Origins Centre, Wits University

About Origins Centre, Wits University

The Origins Centre at Wits University in Johannesburg is a premier museum dedicated to documenting the history of humankind, African heritage, and ancient rock art. Opened in 2006, the facility takes visitors on a journey tracing millions of years of human evolution, utilizing an extensive collection of stone tools, replica hominin skulls, and cultural artifacts.

A core highlight of the museum is its vast display of San rock art, curated in collaboration with the university's Rock Art Research Institute to showcase the spiritual and ritual history of southern Africa's earliest inhabitants. Located on the Braamfontein campus, the underground museum provides audio guides in multiple languages, operates six days a week, and features supporting visitor amenities including an onsite café and a museum shop specializing in local African crafts.