Johannesburg’s 140th anniversary in Plans: Exhibition & talk at the Rand Club

In 2026, Johannesburg celebrates its 140th anniversary. To mark this occasion, JHF has created a view of the city through an unusual and precious record of its past: the architectural plans preserved in the City of Johannesburg s plans archive.

Join us on 10 October at the Rand Club as retired academic, heritage writer and JHF honorary Vice President Kathy Munro takes us through some of Johannesburg s remarkable survivors and tragic losses: an early house at Oaklands; Friedenheim at Jeppe Boys High School, now demolished but remembered through its original gates; the Bez Valley farmhouse, possibly the oldest surviving house within Johannesburg; the original Cullinan Home and Cullinan Chambers; Pen-y-Bryn in Parktown, now demolished; Broadcast House in Commissioner Street; and the plans for an old cottage in Braamfontein dating as far back as 1890.

See buildings that have disappeared, understand the buildings that survive, and appreciate how profoundly the city has changed over 140 years.

Join us to raise a glass to Johannesburg s anniversary (sparkling wine or cooldrink included)!