Freedom Park, Pretoria

Name: Freedom Park
Address: 7th Ave, Pretoria, 0183, South Africa
Telephone: +27 12 336 4000

#21 among attractions in Pretoria

Museum, Park, Monuments and statues, Military museum

Gallery (4)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, South Africa, Freedom Park stands as a beacon of hope and a monument to the country's tumultuous journey towards democracy. This comprehensive museum and heritage site is dedicated to chronicling and honoring the struggles and achievements of those who fought for freedom and human rights.

Freedom Park is not just a museum; it's a sacred space that intertwines the narrative of a nation's past with its cultural and spiritual heritage. Sprawled across a tranquil hilltop, the park offers a serene environment where visitors can reflect on South Africa's history of colonialism, apartheid, and the eventual triumph of the human spirit.

The park's architecture and exhibits are thoughtfully designed to evoke reflection and understanding. Visitors are welcomed by the impressive 'Gallery of Leaders,' an exhibit that pays homage to iconic figures who have shaped humanity's quest for freedom, not just in South Africa but around the world. The 'Wall of Names' is a poignant tribute, inscribed with the names of those who perished in the struggle for liberation.

One of the central features of Freedom Park is the 'Eternal Flame', a symbol of eternal life that honors those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. Additionally, the 'Isivivane' section, considered the spiritual heart of the park, is a place of cleansing and healing, inviting visitors to pay their respects and find personal solace.

The museum's interactive and comprehensive displays provide an educational experience that covers the breadth of South African history, from pre-colonial times to the democratic present. Through a variety of mediums, including multimedia exhibits and guided tours, the complex narrative of the nation's past is made accessible to all ages.

Freedom Park is more than just a destination; it's an essential pilgrimage for anyone seeking to understand South Africa's soul. The park is open to the public throughout the year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the country's rich heritage and reflect on the price of the freedom they enjoy today.

Local name: Vryheidspark Elevation: 4698 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 25°46'3"S, 28°11'21"E

Address

7th AvePretoria 0183 South Africa

Contact

+27 12 336 4000

Website

Social media

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Pretoria

Day trips

Freedom Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Voortrekker Monument, Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History, Pretoria Forts, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History.

1 miSW
Monument to Afrikaans settlers
Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria
27 min walk • The Voortrekker Monument, a towering presence in the city of Pretoria, South Africa, is a museum that stands as a symbol of Afrikaner heritage and a tribute to the pioneers, known as Voortrekkers, who embarked on the Great Trek during the 1830s.
1 miN
Museum, History museum, Archaeological museum
Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History, Pretoria
27 min walk • The Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History, nestled in the heart of Pretoria, South Africa, is a treasure trove of the country's rich heritage and diverse cultures. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the myriad of cultural artifacts that narrate...
0.7 miS
Museum, Military museum
Pretoria Forts, Pretoria
19 min walk • In the heart of South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria, lies a historical site steeped in military heritage – the Pretoria Forts. Commissioned by President Paul Kruger at the end of the 19th century, these forts were originally built to protect the city from...
1 miN
Huge museum for fossils and dinosaur bones
Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria
25 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, South Africa, the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History stands as a testament to the country's rich and diverse natural heritage. This prestigious institution, formerly known as the Transvaal Museum, is a treasure trove of...
0.9 miN
Historic Victorian mansion with tours
Melrose House, Pretoria
22 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, South Africa, Melrose House stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Victorian era. This stately museum, once a private residence, is an architectural gem that transports visitors back to the turn of the 20th century.
1 miN
City hall, Architecture, Concert hall
Pretoria City Hall, Pretoria
26 min walk • Pretoria City Hall is a landmark of historical significance and architectural beauty located in the heart of Pretoria, South Africa. This grand building, adorned with its distinctive clock tower, serves as a prominent symbol of the city's colonial past and its ongoing...
1.2 miN
25°45'0"S • 28°11'38"E
Staats Model School, Pretoria
32 min walk • Memorial
1 miN
Park, Garden
Burgers Park, Pretoria
25 min walk • Burgers Park is a park located in the center of Pretoria, South Africa. Founded in the 1870s as a botanical garden, it covers four acres and has been declared a South African National Monument. It is named for Thomas François Burgers, fourth president of the South African Republic. A statue of President Burgers stands in the park.
1.1 miN
Church
Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pretoria
29 min walk • The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart or just Pretoria Catholic Cathedral is a religious building belonging to the Catholic Church and is located in the Bosman street of the town of Pretoria, in Gauteng province in South Africa.
0.5 miE
Universities and schools
University of South Africa, Pretoria
14 min walk • The University of South Africa, known colloquially as Unisa, is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment. It attracts a third of all higher education students in South Africa.
1 miE
Tower
Lukasrand Tower, Pretoria
27 min walk • The Lukasrand Tower is located on Muckleneuk Hill in the Lukasrand suburb of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. The tower was built in 1978 and tts primary purpose is wireless telecommunications. It also features an observation deck. The tower is dressed with branding signs for Telkom SA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Freedom Park open?

Freedom Park is open:

Monday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday 8 am - 4:30 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Freedom Park?

Nearby attractions include University of South Africa, Pretoria (14 min walk), Pretoria Forts, Pretoria (19 min walk), Melrose House, Pretoria (22 min walk).

How to get to Freedom Park by public transport?

The nearest stations to Freedom Park:

Train

Pretoria (15 min walk)
Pretoria Gautrain Station (15 min walk)

Bus

Pretoria Gautrain Bus Station (17 min walk)
Bosman Station Coach and Bus Terminus (18 min walk)