The Collectors Treasury - Things to do in Johannesburg

A visit to The Collectors Treasury in Johannesburg

Do you love discovering hidden gems? Are you a collector of antiques and curiosities? Have you been searching for rare finds in Johannesburg? Have you dreamt about getting lost among thousands of books? If so, then you should head to The Collectors Treasury ! Housed in an old office building in the heart of downtown Johannesburg, this vintage store is filled with one-of-a-kind treasures and collectibles. It is situated in Johannesburg’s Commissioner Street, near the trendy Maboneng area and is the largest used and rare bookshop in Africa, and possibly in the Southern Hemisphere. I went there with my book-loving family and it was an unforgettable experience.

The Collectors Treasury is housed in an eight-story building in the diamond and jewellery district  of Johannesburg.  The store has been operating since 1974 and is known for its wide selection of treasures from all over the world - from first editions and rare books to vintage posters and antiques.

With over two million books spread over the eight floors, you are likely to find something to read. However, you will have to look for it or ask for help from the owners or staff. The books are stacked everywhere - on the floors, on tables, on the staircase and on every other imaginable surface. It is an absolutely mind-boggling literary labyrinth and a bibliophiles dream.

Some books are vaguely categorised but you could discover just about any book in just about any pile. You will find everything from Shakespeare to Harry Potter, with books that came long before and long after them too. There are first editions, limited editions, collectors’ editions, leather-bound copies and signed copies. These command a higher price and many of them are sold online to foreign collectors. I spotted a copy of Ahmed Kathrada’s Memoirs signed by him. However there are many other books that you can pick up for a bargain.

Book categories include African literature, biophysics, chess, earthquakes, travel guides and hundreds more. Book sales are frequently held in-store.

Although the building consists of eight floors, the upper floors are accessible with special permission only. The “treasures” here are mainly books but you will also find old vinyl records, maps, prints, vintage porcelain crockery, antique cameras, paintings and many other collectibles. It is like Aladdin's Cave complete with a musty smell in the air.

The owners Geoffrey and Jonathan Klass are friendly and I can imagine that they have many interesting stories to tell. They first opened the store in what is now 44 Stanley Street but moved to Commissioner Street over two decades ago, when space started becoming an issue. It seems as though it is still an issue.

We were there for about an hour there however you can easily spend a few hours browsing among the treasures. My bookworm daughter only agreed to leave when we promised to bring her back again. And of course, we left with an armful of books.

If you prefer the more modern method of shopping, or would like tp purchse from them but can't get there, then they offer online shopping services too. However, it is best to experience it personally if you can. The shop is situated at 244 Commissioner Street. It is open from 09h00 to 17h00 on Monday to Friday and from 10h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. Secure parking is available next to the building.

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr Seuss

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Sara Essop

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.