KwaZulu Natal's rich history is documented in a number of fascinating museums in and around Durban.
Bergtheil Local History Museum
The exhibits centre on the first German settlers that Jonas Bergtheil brought to Natal as Director of the Natal Cotton Company, and their contribution to the, Settlement of Westville, Cleremont and New Germany.
Address:
16 Queens Avenue, Westville, Durban
Telephone : +27 31 203 7107
Monday to Friday : 8:30 to 16:45
Saturdays : 8:00 to 12:00
KwaMuhle Museum
KwaMuhle Museum depicts Durban as an African city searching for identity within a new political context. This museum shows a history experienced by the residents, a reality portrayed without criticism or bias, and reflects the history and experiences that had never been accessible to the people of Durban.
Address:
130 Ordnance Road, Durban
Phone : + 27 31 311 2237
Port Natal Maritime Museum
The Port Natal Maritime Museum deals exclusively with the city's seafaring tradition. It serves as a reminder that Durban is the busiest port in Africa.
Address:
Bay End, Aliwal Street, Durban.
Monday to Saturday 8h30 to 15h45. Sunday 11h00 to 15h45
Telephone: 311 2231
Old House Museum
Situated next to the Local History Museum is a colonial style home. It was built 1849 by John Goodricke, former mayor of Durban, wiith notable architecture and fascinating articles of old furniture and fittings, depicts the lifestyle of Durban's Victorian settlers.
Address:
St Andrews Street
Tel: (031) 311-2261
Mon - Sat: 8:30 - 16:00
Sun: 11:00 - 16:00
Natural Science Museum
From dinosaurs to fossils and prehistoric man are on display for the young and old.
Address:
First Floor, City Hall, Smith Street, Durban
Tel: 031 3112256
Old Court House Museum
The Old Court House Museum portrays the rich history of early Durban and KwaZulu-Natal through fascinating replicas of Durban's early settlements.
Address:
Aliwal Street, Durban
Tel: (031) 311-2233
Mon-Sat: 8:30 - 16:00
Sun: 11:00 - 16:00
Old Fort
With the grounds well preserved, they have been transformed into a garden, and the original ammunitions magazine has been transformed into a chapel. Include Warriors' Gate and Moth Museum of Militaria which is an excellent collection of battlefield relics, medals, badges and other militaria.
Address:
1 NMR Avenue, Old Fort Road, Durban.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11h00 to 15h00, Saturday 10h00 to 12h00. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Telephone: 307 3337
Dick King Statue
In 1842 Dick King rode 600 miles in ten days, to get reinforcements in the Cape after the Voortrekkers besieged Durban. Situated at Victoria Embankment.
Vasco Da Gama Fountain and Clock
The fountain was erected in 1897 in commemoration of the Portuguese discoverer Vasco Da Gama, who landed at this spot on Christmas Day four centuries ago.
John Ross Statue
This statue was erected in honour of sailor John Ross who walked 600 miles to Delagoa Bay, to get medical supplies for his compatriots in distress in Port Natal. Situated at Victoria Embankment.
Mahatma Gandhi Bust
Inside the front door of the Tourist Junction, which was once the Old Station, stands a bust of Gandhi. The statue serves to commemorate the time he purchased a first class train ticket to Johannesburg in June, 1893. On the way to Pietermaritzburg, someone on the train complained that there was a non-white in the first- class section and Gandhi was forcibly removed at Pietermaritzburg.
At 160 Pine Street, Tourist Junction Building, Durban
Durban City Hall
This Edwardian style building was established in 1910 and houses the Durban Museum, Art Gallery, Library and Municipal Offices
