Located in the downtown bohemian suburb of Newtown in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Market Theatre is an iconic cultural complex operating since 1976. Housed in a restored produce market originally built in 1913, the site famously retained its striking Edwardian architecture, steel arches, cathedral-like dome, and original signage.
When you visit, you step into what became internationally renowned as the 'Theatre of the Struggle.' As an anti-racist, independent venue during apartheid, it provided a voice to the voiceless, serving as a rare space where Black and white audiences and performers mixed on equal terms. Inside the complex, you can experience performances across three distinct venues: the 387-seat Main Theatre (renamed The John Kani Theatre), the intimate 120-seat Barney Simon Theatre, and the historical Laager Theatre.
Beyond live drama, the vibrant complex houses Museum Africa, two art galleries, a bookshop, a jazz club, a cabaret venue, coffee and theatre bars, and restaurants like the Market Bar & Bistro and Gramadoelas. Depending on when you visit, you might also browse the Saturday flea-market, enjoying a historic venue that earned over 300 South African awards and 21 international accolades for artistic excellence.
What to see at Market Theatre
- Three performance venues: Barney Simon Theatre, Laager Theatre, and The John Kani Theatre
- Historic 1913 Edwardian architecture with original steel arches and cathedral-like dome
- On-site amenities including Museum Africa, art galleries, a bookshop, and jazz club
- Weekly Saturday flea-market held directly at the complex
Visiting tips
Plan your visit on a Saturday to browse the on-site flea-market before exploring the complex's galleries and architecture.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Saturday morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Market Theatre is easy to reach on Johannesburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Johannesburg Art Gallery and Gold Reef City. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Johannesburg travel guide.
See the full Johannesburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.