President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the newly renovated South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Museum in Pretoria on Friday, describing it as an important public space that will improve financial literacy, preserve South Africa’s economic history and bring the work of the central bank closer to ordinary citizens.
The museum, located at the South African Reserve Bank’s Head Office Campus in Tshwane, opens during Youth Month and forms part of broader efforts to improve public understanding of economics, money, banking and financial stability. The launch also coincides with the release of new commemorative coins marking significant milestones in South Africa’s democratic history.
The museum is expected to become both an educational and cultural attraction for residents, learners and visitors to Gauteng.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa Announces New Museum Opens the Doors of the Reserve Bank
Addressing guests at the official launch, President Ramaphosa said the museum represents more than a new public attraction.
He described it as an opportunity for South Africans to better understand an institution that affects everyday life, despite many people not fully understanding its role.
“We are opening the doors of an institution whose work shapes the lives of every South African,” Ramaphosa said.
According to the President, monetary policy, financial stability and currency management may seem distant from the daily concerns of citizens, but they directly influence the value of money, savings, investment and economic growth.
The museum forms part of the Reserve Bank’s efforts to improve transparency and accountability while strengthening public engagement.
Exploring South Africa’s Economic Heritage
The SARB Museum traces the evolution of money, trade and economic institutions in South Africa.
Visitors will be able to explore:
- Archaeological artefacts dating back approximately 75,000 years
- A numismatic collection spanning more than 300 years
- South Africa’s first minting press from 1891
- Historical exhibits on the creation of the South African Reserve Bank in 1921
- Displays examining the evolution of money and economic systems
- Interactive exhibits explaining the role of central banking
According to the Reserve Bank, the museum aims to make complex economic concepts more accessible to the public.
The institution said understanding how money works and how financial systems operate is critical in building a financially literate society.
Dedicated School Outreach Programme for Learners
One of the museum’s key features is its dedicated schools outreach programme.
The initiative will work alongside the Reserve Bank’s existing Monetary Policy Committee Schools Challenge, which encourages learners to analyse economic conditions and present their own monetary policy recommendations.
President Ramaphosa said the programme would help equip young people with knowledge about economics and financial systems.
“Our young people will be able to walk through these halls and understand how an economy works, how money holds its value and why the institutions that safeguard it matter,” he said.
The initiative is expected to support educational outcomes while exposing learners to career opportunities within economics, finance and central banking.
Public Access to More Than 1,200 Artworks
Beyond economics and banking, the museum also introduces a significant cultural offering.
For the first time, members of the public will gain access to much of the Reserve Bank’s extensive art collection.
The collection includes more than 1,200 artworks accumulated over many years.
Permanent installations include works commissioned from renowned South African artists:
- Esther Mahlangu
- Helen Sebidi
- Mary Sibande
The museum will also feature rotating exhibitions to ensure different works from the collection are regularly displayed.
Ramaphosa said the collection reflects South Africa’s rich artistic heritage and should be accessible to all citizens rather than remaining hidden from public view.
Why the Reserve Bank Matters
During his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of a stable financial system.
He noted that inflation, currency stability and banking regulation affect households, businesses and investors across the country.
According to the President, maintaining price stability is particularly important for lower-income households.
“When inflation is kept in check, it is the poorest who are protected most,” he said.
He added that strong financial institutions create confidence for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs.
The President also reaffirmed the constitutional mandate of the Reserve Bank, which requires the institution to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth.
New Commemorative Coins Released During Youth Month
The museum launch coincides with the release of a new R2 circulation coin commemorating 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising.
The coin forms part of a broader 2026 commemorative series focused on education.
According to the Reserve Bank:
- A Youth Uprising commemorative R2 coin has already been released.
- A second R2 coin honouring Charlotte Maxeke will be released in August.
- Another R2 coin will mark 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution and the constitutional right to education.
- A commemorative R5 coin will combine all three themes into a single design.
The initiative forms part of efforts to use currency as a tool for public education and historical reflection.
Why the Reserve Bank Chose to Stay in Pretoria
While launching the museum, South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago revealed that the institution had previously considered relocating its headquarters to Johannesburg.
However, the Reserve Bank ultimately chose to remain in Tshwane, where it has been based for more than a century.
According to Kganyago, the decision reflects the institution’s commitment to Pretoria and the continued renewal of the city’s inner core.
“It is important that both public and private sector institutions do not simply leave when cities come under pressure. We should stay and invest, reclaim the city, restore its vibrancy, and make it a place to live, work and enjoy,” he said.
He added that the newly renovated headquarters and museum are intended to create a more public-facing institution while contributing to the revitalisation of Pretoria’s city centre.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The opening of the SARB Museum adds another significant educational and cultural attraction to Gauteng.
For residents, the museum provides:
- A new public learning space in Pretoria
- Educational opportunities for schools and learners
- Greater access to South African economic history
- Public access to a major national art collection
- Additional tourism offerings in Tshwane
- Greater understanding of how financial systems affect everyday life
The museum also strengthens Pretoria’s growing portfolio of heritage, educational and cultural attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the SARB Museum located?
The museum is located at the South African Reserve Bank Head Office Campus in Pretoria.
Why was the museum created?
According to the Reserve Bank, the museum was created to improve public understanding of economics, banking, financial stability and South Africa’s economic history.
Will the museum be open to schools?
Yes. The museum includes a dedicated schools outreach programme focused on financial and economic literacy.
What can visitors expect to see?
Visitors can explore historical currency collections, archaeological artefacts, economic exhibits and artworks from the Reserve Bank’s collection.
Why is the launch significant during Youth Month?
The launch coincides with Youth Month and the release of commemorative coins marking 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, while also promoting educational opportunities for young people.
Looking Ahead
The South African Reserve Bank Museum now opens as a permanent public institution aimed at preserving economic history, promoting financial literacy and expanding access to South Africa’s cultural heritage.
As schools, residents and visitors begin exploring the new facility, attention will shift to how the museum’s educational programmes and public exhibitions contribute to a broader understanding of economics, governance and national history in the years ahead.
