South African Armour Museum

5 Harry Bekker - a month ago

Getting to the museum was hasstle free. The soldiers we met with were all very Profesional and helpful.
Its advisable to check the website, and make an appointment to go inside the museum, we did however have the pleasure of seeing, and walking past the older decommissioned armoured vehicles, which was impressive..

4 Markus Wynand Müller - 3 years ago

Fantastic for anyone with a interested in the military, specifically in the armoured division (tanks, armoured vehicles, etc). There is also a display museum, and on request the museum curator can sometimes give tours.

The only downside with the museum is the lack of funding. Some items need restoration and dire cleaning, but as said, they lack the funds for this.

5 Steve Kleiman - 6 months ago

What a privilege to visit the South African Armour Museum!

As one might expect, museum revolves around fabulous collection of armor u0026 artillery. Museum also features more academic exhibits in historic building.

Museum is work-in-progress under able stewardship of competent staff. But that’s a long haul. As such, it’s ideal to arrange your visit in advance for someone to walk you around. It really helps with this collection to get handholding which museum is eager to provide.

I was fortunate to have Major Swanepoel guide my tour. I was especially grateful he could target our discourse to level of my own historical knowledge (and lack thereof) and also focus on specific points of interest to me.

Not knowing my schedule in advance, I emailed museum day before. Unlike most other South African military museums I visited, I actually got a response confirming my visit, and it came within an hour of me sending.

Key distinguishing factor not obvious to me going in is that collection is uniquely South African. It is unusual for several reasons.

One reason is museum's peculiar amalgam of WWII and post-WWII weaponry constituting “hand-me-downs” from various nations repurposed by South Africa for extended service life. Base elements are familiar; subsequent modifications are striking.

Secondly, museum presents an awkward and difficult historical chapter when South Africa was cut off from world arms market. They had to home grow armor for specific needs. As such, these platforms you won’t see anywhere else.

Curators are diligently working on placards and crafting exhibits to communicate this narrative. For now, having that human walk you around is terrifically useful.

Museum is on an active military base. While apparently you can just show up, they recommend you communicate in advance so you’re expected. Do that. Contact info on their website.

Thank you Major Swanepoel u0026 staff for time spent with me and for preserving this important history.

VISITED: 18 February 2022, admission free (donations accepted)

5 Military Heritage - a month ago

Best and largest selection of South African Armoured Vehicles.

5 Bryan Moose - 6 months ago

Family went. Some seriously passionate guys looking after some great heritage. Reccomend. Worth the visit.

5 Estiaan Van Vuuren - 3 years ago

Great museum
Wide variety of armour to look at

4 cr4zym3ch - 3 years ago

Some very interesting displays especially in the old hospital building. What looks like an iron lung is truly terrifying to think of a person confined in such a device for any length of time.
Would recommend ignoring the driving instructions given and rather approach on Furstenburg rd, then ask directions from the main gate.