The complex is comprised of two buildings and a central courtyard. Visitors enter the complex from the University side on the North, move through the courtyard and begin the narrative journey in the South building.

Seen from the South, the dark coated monochromatic form of the building, articulated only with light and shadow, emerges behind the comb-like boundary fence, as a heavy object amidst a landscape of tall highveld grass. The location of the building on top of the ridge (where the watershed splits) is an interesting geological feature.

The 7m wide courtyard between the two tall buildings is a chasm-like space bounded on the freeway end by a huge snaking curved wall. Prismatic concrete pathways cut through the courtyards’ kloof-like landscape, linking the various functions of the buildings.

The architecture is stark, understated and silent, as heavy walls, expanding and constricting cave-like interior volumes allow the exhibit narrative to take centre stage. The building, (still recognizable to most ex-WITS students as ‘The Wedge’) has shed it’s industrial history and has been redefined as a cultural container for the precious objects that aid the narrative, and sets the mood for the serious academic content.

Offices for The Rock Art Research Institute are located on the first floor of the museum building, adjacent to the temporary art gallery, forming an integral part of the museum’s brain. Subtle, visual links between the museum and the place of research are established and a large window box allows views across Johannesburg to the South from the temporary gallery.

In addition to a restaurant, the North building houses additional offices, auditorium for RARI and a dedicated student education space, where students engage in various workshops of (amongst others) shadow theatre, dance and painting. Linked with the museum interactive material, this space acts as the introduction to the museum as the facility opens its doors to schools and children’s groups, with a dedicated team of educators and guides.

The narrative experience is a rich feast of audio-visual material, artifacts and beautifully crafted contemporary artworks, with interactive touch screens and audio guides forming the basis upon which the journey is anchored. The text panels, showcases and displayed objects act only as sparks along the route that trigger ideas and introduce concepts to visitors, which allow visitors to chose how deeply to delve into the stories, which range from ancient myths and legends to questions of identity and cultural influence and evolution.

The complex was opened by President Thabo Mbeki in March 2006