Africa’s first cannabis museum is officially taking root — and before it opens its doors, the public is being invited to help shape its look through a creative logo design competition.
The African Cannabis Museum (TAC), led by the TAC Foundation, is set to explore the historical, cultural, and societal role of cannabis across the continent, presenting a narrative that has long been overlooked and underrepresented.
As part of its launch phase, the museum is calling on designers and artists across South Africa to take part in a national logo design initiative — offering a chance to contribute to the identity of a first-of-its-kind institution.
While the TAC Foundation has confirmed that the museum will open in Cape Town in the final quarter of 2026, the exact location and opening date are yet to be announced.
Foundation representative Katrien Oosthuizen said further details will be shared once operational, construction, and launch plans have been finalised.
She said the idea for the museum grew from recognising cannabis’s deep and complex history across Africa.
“While much of the public conversation focuses on legality, commerce or controversy, there is a much broader story to be told — one that includes heritage, culture, prohibition, advocacy, education, traditional knowledge and the evolving role of cannabis in society,” she said.
Ms Oosthuizen said the museum aims to present this narrative in a responsible, educational, and publicly accessible way.
Once open, the space will house historical, cultural, and archival material related to cannabis in Africa and beyond — including exhibitions on African heritage, traditional uses, policy history, advocacy, art, storytelling, and research.
“The intention is not to promote consumption, but to create an informed cultural and educational space that helps people understand the history, complexity, and significance of the plant,” she said.
She acknowledged that cannabis remains a sensitive and sometimes polarising topic, but said this made the need for an educational platform even more important.
“We want to create a space where that history can be explored thoughtfully, rather than sensationalised. There is value in encouraging informed public conversation, especially around topics that have historically been misunderstood.”
The foundation is encouraging competition entrants to reflect themes of African heritage, cultural significance, education, and legacy in their designs.
The winning designer will receive a R10,000 cash prize, VIP museum membership, and recognition as a founding creative contributor.
Submissions close on May 20.
For more information, visit tacmuseum.co.za