Guide to the Kruger Museum, Pretoria: Ticket prices, parking and visiting tips

The Kruger Museum in Pretoria offers a window into the life and legacy of Paul Kruger, president of the old Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. Here’s a practical guide for first-time visitors. It covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, how to get there, best times to visit and nearby attractions you can combine into a day.

History and overview of the Kruger Museum

The Kruger Museum is housed in what was once the private home of S.J.P. Paul Kruger, built in 1884. This was not an official presidential residence but his family’s private house during the later years of his presidency of the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek. The house has been restored based on careful historical study, with furnishings, décor and layout designed to reflect how it was when Kruger lived there with his wife, Gezina.

Beyond the house itself, the museum includes two display halls and the State Railway Coach used by Kruger for official visits and travel. The exhibits cover several eras of Kruger’s life—his presidency, his travels, exile, and personal effects. The museum seeks to convey not just the political events around him but also his personality, family life, and the domestic and administrative context of the time.

In 1934 the museum was officially opened, and in 1936 it was declared a national monument. It is managed as part of the DITSONG Museums of South Africa. The architectural style is Victorian with local adaptations, and the gardens and landscape around the property add to the sense of its period setting.

The Kruger Museum remains a cultural and historical landmark in Pretoria, illustrating both the colonial and Boer heritage, as well as South Africa’s complex history of statehood, conflict, and the resistance to British imperialism. Its exhibits are of interest to history buffs, students, families and international visitors who want a grounded view of 19th-century South African politics.

How to get to the Kruger Museum and parking

The Kruger Museum is located at 59 (or 60) WF Nkomo Street in Pretoria Central. It is often referred to as the Paul Kruger House or Kruger House Museum. Public transport is viable: from Pretoria’s Gautrain station you can take city buses or local taxis heading into the city centre. Once you reach the area around WF Nkomo Street, the museum is a short walk away.

If you drive, there is free parking available for visitors to the museum. The surrounding streets are part of the central area of Pretoria, so traffic may be heavy at peak times. Having GPS or local map support helps. Be aware that the museum is within a dense urban environment, so plan your arrival to avoid the busiest traffic hours.

Opening hours and ticket prices at the Kruger Museum

The Kruger Museum is open every day from 8am until 4pm. The museum is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Check the museum website for any unexpected closures before setting off.

Ticket prices for local visitors are modest. South African adults pay R60 (or R70 for a guided tour). Children and pensioners pay R35 (R40 for a tour). For international visitors the adult rate is R120, and R60 for children.

These hours and prices were last checked in October 2025 and may change in future.

Accessibility at the Kruger Museum

The museum has some provisions for visitors with mobility challenges. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance and accessible restrooms. The parking lot is marked as wheelchair-friendly. Visitors should note, however, that parts of the historic house involve small steps, tight doorways or uneven floors, consistent with old buildings.

If you require special assistance, it is best to call ahead. Educators and group leaders often arrange guided tours in advance, which can help manage access and content.

Best times to visit the Kruger Museum and visit duration

Weekday mornings just after opening are the best option to avoid crowds and heat. Mid-morning to early afternoon tends to be busiest. If you prefer more calm, visit in the shoulder months and avoid midday on weekends.

You should allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a full visit of the house, display halls and state railway coach. If you join a guided tour or spend time photographing the grounds, plan for up to 2 hours. For those combining with other nearby sites, allow extra for walking or public transport between locations.

Nearby attractions to combine with your visit

The Kruger Museum lies in Pretoria’s city centre where history, architecture and culture abound. Close by is Church Square, which includes the Paul Kruger statue, the Palace of Justice, and other historic buildings. The Pretoria City Hall and nearby markets make good stops before or after the museum.

You might also visit the Pretoria Art Museum, only a short drive or walk away, to get a broader sense of South Africa’s visual art heritage. Also consider a walk through the nearby gardens or public squares, or stop by a café in the central area for lunch.

Tips for a smoother visit to the Kruger Museum

• Arrive just after opening time to enjoy quieter galleries and cooler temperatures indoors.
• Contact the museum in advance if you would like a guided tour, especially if your group is large or you need assistance navigating the house.
• Wear comfortable shoes since historic floors, doorways and the coach can involve uneven or low sections.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat if you plan to spend time outdoors around the museum grounds.
• If you are an international visitor, have local currency (South African Rand) ready, since card terminals may not work in every zone.

More South Africa travel

Other South Africa travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• Eight reasons to add Johannesburg to your South Africa trip.
• A self-drive safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
• The hippos that walk through town in St Lucia.
• How to see the Boulders Beach penguins and Cape of Good Hope in one day.
• The story of the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital.