James Hall Museum of Transport image

James Hall Museum of Transport

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Johannesburg


Address

Klipriviersberg 106-Ir, Johannesburg South, 2197, South Africa

Website

www.jhmt.org.za

Contact

+27 11 435 9485

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (687 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 9 am to 4:30 pm, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday: (Family Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (29) cars (27) history (25) transport (20) visit (17) experience (15) vehicles (15) exhibits (15) good (14) great (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Wybrand G. 1 year ago on Google • 242 reviews
    A strange combination between a dump yard and a curated experience. You can see that once upon a time someone took pride in the museum, since then the maintenance of the museum has become frozen in time. Many of the pieces are covered in dust and City of Jhb vehicles are parked randomly in the yard. Many of the museum pieces do not have any description. This could be such an amazing learning experience for kids and adults alike and yet the opportunity is missed.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Riaan S. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are into classic vehicles, must visit
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim K. 5 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Worth the visit and entrance is free! Highly recommended for lovers of cars and history
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niel F. 1 year ago on Google
    So pleased this museum is available to the public. Well worth visiting
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kameshni N. 4 years ago on Google
    Is a fantastic museum driving you down the history of transportation. You get to explore from horse drawn carriages to modern electric cars and public transport exhibits such as buses and trams. Each individual exhibit has an insightful information card. The exhibits are kept in pristine condition and you are allowed to explore certain exhibits. There is also clean toilets on the property. BONUS: free entry but you can give voluntary donations.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stuart G. 2 years ago on Google
    Some displays are run down but overall it has some interesting and well maintained exhibits. Worth a visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Panashe C. 2 years ago on Google
    The concept is great, but the facility (inside and out) is visibly in need of revamping and infrastructure is quite old, which overtakes the whole experience. It would be nice if the actual exhibits had descriptions to give context and to educate, not just a "vehicle" or "history of tyres" exhibit but no descriptions.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jaycee van R. 2 years ago on Google
    Well maintained, clean and informative. Very welcoming lady at reception and a great nostalgic walk down the history of transportation in RSA. Ample safe parking as well. There is no entrance fee all they ask is for a small donation. A great few hours spent.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nontokozo Z. 6 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    This is such a great place full of history. Those cars blew my mind. I wish they weren't just sitting there collecting dust. They need to be maintained more and put to good use and have more space for them to be shown off more
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ARUN K. 3 years ago on Google
    Most amazing collection of cars and other vehicles. Great place for a family visit. Kids will love the place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jeanne K. 2 years ago on Google
    We drove incredibly far to come to the museum and they were closed. NEVER mentioned ANYWHERE on the website that they are closed because of covid. We really looked forward to enjoy what they have to offer and the disappointment was terrible!!!! Please adjust your times to say closed!!!!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justine D. 2 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed our visit. Well maintained museum. We were pleasantly surprised. Would recommend especially when educating children about transportation. So much variety and models.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Timothy D. 1 year ago on Google
    The facilities is in a fair condition, the guides know their subject fairly well. The biggest improvement would be the condition of the exhibit, very dirty.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 VANI N. 1 year ago on Google
    There is no entrance fee at this attraction but they do ask for donations. Well maintained venue.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrea M. 3 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    We had a lovely time, it's clean and neat, friendly staff and Realy Awesomeness to be able to see the history of transport over the years! Thank you for keeping it in good condition 🤩
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Petrus van der w. 6 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    It's a pity there aren't more places like this. It's a fun and informative trip down memory lane and into the history books. The James Hall transport museum operates on donations amd has no admission cost, which is a rarity. The quality of the displays is good, but there needs to be a little more TLC when it comes to keeping the vehicles in good condition, or maybe they arrived a little dull and rusted. Either way its a great morning out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gauri K. 4 years ago on Google
    The transport museum actually gives you an insight of the old modes of transport. They have plenty of old models showcased. Interesting place for kids who love cars and carts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Potters House M. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to see how it all developed from horse and carriage into modern transport.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mario t. 4 years ago on Google
    The history of South Africa told through transport. From horse dragged carriages, to vintage cars and fire fighting trucks, the classic rolls Royce and bicycles I only read in history books. It has all you would want to know about South Africa's past in the perspective of transportation. You can take as many personal photos as you can, professional photography is on arrangement , no entrance fee and the place has a kid friendly play area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wanda de J. 6 years ago on Google
    Worth a visit. Clean and tidy. Enjoyed the history of the vintage cars and the other transportation 🚲 🚂 🚗 systems.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Carlos C. 4 years ago on Google
    Needs more work Most of the stock is not there Donations as you enter now not as you leave wondering how it gets counted. But if your looking to look at busses van trucks bikes and cars and very early transportation This is the place to see it. Clean with parking inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tusik T. 3 years ago on Google
    We came 150 kilometers away to see the museum. It's closed. The strangest thing is there is no information about the closure anywhere. Big disappointed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nik T. 4 years ago on Google
    Increadible place. Set aside an hour and a half to two hours when visiting. Amazing exhibits. Well maintained.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raul B. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice little museum inside the faculty. Its got 3 or 4 particular displays (AIDS, polio, alternative medicine, etc) the rest is walls filled with historical facts of medicine. It has a huge collection of old instruments, each labeled with precise information about it. It has nice ambientation as well. Its deffenately worth a visit if youre a medical professional, a bit less for general public. Its free entrance so that makes it nice. Time to spend there is at maximum an hour and a half if not less. We really enjoyed. Next to it there is a medical book store and coffe place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Portrait O. 2 years ago on Google
    If you love cars, their history and other forms of transportation, then this is the place to go. It is child friendly and there was a lovely worker who is really informative and knows his story, him and the mister were inseparable and he made his day. The downside is that due to it being on donations basis, the upkeep of the cars are not up to par that's why I gave them 3 stars. But overall a great experience. And don't forget to donate✌🏿
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ruturaj V. 5 years ago on Google
    The museum has some very special cars and vehicles. But as being operated and maintained by a non-profit group this needs to be taken care well. It works on the donation basis. Except for one hall, most vehicles are kept in very dusty areas. Few vehicles are really precious and they need to be preserved well with extra care. Even to some cars, the chains and barricades causing damage (in one vintage car, the barricade is put in between body and bumper guard 😑) Felt enchanted with the collection from long back history but also felt sad about the condition. This museum needs to be publicised so more people will visit and charge some entry ticket, get funds and please please do maintain this precious treasure. Cheers!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keyoolin P. 2 years ago on Google
    Good experience to see some classic cars. Definitely worth a trip, especially learning that South Africa had trams in its past. And seeing the different modes of transport previously used here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fahima A. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely neat and lovely
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kevin j. 2 years ago on Google
    As I remember it, all those years ago. Clean exhibits, restroom clean. In general well maintained and a good experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Milaine S. 2 years ago on Google
    Such an awesome experience , no entrance fee (but please don't forget to give a donation).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gregory S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool museum, needs a little tlc, the lift isn't working
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kabelo R. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Loved visiting this place... I'm a car fanatic... I love cars
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Beaulah T. 2 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    Great place to bring the kids to practically learn about the history of transport. Entrance is free. Needs some upkeep but overall good experience especially for the lil ones

  • 4/5 Niko I. 5 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    Free (Donations accepted). Great collection of vehicles. Unfortunately it’s mostly just collection so no much info about most of the stuff thus only 4 stars.

  • 5/5 Max S. 2 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    This is a great place for anyone interested in transportation vehicles, or just wanting to experience something new (mostly old stuff). From steam engines and horse-drawn buggies from the 1800's through to bikes, cars, trams and busses. Safe parking and friendly staff. Easy to spend a few hours exploring this museum that has 3 large halls and open display areas. Some great little SA gems, like the Outspan Orange car and the Joule...South Africa's electric car from 2012 that never made it to production.

  • 4/5 Cole M. 2 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    Fantastic experience discovering the history of transport from sleds, to bicycles, carriages, and double decker buses. The scale of the entire exhibit is quite impressive, especially considering that entrance is free. The buildings could use an update, as well as some of the placards and text-based exhibits, which feel aged and worn, but I also understand that must be the result of funding shortcomings. This is a must see for anyone that's a fan of cars and car history.

  • 3/5 Ananth Rao H. 4 years ago on Google
    Though nice collections, not maintained correctly. Most of them look like scrapped ones

  • 5/5 Mallala 5 years ago on Google
    Quite big and very interesting museum for kids and adults. So far my best museum experience in Joburg.

  • 4/5 SEBATA BRIAN L. 4 years ago on Google
    If you're a car fanatic great place to visit as they show you the evolution of cars

  • 5/5 Prenell N. 4 years ago on Google
    This place was amazing 👌🏻

  • 5/5 Belinda H. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place. Very cool cars.

  • 5/5 Charles B. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome!!!!

  • 4/5 Qhinqa T. 4 years ago on Google
    Some interesting history that’s being preserved. Enjoyed walking through.

  • 5/5 Internet U. 3 years ago on Google
    A ride down history lane, vintage style 😎.

  • 4/5 jimmy sizwe m. 3 years ago on Google
    It was found by Jimmie Hall in 1964, its a largest transport museum in Africa, you find all modes of transport for over 400 years, its free entrance , but you can donate what you have

  • 1/5 Mike T. 3 years ago on Google
    They can't be bothered to update their website and let the public know they have been closed since March 2020.

  • 5/5 Dffect M. 3 years ago on Google
    Transportation history is perfectly preserved here, and Stuff workers are very friendly

  • 1/5 Cedric C. 3 years ago on Google
    It's closed

  • 5/5 Shiraz M. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience with the family. Definitely worth visiting. And its FREE. A little donation is all they ask for.

  • 1/5 Wesley N. 3 years ago on Google
    Closed today, marketing team needs to step up and update Google, wasted 30mins of my lifespan im never getting back!, this happend twice!!!, and forget trying to call if you do arrive there and think that there's another entrance, because they don't answer their phones either.

  • 1/5 Marisna B. 3 years ago on Google
    Museum is closed due to Covid-19. Unsure for how long it be.

  • 5/5 Jody Da S. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 lebohang n. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice Museum of Transportation

  • 5/5 Marian P. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place to spend with family and kids.

  • 5/5 Tony V. 4 years ago on Google
    A great museum with exhibits of all forms of transportation throughout Johannesburg's history.

  • 5/5 Madhumati P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Adrian J. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing collection of transport through the ages

  • 5/5 Robson C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very good. (Original) Muito bom.

  • 5/5 satish b. 4 years ago on Google
    Good collection..

  • 5/5 Matjila E. 4 years ago on Google
    History

  • 5/5 Ofentse T. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience. So Vintage yet modern-day. Alot to learn!

  • 5/5 Hameem D. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to visit

  • 5/5 Harvey D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great day out with the kids

  • 4/5 Simon H. 4 years ago on Google
    A phenomenal collection and a hidden gem People need to support

  • 5/5 Develop With D. 4 years ago on Google
    It's worth a quick walk through. I love that it is by donation. That is very generous. Most vehicles are not show cars, but pretty much any single vehicle would be a family heirloom in its own right, so seeing the collection together is great.

  • 5/5 Brian G. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing and friendly superhelpful staff

  • 3/5 Sibusiso Vincent N. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting, but would have been even better if there was a little back story for each vehicle on show.

  • 4/5 Hannelie K. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning find, friendly staff, nice outing.

  • 3/5 Bonginkosi M. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to chill

  • 4/5 Monica S. 4 years ago on Google
    Entrance is free, please consider making a donation. There is some parking at the entrance, guard is present. Good collection of vehicles with some information boards throughout.

  • 5/5 Justin R. 4 years ago on Google
    Great collection of classics

  • 5/5 Johan K. 4 years ago on Google
    If you like old cars and old transport stuff this is a good place to go lot of our transport history are there.

  • 3/5 Janet Claire R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting spot kids loved it.

  • 4/5 Zaheera A. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow. Please keep it up. Our history of cars was extraordinary.

  • 5/5 Karen De B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very well maintained and friendly service

  • 5/5 Bernadette O. 4 years ago on Google
    Entrance fee is a donation. Well maintained and a fun look at transport. Safe parking. Take the family

  • 5/5 Angelique O. 4 years ago on Google
    😀

  • 4/5 Grant T. 4 years ago on Google
    Wide spread museum featuring many ground transportation vehicles including cars and buses.

  • 3/5 Thomas M. 4 years ago on Google
    This place has an amazing number of exhibits and lots of potential. It could use a little more information with the exhibits and more efficient staff. We budgeted 2 hours for the visit and were then told after 45 minutes that they were closing an hour early - no reasons given. I actually regret leaving a generous donation.

  • 5/5 Seipati D. 4 years ago on Google
    The place was smaller than I expected, but it teaches a lot. Quite an eye opener.. Definitely will go again. Good place to take students

  • 3/5 Dawn-Lee van der B. 5 years ago on Google
    Very small museum but good exhibits. More suited for school groups than tourists.

  • 4/5 Jason M. 4 years ago on Google
    Neatly layed out. Friendly reception when open.

  • 4/5 Jason B. 4 years ago on Google
    Neat and tidy. Very informative as a museum.

  • 4/5 Luz-Helena Beltrán G. 5 years ago on Google
    Free entrance but not much guidance. It is a good place to go down memory lane. It helps to understand some complexities of the practice of medicine in SA. Not a tourist landmark, but still interesting.

  • 5/5 cherry y. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a beauty to behold

  • 3/5 Brian GG L. 5 years ago on Google
    It contains great history but poorly presented by the guide and attempt to politicise it detracts from the past in SA

  • 5/5 Johannes M. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 4/5 Irfaan M. 6 years ago on Google
    Old medical instruments etc. Great history

  • 3/5 Fatima I. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 4/5 Wessel G. 6 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Facinating (Original) Fàcinating

  • 4/5 Andre van W. 7 years ago on Google
    Very informative

  • 5/5 Mohamed Waheed A. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 4/5 Claire B. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely be back

  • 5/5 Tshidi M. 2 years ago on Google
    Transport museum in Johannesburg. Free entrance fee, but donations are welcomed. Explore Joburg!

  • 3/5 Fortune M. 2 years ago on Google
    It's nice and well done

  • 1/5 Daniel N. 2 years ago on Google
    Was closed . Wanted to go in .go no info on wen it's opening

  • 5/5 tony s. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place it is guys you must visit it

  • 4/5 Amit J. 2 years ago on Google
    Great range of vintage vehicles. Also free entry. Good to take young kids

  • 1/5 Masee K. 2 years ago on Google
    We drove from so far to come here to the museum but they were closed , though the website says that it is open . NEVER mentioned anywhere that it is closed , a person that also in the neighborhood said that it is open and there would be someone to open for us , but the guard there said is is not . I was really looking forward to come there but was very disappointed.

  • 5/5 johnny z. 2 years ago on Google
    Is very good,love it.

  • 5/5 lindiwe S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Cars and friendly staff

  • 5/5 Mureveri Lisa L. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it

  • 3/5 nelson n. 2 years ago on Google
    Well situated

  • 5/5 Pearl 2 years ago on Google
    If you are fascinated by cars, motorbikes, trams-basically transport in general this is place you should definitely visit. They display different transport and explain their history. I loved hall 2 in particular where there are different cars displayed. Entrance is free but they do appreciate donations.

  • 3/5 Donovan D. 2 years ago on Google
    Run down, needs attention. Was not impressed.

  • 1/5 Caroline C. 2 years ago on Google
    Please don't even bother. This place is never open. We have driven from the East Rand on two separate occasions to find the gates locked. Once, to find a notice on the gate stating 'closed due to Covid' (no update on the webpage, nor to google open times), and the second time after being informed by the friends of the museum that the facility would be open on the day concerned. We won't bother again.

  • 2/5 sagren r. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a very sad visit. Apart from the great staff, the place is in a sad state of disrepair and in somewhat of an embarrassment. The exhibits are full of dust and a musty smell followed us as we toured the halls. The centre hall resembled a scrapyard, with rusty vehicles covered in flacky paint, broken windows and burst tyres. Departmet of Arts and Culture you're not doing your job.

  • 5/5 Kavisha N. 2 years ago on Google
    Really interesting stuff to see, especially if you like old British movies and want to see old carriages. There were few staff members to help around, but they were kind and helpful.

  • 4/5 Sihle M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice museum, really enjoyed myself so many interesting automobiles, bikes, busses and trains that were used here in SA

  • 5/5 Feroz B. 2 years ago on Google
    If you're a petrol head, this is a must-see place. Especially Hall 2, seeing the exhibits in that hall was such a pleasant surprise.

  • 5/5 Mbalenhle S. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the experience. Amazing tour 🤭 a lot of exhibition to see... For the first time I went to a museum and didnt feel sad or angry😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • 2/5 Shane B. 2 years ago on Google
    It was okay, ..

  • 3/5 Farzana C. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting showcase that I never knew existed, lots of info and interesting things to see. 4 Halls of things - with one trains and busses, one with old fire engines, one with old cars and bikes, and one with old carts.

  • 4/5 rashaad p. 1 year ago on Google
    Such an educational experience. Hopefully with more people coming in, the funds can be used to make the museum more appealing.

  • 5/5 Angel L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place to go visit if you're into the history of cars and everything about how over the years things have changed

  • 5/5 Ann C. 1 year ago on Google
    Today we decided to be a tourist in our own midsts... And o my word!! What a little informative little gem we found!! No entry fee.. just a small donation... Taken so far back in time ... Will do it again

  • 4/5 Chiweni C. 11 months ago on Google
    Very informative collection of motor transport going back 2 centuries. Went with my 8 year old son, he preferred to delay lunch :-)

  • 5/5 Artem S. 7 months ago on Google
    Great and underrated place, good collection of public and private transport from entire 20 century. Unfortunately, part of the exposition suffered from irresponsible visitors, but majority of the cars is still in good condition. More technical details and some historical information near the vehicles might also be a good improvement.

  • 5/5 Palesa R. 7 months ago on Google
    Warmly received, museum artefacts well taken care of, wish though we had come in at a time when there was a guide. The guard was very helpful and ensured our security as we waited for an Uber. Will visit again.

  • 4/5 Duncan G. 4 months ago on Google
    Very informative. Lots of exhibits. A pleasant attendant. Safe guarded parking. Well worth a visit. Sad that the surrounding area is on decline so plan your journey accordingly and avoid going through the Rosettenville business district.


Call +27 11 435 9485 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


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

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