South African Armour Museum Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa,

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South African Armour Museum- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The South African Armour Museum, situated at the School of Armour in Tempe, Bloemfontein, serves as a national repository for the history of the South African Armoured Corps (SAAC). Officially opened in 1996 to mark the SAAC's 50th anniversary, the museum preserves a wide-ranging collection of armored vehicles, artillery, and military artifacts that trace the evolution of South African armored warfare. Its exhibits span from early 20th-century armored cars to modern tanks, offering insight into tactical advancements and the operational roles of the SAAC in both domestic and international contexts. Housed in a restored historical building originally constructed between 1902 and 1904 as a British military hospital, the museum also functions as a research and archival center. Declared a National Monument in 1999, the building itself adds historical depth to the experience. The museum's development has been supported through donations from private businesses, arms manufacturers, and veterans, allowing it to grow into one of the most comprehensive military museums in South Africa. Visitors can engage with static displays, educational exhibits, and curated military memorabilia that highlight the technological and strategic contributions of South Africa's armoured forces.

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Reviews of South African Armour Museum

B Jewlal

5
Reviewed: 2025-06-07

We didn't get to go inside, and was not able to reach them telephonicaly.. we drove pass a few time ...got a glimpse only. But worth the drive by. Second time lucky. Appointment necessary. So worth the visit .
Gregory Dodgen

5
Reviewed: 2024-11-08

Was awesome! Saw russianarmour, South african armour, and ww2 era vehicles and armour. This includes the Comet, the Crusader, the Marmon Herrington, theSexton SPG as well the Sherman AVRE and the Churchill AVRE!
Josh Rudman

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-27

Amazing experience at the SA Armour Musuem. The static displays are amazing and rare, the curator is a very knowledgeable, professional and passionate person (same could be said for most of the soldiers of the 1 SA Tank Regiment). It is completely worth the trip and home to many prototypes and unique finds.
Tiaan Swanepoel

4
Reviewed: 2024-01-14

One of the Army’s gunners took us for a tour of the base. It was December so we couldn’t see all of the exhibitions. He showed us all of the tanks outside and was really informative. The Google maps directions didnt take us to the correct entrance.
Markus Wynand Müller

4
Reviewed: 2019-08-02

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.