'We are who we are because of who we were'

Origins Centre museum is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind. 

We do this through the museum experience, education programmes, contemporary art, workshops and outreach activities.

The earliest evidence of 'modern human' behavior and thought' is found in Africa. 

Complex stone and bone tools, engraved items, natural pigments and shell beads older than 80 000 years have been found in Africa. 

At Origins Centre we aim to create a deep appreciation for South Africa's and Africa's rich and varied contribution to knowledge in science, humanity, art, language, ideology and technology. The Centre is a place for open and frank discussion to expose and dispel scientific racism, inaccuracies and stereotypes. 

Many of the authors and creators of Africa's past (and humanity's past) are not known by name. In the museum,  we aim to find more personal ways to embrace southern Africa's past - a past of many personal stories and oral histories.

We aim to teach and inspire through the educational programmes, postgraduate supervision and through interactive experiences at the museum about the shared journey we have as humans and our innate creativity.

We host a range of events, temporary exhibitions and workshops, that spark conversation, bring change in peoples thinking or, just simply, offer beauty and meaning.

Want to be an archaeologist or a palaeontologist? Now's the time to try. 

The Origins Centre ochre workshops are fun, interactive and messy. 
You can learn about the many uses of natural pigments - in the ancient past and now - while you create your own artworks out of natural pigments.

We provide a multi-disciplinary space to display art, fossils and artefacts that tell a scientifically researched narrative about the ‘origins’ of life, humankind and society. The museum is a science communication platform that offers an ideal physical space to communicate knowledge and understanding about ‘origins’.