First "Green" Museum in South Africa

Traditionally Modern, Environmentally Sustainable.

First “green” museum in South Africa.

The new Amazwi South African Museum of Literature is housed in the first museum building to achieve a 5-Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

The design was influenced by time, context and global environmental issues and is based on freeform curves, balanced by linear lines
which are echoed in the landscaping and the exhibitions. The building is prominent, contemporary and functional with adequate and secure accommodation for the safe storage and retrieval of valuable literary artefacts and sufficient space for research, learning, performances, events and exhibitions. 

This building was part of a pilot project of the Green Building Council to develop a rating tool for Public and Education Buildings. The design, submitted in 2013, achieved a 5-star rating, making this the first
museum in South Africa to be assessed. On completion and assessment in 2017, the building was awarded 5 stars. 

The museum aims to lead the implementation of sustainable museum practice in South Africa, both internally and externally.