Only 1 1/2 hours from Durban and from the nearest Game Reserves, this is an ideal stop for refreshment, situated in the centre of town with the post office, banks and shops only a few meters away and with a recommended restaurant across the street.
The Museum is situated in the Old Town Hall which was erected in 1916 by the sugar farmers on the town common or general purpose land in the centre of town. It is one of the last three old buildings of significance left in Empangeni. It was used by the sugar farmers as a community hall and has also been used for meetings, weddings, dances, concerts, theatre, eistedfodds, a school and various other purposes.
The museum is truly a meeting place of the diverse cultures of the region. The purpose of the Museum is to study, preserve and collect objects of artistic, cultural and historic value in our region for the information and education of our inhabitants and visitors.
Works by renowned artists such as Andrew Verster, Trevor Makoba, Dennis Purvis, Andries Botha, Gert Swart, Raphael Magwaza, Diamond Bozas, Bonnie Ntshali and Nests Nala are amongst others displayed in the spacious gallery as part of the permanent collection. A few major works from the Alusaf Aluminium in Art Competition for schools, sponsored by Alusaf in 1995 are also on view, emphasizing the depth of creative talent in the region.
Temporary displays are held on a regular basis to enable the public to view the diversity of the creativity of this region.
Harrison Collection
This collection is situated in the cultural history room and consists of artefacts obtained from the pioneer sugar farmers depicting their life since 1905 A traditional reed and thatch house has been reconstructed and furnished in the style of the era.
The implements required for sugar cane cattle farming are on display. The sugar mill plays a very important role in the sugar farmer's life thus the activities found at the mill such as a doctor`s surgery, gollowaan (sugar train) workshop, laboratory and administrative offices are depicted by the artefacts on display.
Address
Turnbill Street, Empangeni
Tel: (035) 901 1617/8
