Constitutional Court

Top choice in Johannesburg


Inaugurated in 2004, with its design based on the African concept of 'justice under a tree', the Constitutional Court is a very real symbol of modern South Africa. Incorporating some 150,000 bricks and the former stairwells of the Awaiting Trial Block that was demolished after the end of apartheid, the court houses a highly impressive contemporary art collection showcasing both local and international art. The court is open to the public: Lucky visitors may even hear a case being argued.

Make sure you take a tour (a visit to the building is included as part of the tour of Constitution Hill) to fully appreciate the history and nuances of this remarkable building. Also, climb the stairs to the former Awaiting Trial Block, which still contains an old holding cell and provides an interesting view of the Court's public atrium below.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Johannesburg attractions

1. Constitution Hill

0.09 MILES

Do not leave Jo'burg without visiting Constitution Hill. One of South Africa's most important historical sites, the deeply moving and inspirational…

2. Telkom Tower

0.37 MILES

The 269m Telkom Tower is a landmark in Hillbrow, but it's not open to the public.

3. Johannesburg Art Gallery

0.64 MILES

Fenced off from the southern end of sketchy Joubert Park is this elegant Lutyens-designed gallery dating from 1915. The JAG has one of the largest art…

4. Wits Art Museum

0.72 MILES

Completed in May 2012, this is one of the leading museums of African art on the continent. Although it has an extraordinary collection of 10,000 works –…

5. Stevenson

0.75 MILES

One the more established commercial galleries in Braamfontein is worth a look. It has two display spaces that it puts to good use with regularly changing…

6. Nelson Mandela Bridge

0.82 MILES

Opened two days after Mandela’s 85th birthday in 2003, this cable-stayed bridge is the longest of its kind in Southern Africa and an icon of the…

7. Planetarium

0.86 MILES

If you're serious about astronomy, consider visiting the Planetarium. Check the website for exact times of shows; there's usually one on Saturday morning…

8. Ponte City

0.86 MILES

Nothing sums up the changing fortunes of inner-city Jo'burg better than Ponte City, which can be visited on tours with Dlala Nje. This 54-storey…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "south-africa/gauteng/johannesburg/attractions/constitutional-court/a/poi-sig/1198119/355617",
      "destination": "Johannesburg",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "South-Africa",
      "city": "Johannesburg",
      "position": "superzone"
    }