The Klerksdorp Museum is housed in the old prison. The original prison was built of raw clay bricks and the doors were seldom locked.

Following the discovery of gold, scores of fortune hunters flocked to the new gold fields during 1887/1888, and it soon became necessary to construct an effective prison. The new sandstone building was completed in 1891. During the Second War of Independence (1889- 1902), when Klerksdorp was alternately occupied by the British and Boer forces, the building was also used for detention of prisoners of war. It was used as a prison until May 1973. On 26th January 1977, the museum opened its doors to the public.

Beautiful wrought iron gates which had been used in front of the Klerksdorp Stock Exchange , were installed in front of the museum. Because of the museum’s history, some rooms are reserved for gaol exhibitions. All other exhibitions in the museum deal with social history or physical science.