This impressive old building was once the city's fruit and vegetable market. Sadly nowadays there's a certain air of neglect inside this vast space and the museum has struggled to maintain some of its permanent exhibitions. That said, they do regularly host some excellent temporary art and history exhibitions which alone are usually worth a visit. Permanent museum displays include a look at the origins and customs of the different South African ethnic groups, a small exhibit about Gandhi's time in Johannesburg and the exceptionally well researched exhibit Joburg Firsts, which details everything from the city’s first bank (a simple tent with a sign and a guard outside) to the first barmaid. 

The fifth floor is dedicated to the collection of 19th-Century cameras and historic photos of the Bensusan Photography Museum and Library.

Unfortunately the collection of precious gems and crystals that were the highlight of the Geological Museum on the ground floor were stolen in 2013, although you can still visit the rest of the geological displays.