The museum houses the Standard Bank African Art Collection, one of the most comprehensive archives of its kind.
WAM's collection encompasses a vast array of historical and contemporary works from West, Central, and East Africa, with a specific focus on Southern Africa.
The museum building is a converted industrial space, redesigned to prioritize natural light and large-scale exhibition capability.
WAM frequently hosts research-led exhibitions that utilize the university’s extensive academic archives.
The museum manages a substantial collection of contemporary South African photography and multimedia art.
Wits Art Museum (WAM) houses one of the most significant collections of African art in the world, featuring over 15,000 items. The permanent collection highlights both historical artifacts and contemporary works from across the African continent. It is integrated into the University of the Witwatersrand’s cultural precinct in Braamfontein. The gallery space is spread across three levels, hosting a rotating series of temporary exhibitions. The collection includes prominent holdings of Southern African beadwork, basketry, and traditional sculpture. It serves as a primary research and teaching facility for the university’s history of art department. WAM functions as a central hub for academic discourse on African visual culture.
The dramatic, double-volume ground floor foyer with its minimalist architectural lines and changing large-scale installations.
Check the WAM website for current exhibition rotations before arriving to ensure specific galleries are open.
Utilize the museum's guided walkabouts, often led by curators or art historians, for deeper contextual insight.
Pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding Braamfontein district to see local street art.
Avoid attempting to visit on public holidays or university recess periods without checking the calendar, as the building may be closed.
Closed on Mondays and certain public holidays; may have limited operations during university break periods.
Maintain a quiet volume within the galleries; photography for personal use is generally permitted without flash.
