In a first for Africa, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg, in collaboration with the French Embassy and the French Institute of South Africa, is bringing a replica of the world-famous Lascaux cave paintings and a cave replica to South Africa. Known as the Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art, the caves were discovered by four boys back in 1940. CGTN's Julie Scheier has more.

The spectacular rock paintings from Lascaux Caves are 17000 years old. The caves were closed 23 years after their discovery in 1940 to preserve the ancient masterpieces. Now what the public sees is merely a replica.

CHRISTOPHE FARNAUD FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO SOUTH AFRICA "I am very proud that it's here in Johannesburg and it makes sense because South Africa has a special role not just as a power today, but also because it's the place where we have the Cradle of Humankind and beyond that we also have a lot of rock art all over the country, beautiful pieces by the way, and so I think it makes sense really to have this replica of one of the most famous European rock arts here where we can also show it together with the African rock art."

"The Wonders of rock art exhibition offers visitors a tantalizing and authentic snapshot of our distant past and invites us to embark on a voyage of discovery."

"Well it brings back the history of South Africa and the history of everything, like how people used to live before, how they used to express their feelings through drawing. I liked all arts in this exhibition but i especially liked my art which is the South African art."

Despite intense study into the European artefacts, little has been uncovered about their significance. They do however offer some insight into the lives of the ancient Paleolithic people.

"it is an absolute important exhibition because for the first time in South Africa, we are having an opportunity to have a glimpse into the life of the people in Europe 17,000 years ago. When you look at the history and when the glimpse of this art, it actually boils down to one fact and simple fact that we actually come from the same origins."

This is the first time that the Lascaux paintings are exhibited alongside the oldest African art, celebrating the earliest works created by humans on two continents.

PROF. DAVID LEWIS WILLIAMS ARCHAEOLOGIST, ROCK ART RESEARCH, WITS UNIVERSITY "One of the big differences is that in France these caves are deep underground and so all the paintings are done in darkness and were viewed in darkness, whereas in South Africa the paintings are done in open rock shelters and the sun and the weather come into the shelter. So there is a big difference, but none the less the paintings are about spiritual things not just about daily life."

The Lascaux Caves were declared a world heritage site by the United Nations back in 1979. But you can cross it off your bucket list because it's unlikely to be reopened, so a replica will have to do. The exhibition runs at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre until the 1st of October. JS CGTN JHB SA