏾

  • 5/5 Desiree M. 3 years ago on Google
    World class!

  • 5/5 Serina P. 2 years ago on Google
    The tour guide made our visit memorable; definitely worth having one. We are a country with a rich history; our freedom is priceless; paid with the blood and tears of those before us.

  • 5/5 Mokgaetje M. 2 years ago on Google
    Our rich history. Our heritage. Great experience.

  • 5/5 briton m. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit when you want to know more about 16 June events.

  • 5/5 Tesh L. 2 years ago on Google
    Sibusiso gave us a nice presentation, it was clean, nice and quiet, very interesting history

  • 4/5 Jade J. 2 years ago on Google
    Sadly closed when we visited but it would be interesting to go inside next time.

  • 5/5 Oratile C. 2 years ago on Google
    Very educational. My 7 yo had a great time. Thank u

  • 5/5 MightyMaria 2 years ago on Google
    The memorial although very insightful but you re-Live the sad trying moments that the youth went through. Its painful to the core but a great reminder of the sacrifices our fore fathers made to free the nation from the harsh white colonials & the Afrikaans

  • 5/5 Kevin C. 2 years ago on Google
    A mammoth history and overall experience is a lifetime to remember

  • 5/5 Paa M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very much informative, volunteer was spot on educative to everyone can always return to this place anytime

  • 5/5 Roni K. 2 years ago on Google
    A dignified and beautiful place for a visitor to pay respect to a young victim of apartheid.

  • 5/5 D H. 2 years ago on Google
    Sad history, well presented. I spent a good bit of time here and still feel I could have learned so much more! A must-do for anyone visiting Soweto.

  • 4/5 Ettore G. 2 years ago on Google
    If you want to understand how bad was South Africa during that time one stop here is a must. People so friendly will explain you everything

  • 5/5 Jackie F. 1 year ago on Google
    Buffet style dinner show. Wonderful experience with good food. Show with customers participation.

  • 5/5 Wayne M. 1 year ago on Google
    Shared in past experience. Very sad though. Great experience however. Would visit again with family and friends.

  • 3/5 Stephan P. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm not sure, but for some reason I was expecting a bit more from the memorial site.

  • 2/5 Niall T. 1 year ago on Google
    An awful story behind a historic photograph depicting a criminal event in a sad South African history. However, the memorial is just so so.

  • 4/5 Zolani Zwangendaba M. 1 year ago on Google
    The place looked nice but more neatness need to be applied as to pushing its standard of niceness, like getting people who are selling there proper stalls with shade to protect them from any hash weather

  • 5/5 Vincent M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum about 1976 Students uprisings against Apartheid imposing Afrikaans in our black school..

  • 4/5 aysha n. 1 year ago on Google
    It was alright we didn't have a guide like last time but it's always enjoyable to remember history so visually.

  • 5/5 nkosikhona j. 1 year ago on Google
    it's a very special space to be, especially for its own people and indeed outstands by broadening horizons of each historian/discoverer if I may put it so. The biggest touch it that it's broad itself about history, it's discusses it and it's honored makers from time to time, significant event to the next. It's such a big box book you read without having to hold by hand but still have to grasp by mind.

  • 5/5 Winn A. 1 year ago on Google
    I was there for an electronic music event, and it was so well set up! It's a pity that we haven't reached a stage yet where public safety is guaranteed, and people from all walks of life can feel comfortable partying in the townships...

  • 5/5 greg w. 1 year ago on Google
    At the the end of a moving day learning about apartheid and South Africa this was a moving visit. We all need to learn.

  • 5/5 Julia H. 1 year ago on Google
    Of all the Mandela sites we visited in Soweto this is the most moving and memorable one. The entire museum is focused on the role of students in the fight against apartheid. Definitely worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Alpa P. 1 year ago on Google
    Moving recount of the student uprising, and more broadly about Sowetans struggle for education, freedom, justice. I also recommend the road side explanation boards going from the Memorial towards Vizakali.

  • 5/5 Maria R. 1 year ago on Google
    This historic and monumental place was well designed and full of symbolism. The picture that sparked outrage throughout the world just breaks your heart. Stopped by there with the red bus Soweto tour. The short guided tour was well worth it.

  • 4/5 Bhuti K. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place that highlights the role of young people in the struggle against apartheid.

  • 5/5 Zizoucorn 10 months ago on Google
    A must do when visiting South Africa....What a beautiful story...tour guide painted an amazing picture of the horrific truth which sparked a pivotal change in South African History

  • 5/5 Debbie T. 11 months ago on Google
    This was an incredibly moving experience. The exhibits were artistically and thoughtfully composed. The story is told through many people's perspectives, which gave me a robust overview and understanding of the event timeliness. This is a public treasure, and I highly recommend your visit!

  • 5/5 Deevon H. 8 months ago on Google
    The Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum was truly educational, much of our history can be found here. Details of the 1976 uprising that is not accounted for in our school textbooks such as eye witness accounts and newspaper articles are available for all to read and view in an easy set up. The walk through can easily take up to 2 hours and the location is very close to Vilakazi street where one can find the Mandela House.

  • 5/5 René H. 5 months ago on Google
    Very impressive place in Soweto. It is worth visiting the adjacent museum to learn about the history.

  • 5/5 Pam H. 4 months ago on Google
    We visited this memorial on our visit to Johannesburg, South Africa. We found this memorial informative and very disturbing. While listening to our guide, I broke down in tears because of the horrors these children endured. Seeing the amount of hate that people of color had to endure touched my heart in a way that has profundity affected me. Anyone who has never visited this memorial should do so. It will change/touch each visitor.

  • 5/5 Kortes M. 3 months ago on Google New
    It is an emotional experience to visit the museum and see what the youth of 1976 went through, overall I loved how protected the place is, the history is well preserved as they practice the policy of no pictures allowed.

  • 5/5 Asheed A. 3 months ago on Google New
    Nice place to buy things in Soweto. Very laid back and not a lot of pressure from vendors. Didn't buy anything, but I am going back before I leave to purchase souvenirs.

  • 5/5 Permission T. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Great place although with sad history but wonderful to learn and know of june 16 1976. Also perfect place to take pictures.


Call +27 11 536 0611 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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