Durban – Museums provide a different interactive experience of getting close to things we usually only see in books, newspapers or on TV. Discover the city’s rich history at the following:
1 Durban Natural Science Museum
1st Floor, Durban City Hall, Anton Lembede (Smith) Street, Durban.
Open: Monday-Saturday, 8.30am-5pm; Sunday and Public Holidays 11am-5pm. (Closed on Easter Friday and Christmas Day)
Phone: 031 311 2242
Visit the storytelling area, see a life size reconstruction of a Tyrannosaurus rex, various diorama exhibitions and plasma screens showing natural history scenery. The research centre also offers the public access to the third-largest collection of birds in Africa.
2 Natal Maritime Museum
Bay End of Samora Machel (Aliwal) Street, Durban
Open: Monday-Saturday 8.30am-3.45pm and Sundays 11am-3.45pm
Phone: 031 311 2231
Durban is the maritime trade centre for Africa and the city’s economic epicentre. This tribute to local seafaring traditions is set on the harbour.
Wander through the engine rooms anticipating the heat, explore the galleys mimicking the swell at sea, and discover the living quarters, imagining the bygone sailors’ conversations. Voyage through the Britannia Exhibition Hall where maritime collectables display secrets from the deep, perfect for little “pirate” wannabes. Navigate by night stars and communication with ancient devices that linked ships over nautical miles. Point your compass to shipwrecked treasure, interact with a display or watch an educational programme.
3 KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts
166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban
Open: Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-3pm.
Phone: 031 277 1705
Established in 1906, the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) is an integral part of the culture and heritage of South Africa. It is one of the widest known and best respected galleries in the province, representing the talent and diversity of a fascinating country that continues to surge ahead and develop.
It represents local and international artists. The on-site shop is an important part of marketing and selling the work on display, making it available to art enthusiasts and those with an appreciation for all things beautiful and innovative.
Tourists, school groups and Durbanites can enjoy the creativity and social messages conveyed by means of unique pieces of art.
4 Pinetown Museum
Corner Old Main Road and Crompton Street, Pinetown, Durban.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-12pm.
Phone: 031 718 2740
This museum focuses on local history and displays the early times and cultural diversity of this town. Zulu materials are on show next to items of early settler history. It also covers aspects of anthropology.
5 Old Court House Museum
77 Samora Machel Street (Aliwal), Durban.
Open: Monday-Saturday 8.30am-4pm; Sundays 11am-4pm.
Phone: 031 311 2225
Pays delightful homage to the heritage of Durban. The exhibition space tells the poignant and fascinating history of the area and the people who have have played an integral role in the modern identity of the city and South Africa.
It has fascinating exhibits, which include replicas of Henry Francis Fynn’s cottage, a sugar cane press, haberdashery store and pharmacy of yesteryear.
Many of the original clothing styles and pieces have been immortalised in the Costume Room.
In addition, it also caters for those conducting formal research.
6 Bergtheil Local History Museum
16 Queens Avenue, Westville, Durban
Open: Monday-Friday 8am-4.45pm; Saturdays 8am-12pm. (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays)
Phone: 031 203 7107
The museum focuses on the 1848 German settlers that Jonas Bergtheil brought to Natal as director of the Natal Cotton Company, and their contribution to the settlement of Westville, Clermont and New Germany. It has a wonderful collection of photographs, documents and artefacts. The building was declared a National Monument in 1983.
Other museums to visit in KZN:
* Inanda Heritage Trail 031 561 4257
* Old House Museum 031 311 2261
* The Touch of Mandela Art Gallery 031 337 0377
* Phansi Museum 031 206 2889.
* Cato Manor Heritage Centre 031 261 3216.
* Geology Education Museum 031 260 2524.
* Artisan Contemporary Gallery 031 312 4364.
* Moth Museum of Militaria 031 307 3337.
Sunday Tribune