National Design & Craft Centre

The National Design & Craft Centre is a lively creative hotspot offering a one‑stop craft experience—whether you're shopping for South African design, learning traditional skills, or supporting local artisans.

The National Design & Craft Centre located in Newtown, Johannesburg:

The centre is housed in the historic Bus Factory—former tram and bus sheds from the 1930s—which was revitalised in the early ’90s. Today, it serves as a vibrant co‑operative hub for South African artisans showcasing everything from ceramics and jewellery to home decor

Inside, you'll find:
Create SA and the Visual Arts & Crafts Academy (VACA)
The Drum Café, offering hands-on African drum-making workshops

Opening Hours

Tuesday–Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00

Address & Contact

While the centre doesn’t prominently list a specific phone or email, it is part of the National Craft Association and the National Arts Council network. As a point of contact, the National Craft Association's Johannesburg office is nearby:

National Craft Association: 30 Jeppe St, Newtown, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Tel: 011 838 6215

Related Organisations: National Arts Council (NAC) – also based in Newtown:

Tel: 011 838 6363 
general: info@nac.org.za

Address: 66 Margaret Mcingana St (Cnr Gwigwi Mrwebi), P.O. Box 500, Newtown, 2113

Craft & Design Institute (CDI) – Johannesburg office (supporting makers):

Address: Transwerke Studios, 2 Sam Hancock St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017

Entrance Fee? Admission is generally free; you only pay for purchases or workshops.
Workshops? Drum-making and craft classes are available through Drum Café and VACA.
Parking & Access? Located in Newtown cultural precinct—easy to reach by car, bus or Gautrain taxi.

Directions
Find the centre within Newtown Cultural Precinct—the same area as the Worker’s Museum, the Market Theatre, and the SAB World of Beer
Easy walking access or short taxi ride from Johannesburg CBD.