The Transvaal Museum - Wildlife and Natural History Museum
Posted by: 
TeamTGF
S 25° 45.183 E 028° 11.338
35J E 619242 N 7151126
A natural history museum located in Pretoria, South Africa
Waymark Code: WM1CRT
Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Date Posted: 04/07/2007
Views: 197
Since
the establishment of the State Museum in 1892, the Transvaal Museum has been
closely associated with the National Cultural History Museum. The museum was
housed in a series of buildings all of which became progressively unsuitable as
the collections expanded. Construction of the current building began in 1910 and
was ready for partial occupation in 1912. In 1995 work began on the two wings on
either side of the main building which had been the original Museum plan in 1910
but wer never erected due to financial constraints. In 1964 the Transvaal Museum
and the National Cultural Museum became separate institutions until 1999, when
they were amalgamated with six other museums in the Northern Flagship District.
Research is conducted on the Museum's natural history collections, and is
reflected in the displays. It is further communicated to the visitors and
schools through education and other relevant programms.
Displays
Genesis of Life I and II
The origin of life on Earth is told here in narrative form. Starting on the
Genesis of Life I, the visitor is taken on a journey through the development of
the animal kingdom from single-celled organisms up to the appearence of early
man; this theme is continued in Genesis II, also called the Mammal Hall
Bird Hall
Southern African birds, arranged numerically according to Roberts Birds
of Southern Africa, are displayed on the mezzanine floor. At ground level,
general information is given about the feeding, reproduction, behavior,
migration and flight of birds.
Geoscience Museum
This museum exhibits a comprehensive collection of minerals, crystals and
gemstones. The display material belongs to the Council for Geoscience.
Educational Programmes.
A comprehensive series of programmes and conductive tours is offered to schools,
students and tourists in various South African Languages. Special theme
programmes, linked to the official OBE school curriculum are presented including
Science Magic Shows, Night Adventures and video and slide shows.
Discovery Centre
A hands-on activity cenre where the five human senses are used to discover the
wonders of nature, offering an invaluable educational adventure. It affords easy
access for wheelchairs and display texts are also transcribed in Braille. The
centre is ideal for School groups and family visits.