Upcoming Tours
Brixton Cemetery - wild tales from the gold rush days
Type of Tour
Walking tour
Date
Saturday, 8th August 2026
Time and Duration
14:00
2.5 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R190
Non-members: R295
Max no of People:
40
Description
Join JHF for a tour of the venerable Brixton Cemetery – final resting place of some of Johannesburg’s early residents. Our cast of colourful characters includes a geologist, a missionary, some architects, an editor, a sharp-shooter, a mining magnate and his actress wife.
We’ll also introduce you to the fiery-tempered trade unionist ‘Pickhandle’ Mary Fitzgerald and the dashing duellist and President of the Diggers Republic, Stafford Parker. Last but not least, we’ll take a moment to commiserate with the victims of Daisy De Melker’s murderous spree.
Led by Antoinette Morgan and Nicci Noble, this fascinating walking tour covers a distance of approximately 3kms. Please wear good walking shoes and bring along a sunhat, sunblock and drinking water. Parking will be available by the cemetery office, just past the entrance.
Meeting Place
Brixton Cemetery, corner Bartlett and Krause Streets, Vrededorp
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Sara Buijskes & the Barbican A celebration of the extraordinary
Type of Tour
Building tour and talk
Date
Sunday, 9 August 2026
Time and Duration
10.00
2 Hours
Cost
Members: R190
Non-members: R295
Max. people
25
Description
Step back in time this Women’s Day with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. Head into the Johannesburg CBD, meet photography pioneer Sara Buijskes (1886 – 1970) and explore one of Johannesburg’s iconic architectural treasures – the newly-restored Barbican Building.
This special Women’s Day event features a guided tour of the building and an illustrated talk by noted photo historian Carol Hardijzer on the remarkable Sara Buijskes who occupied the Barbican’s penthouse for over forty years. Carol’s talk will be presented in Sara’s original studio, bringing to life the story of an extraordinary woman who helped document Johannesburg and its people through her lens.
The morning also includes the opportunity to browse Bridge Books, Griffin Shea’s acclaimed independent bookshop on the Barbican’s ground floor, renowned for its outstanding collection of books on Johannesburg, South Africa, and Africa.
As parking in the CBD is limited, we strongly recommend using a ride-hailing service.
Guide
Carol Hardijzer and Kathy Munro
Meeting Place
The Barbican, 89 Helen Joseph Street, cnr Rissik, Johannesburg
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Gandhi Square & Arcades - Joburg’s undercover history
Type of Tour
Walking tour
Date
Saturday, 15 August
Time and Duration
14:00
2,5 Hours
Cost
Members: R190
Non-members: R295
Max. people
40
Description
Johannesburg was once a ‘City of Arcades’. These glass-roofed walkways between buildings boasted exquisitely tiled floors, beautiful cast-iron work, and maximised retail space while sheltering shoppers from the dusty streets. While most of these Victorian and Edwardian structures were demolished in the rush to modernise the city, one gem has survived…
Hidden between Gandhi Square and Fox Street, Somerset House was used by the United Building Society to house safety deposit boxes. Then it was boarded up for years – hiding its checkerboard floors and green Art Nouveau tiles from public view. Today, thanks to Gerald Olitzki, the developer behind the revival of Gandhi Square, Somerset House is being beautifully restored.
Join JHF guide David Gurney on a marvellous walking tour that explores Gandhi Square and Somerset House to see this remarkable restoration in progress. We’ll also visit the locations of some of Joburg’s other long-gone arcades.
Please wear good walking shoes, bring a hat and plenty of drinking water. The meeting point is at the Gandhi statue in Gandhi Square.
As parking in the CBD is limited, we strongly recommend using a ride-hailing service.
Meeting Place
Gandhi Square, New Street, Marshalltown
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Killarney - Hollywood Glamour and Art Deco swank
Type of Tour
Walking tour
Date
Sunday, 23rd August
Time and Duration
10:00
2 Hours
Cost
Members: R190
Non-members: R295
Max. people
40
Description
Once home to movie moguls, jet setters, actors, and aviators, Killarney boasts a rich social and architectural heritage.
Movie mogul Isidore Schlesinger founded his ground-breaking film studio here and, drawn by the glamour and glitz, an array of fashionable apartment buildings sprung up, copying Manhattan’s high-rise Art Deco lifestyle.
Join guides Arjen and Clare van Zwieten for a walking tour through the designs, architects, and notable residents of these historic buildings. Highlights include close-up looks at Whitehall Court, Daventry Court, Gleneagles, and Mentone Court.
Whether you’re a former, current or future resident, or just a Killarney aficionado, this is the perfect opportunity to discover more about this fascinating suburb.
This is a walking tour of approx. 3kms. Please wear a hat, sun block and comfortable shoes and bring drinking water. The meeting place is outside Entrance 4 of the Killarney Mall, facing Killarney Avenue. Parking is available in the parking garage or on the street.
Meeting Place
Killarney Mall, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney
Contact Number
060 813 3239