The Museums of KwaZulu-Natal - 2010 FIFA World Cup Accommodation Web Site

KwaZulu's Museums

The beautiful and rugged KwaZulu-Natal region is imbued with a diversity of natural and cultural heritage treasures. The museums of the region hold the key to this awe inspiring treasure chest.

As you travel along our cultural highways our intriguing past and recent history are revealed through exciting displays which provide insight into an area that was ruled by King Shaka, fought over by Briton and Boer and which has been the home of people like Gandhi and Albert Luthuli.

Apart from the museums and art galleries which deal with specific topics unique to their collections, there are themes which link certain of our region's museums with one another.

These categories provide you with the ideal opportunity to travel the cultural highway of your choice as you enjoy exploring one of Africa's greatest cultural jewels - KwaZulu-Natal.

Listed below in their relevant categories are the museums of KwaZulu-Natal. The description of the museum is intended to give a brief insight into the relationship that the museum has with the category into which it falls.

Most of these museums also have collections and displays relating to themes which are not mentioned here. Please telephone the museum in question it you require more information on this or for details regarding the services which the museum may offer (for example.

Guided tours museum shops, restaurants or educational facilities). Click on the index to go to the appropriate category.

	ZULU CULTURAL HERITAGE		MISSIONARY ZEAL
	THE GHANDI TRAIL		RIFLE AND ASSEGAI
	ART AND CRAFT ROUTE		NATURAL HERITAGE MUSEUMS
	SPECIALIST MUSEUMS		LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUMS

ZULU CULTURAL HERITAGE

The rich material culture of African farming communities can be seen in many museums in KwaZulu - Natal. The richness of this material culture, which includes woodcarvings, ceramic pots and elaborate bead work, is expressed by the great diversity of styles in different areas.

Although not all these communities were incorporated into Shaka's Zulu kingdom, all share a similar culture and language.

The cultural heritage of these Zulu-speaking peoples include 'living traditions', such as songs, dances and rituals, and important historical features such as royal headquarters and graves. Many of these can be seen on the various routes to Ulundi, which is in the heartland of the old Zulu kingdom.

1	Campbell Collections	This museum has a rich collection of Zulu ethnographic items along with the William Campbell Museum of Africana art and furniture.	220 Marriott Rd., Durban. By appointment. Tel (031) 207 3432
2	KwaZulu Cultural Museum	Rich collections of the province's archaeological heritage and Zulu culture is the main focus of this museum's exhibits. King Cetshwayo Highway.	Mon-Sun and Pub. Hols. 0800 - 1600. Closed Christmas Day & Good Fri. Tel (0358) 791 223
3	KwaDukuza Museum	This museum has a display on King Shaka.	Couper Street, Stanger. Open Mon - Sun & Pub Hols 0800 - 1600 Closed Christmas Day and Good Fri. Tel (0324) 22762
4	Mgungundlovu Museum	Site Museum where King Dingane had his headquarters Extensive archaeological research has been carried out and huts have been reconstructed.	Off the Melmoth - Vryheid Rd. Open Mon - Sun 0800 - 1700 incl. Pub Hols. Tel (03545) 2254
5	Vukani Museum	This museum has a splendid collection of Zulu arts and crafts collected from the region over a period of time. Osborn Road, Eshowe.	Open Tues - Thurs 0900-1300 Tel (0354) 74902
6	Zululand Historical Museum	This museum is set in a picturesque fort and has a number of Zulu cultural items. some of John Dunn's furniture and a replica of a beer mug given by Queen Victoria to King Cetshwayo.	Nongqoi Rd., Eshowe. Open daily 0900-1600 Tel (0354) 41141

MISSIONARY ZEAL

Nineteenth century European missionaries played a vital role in the history of Natal. Reviled by the immigrant settler farmers and often rejected by the African tribes to whom they had hoped to dedicate their lives, these people faced a difficult and lonely task.

Frequently isolated in far flung stations, they not only endeavoured to spread the Word of God, but were also called upon to be political advisors, teachers, doctors and linguists.

From this dedication grew a rich legacy of hospitals, schools, churches and the first Zulu dictionary. Today a record of the zealous missionaries lives on in the carefully preserved collections of KwaZulu-Natal's museums, as well as many mission stations.

7	Bergtheil Museum	An original settler building housing family records. photographs and artefacts relating to the first German group who settled in Natal.	16 Queen's Ave. Westville. Mon-Fri. 0800-1300, 1400-1700 Every 3rd Sat. 0900-1300 Tel. (031) 861331 ext. 3069
8	Zululand Historical Museum	A display on the early Norwegian missionaries is also found here.	Nongqai Road, Eshowe. Daily 0900-1600 Tel. (0354) 41141
9	Fort Durnford Museum	This double-story Victorian fort houses among other items, a German collection relating to Moorleigh Mission Station.	Kemps Road, Estcourt Mon-Fri 0900-1200, 1300-1600 Sat. & SUn. by appointment. Tel. (0363) 23000
10	Macrorie House	A comprehensive collection of Victoriana and Ecclesiastica are housed in Bishop Macrorie's original home. Within the home is an interesting little chapel.	11 Loop Str. Pietermaritzburg Open Mon - Fri 09OO-13OO. Sun 11OO-16OO & Day of Goodwill. Closed Sat and Pub Hols. (0331) 942161
11	Rorke's Drift - Shiyane	This famous battlefield was occupied by Lutheran missionaries before and after the battle. The displays in the museum. as well as buildings on the site recall their endeavours.	Rorke's Drift, off the Dundee . Helpmekaar Rd. Open Mon - Sun 08OO-17OO Tel (O3425) 687
12	Mission House Museum	An interesting collection relating to the Mission Station and housed in the original communal residence built in 1856.	Deutsche Schule, Hermannsburg Mon. - Fri. 0900-1200 Sat. by appt. (033) 445 0405

THE GANDHI TRAIL

Gandhi's path of passive resistance has had a profound influence on struggles against injustice, not only in South Africa and India but throughout the world. The twenty year period (1893 - 1914) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi spent in South Africa has often been referred to as his "apprenticeship" as a Mahatma (Great Soul).

Much of this apprenticeship period was spent in the KwaZulu- Natal region. It was at Pietermaritzburg Station that Gandhi first awakened to the plight of Indians in Natal, when he was ejected from the first class compartment of a train. At Phoenix Settlement just outside Durban, Gandhi set up an ashram in 1904, where he began his experiment of a life of simplicity and service.

His experiences as part of the Indian Stretcher Bearers Corps in Northern Natal during the South African War and in Zululand during the Bambatha Rebellion, undoubtedly played a role in his decision to reject violence.

There are also several sites in Durban and northern KwaZulu-Natal associated with Gandhi These include Phoenix Settlement in Inanda. Durban: Pietermaritzburg Railway Station: Spioenkop Battlefield: Dundee: HinduTemple: Ladysmith Vishnu Temple

13	Talana Museum	This museum has photographs of the 1913 passive resistance marches and of the Indian Stretcher Bearers Corps during the second Boer War.	Vryheid Road, Dundee. Mon-Fri. 0800-1600. Sat. 1000-1600 Sun. 1200-1600 Tel. (0341) 22654
14	Local History Museums, Durban	Old Court House Museum Among its collections, this museum has photos artefacts and documents relating to Ghandi.	Aliwal St. Durban Mon-Sat. 0830-1700 Sun & Pub. Hols. 1100-1700 Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday Tel. (031) 300 6308
15	The Natal Museum	Photographs and artefacts relating to Ghandi are some of the items collected by this museum. 237 Loop St. Pietermaritzburg	Mon-Sat. 0900-1630 SUn. 1400-1700 Tel. (0331) 451404

THE IMPACT OF RIFLE AND ASSEGAI

Military events have impacted dramatically on KwaZulu-Natal's brief recorded history There were five major campaigns: the Zulu conflicts, Zulu-Voortrekker clashes, Anglo-Zulu War Anglo-Boer Wars and Bambatha Uprising. Several museums, situated on battlefields, are devoted to such pivotal engagements as Rorke's Drift, lsandlwana, Talana, Colenso and the siege of Ladysmith, while most others include displays on local military forces and the local impact of regional upheavals.

Also receiving attention are episodes in the rise of the Zulu kingdom,the battles of kwaGqokli Hill (1818), Thukela (1838) and Ndondakusuka (1856).

16	Fort Amiel	The story of Fort Amiel, British military base 1876 to 1902. including 1st Boer War 1880 - 1881	Fort Street, Newcastle. Open Mon - Fri 1000-1600. Sat 0900-1300 Tel (03431) 27211 extension 2021
17	Fort Durnford	The military displays in this museum focus on the Langalibalele Uprising. the Natal Mounted Police and the Battle of Willowgrange (2nd Boer War).	Kemps Road, Estcourt Mon-Fri. 0900-1200, 1300-1600 Sat & Sun by appointment. Tel. (0363) 23000
18	Talana Museum	The Battle of Talana (South African War) is focused on in the military display at this museum	Dundee - Vryheid Rd. Mon-Fri. 0800-1600 Sat. 1000-1600 Sun 1200-1600 tel (0341) 22654
19	Warrior's Gate MOTH Museum	A rich collection of militaria is on view at this museum. South African involvement in the two World Wars is the focus of this collection.	Old Fort Road Durban. Open: Tues-Fri. 1100-1500 Sat 10001200Sun 100-1500 Tel: (031) 307 3337
20	Greytown Museum	The Bambatha Rebellion of 19O6. and the Umvoti Mounted Rifles are the military displays in this museum. Scott Street, Greytown.	Open Mon - Fri. O8OO-16OO. Closed Sat. & Sun. Pub. Hols. by request. Tel. (0334) 31171 ext. 128
21	Isandlwana	This evocative museum depicts the Anglo - Zulu War's most famous battle.	lsandlwana Historic Reserve Battlefield, off the Nqutu- Babanango Rood. Mon.-Sun. 0900-1600, Tel. (0358) 791223 (KwaZulu Monuments Council)
22	RE Stevenson Museum	The displays concentrate on the Relief of Ladysmith campaign, Boer War.	Old Tollkeeper's House, Colenso Open by request Tel. (03622) 2111
23	Rorke's Drift/Shiyane	The museum focuses on the Battle of Rorke's Drift and provides a general introduction to the Anglo - Zulu War	Rorke's Drift, off the Dundee - Helpmekaar Road. Mon. - Sun. 0800-1700 Tel. (03425) 687
24	The Siege Museum	This museum is primarily devoted to the siege of Ladysmith. South African War.	Town Hall, Murchison Street, Ladysmith. Open Mon-Fri 09OO-162O. Sat 09OO-13OO. Tel (0361) 22231

ART AND CRAFTS ROUTE

Choose a route which takes in one or more of the regional art museums of the Province, and visit various craft centres on the way . Stop off at Rorke's Drift Art and Craft Centre near Dundee on your way to the Carnegie Art Gallery in Newcastle. Visit the African Art Centres in Durban and Pietermaritzburg when planning to view extensive historical and contemporary art collections in the Durban and Tatham Art Galleries.

Consider the B.A.T Centre in Durban and the Caversham Press in the Midlands, and don't miss the Midlands Meander. En route to the Margate Art Museum on the South coast, stop off at Shell Ultra City to view craft work of the region, and at Gingindlovu see handcrafted Zulu pottery before visiting the newly - opened Empangeni Art Museum.

Off the beaten track, particularly in northern KwaZulu . Natal, you are sure to come across local craftwork on the roadside. Be creative, it's all there for viewing and enjoying.

25	Carnegie Art Museum	The gallery's collection reflects the art and craft of the area and its collecting theme of'landscapes' is unique in SA.	Civic Centre, Newcastle. Open Tues-Thurs 0900-1300. Fri. 1100-1600 Closed Sun & Pub Hols 03431-27211
26	Durban Art Gallery	Has a fine collection of national and international artworks in all media The focus is on contemporary South African artwork.	City Hall, Smith Street, Durban. Open Weekdays & Sat 0830-17 00. Sun & Pub. Hols. 1100-1700 Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday (031) 300 6238
27	Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum	This museum has a representative collectionof KwaZulu-Natal artists' works and an ethnographic collection of the regional culture.	Turnbull St. Empangeni Tues-Fri 1000-1600 Sat. 0900-1230 Sun by enquiry. Closed Mon. & Pub. Hols. Tel (0351) 921596
28	Margate Municipal Art Museum	A community orientated museum of national artists works and an ethnographic collection	Civic Centre, Dan Pienaar Squore, Margate. Open Tues-Fri 0900-15OO.Sat 1000- 1300. Sun & Mon closed Tel (03931) 22 525
29	Tatham Art Gallery	A superb collection of South African, British and French 19th and 20th century art, with an emphasis on KwaZulu-Natal art.	Corner Commercial Rd. and Church St. Pietermaritzburg Tues - Sun. 1000-1800 Closed Christmas New Year and Workers' Day. Tel. (0331) 421804

KWAZULU - NATAL'S NATURAL HERITAGE

KwaZulu-Natal's rich natural heritage is world renowned and is comprehensively represented in two of the region's major museums- The Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg and the Durban Natural Science Museum. Both museums hold important and unique representative research collections of various life forms, while dioramas and interactive displays provide visitors with a tempting overview of the natural riches that abound in KwaZulu-Natal.

When you visit KwaZulu-Natal take the opportunity of visiting one or more of the region's well known game reserves . A range of overnight accommodation is offered at most of them and this allows you to explore them at leisure and if you are lucky, you may just spot one of Africa's 'big five' before continuing your journey.

30	The Natal Museum	Exhibitions feature a wealth of animal and insect life. a marine gallery and dinosaurs Other exhibitions include San (Bushman) rock art. African cultural items and settler history.	237 Loop St. Pietermaritzburg Mon-Sat. & Pub. Hols. 0900-1630 Sun. 1400-1700 Tel (0331) 451404
31	Geology Display Centre University of Natal, Durban	Mainly rock. mineral and fossil items.	Mon-Fri 0900-1200, 1300-1600 preferably by request Tel. (031) 260 2524
32	The Natal Sharks Board	Do sharks fascinate you? Visit the Sharks Board with its absorbing natural history shark display.	Mon.-Fri. 0800-1600 & 1st Sun. of the month 1300-1600. Closed Sat. & Pub. Hols. (031) 5611001
33	The Durban Natural Science Museum	A museum about the earth. its history and life on earth. both past and present.	t> City Hall, Smith Street, Durban. Weedays & Sta. 0830-1700 Sun & Pub. Hols 100-1700 Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday Tel. (031) 300 6211
34	The Biology Collections,	University of Natal, Durban The teaching collections of the Biology Department.	Open by request. Tel. (031) 26O1182

SPECIALIST MUSEUMS

These museums focus on themes that are unique to their speciality.

35	Baynesfield Estate Museum	The displays focus on Joseph Baynes and his contributions to agriculture.	Just outside Baynesfield (Nr. Richmond) Mon-Fri. 0800-1630 Sat. Sun. and Pub. Hols. by request Tel. (0332) 510043
36	Voortrekker Museum	Voortrekker Heritage is the theme of this museum. It has an extensive collection of Voortrekker items.	340 Church St. Pietermaritzburg Mon.-Fri. 0800-1600, Sat. 0800-1200 Pub. Hols. 0800-1600. Closed Sun. & Christian Hols. (0331) 946834
37	Comrades House Museum	This museum depicts the history of the world famous Comrades Marathon.	>18 Connought Road, Pietermaritzburg Mon-Fri. 0900-1200 1400-1600 Closed Sat. Sun & Public hols. (0331) 943510
38	Kwa Muhle Museum	The history and culture of 20th century Durban is the main theme of this museum.	130 Ordnance Road, Durban. Mon-Sat. 0800-1700 Sun & Pub. Hols. 1100-1700 Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday tel (031) 6313
39	Natal Railway Museum	This museum has a large collection of railway engines and coaches as well as other railway memorabilia.	Hilton Station, Hilton Mon-Fri. 0800-1600, Sat. 0830-1500 Sun.0800-1800 Closed Pub. hols. (0331) 431857
40	Port Natal Maritime Museum	This museum portrays aspects of Durban and KwaZulu Natal's intriguing maritime history: attractions include three large vessels and smaller craft.	Maritime Place at the bay end of Aliwal Street Durban. Mon-Sat 0830-1600 Sun & Pub. Hols. 1100-1630 Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday Tel. (031) 3006313
41	Old House Museum	This museum is a typical verandah house with its notable architecture and fascinating articles of old furniture and fittings. depicts the lifestyle of Durban's Victorian settlers.	31 St. Andrews St. Durban Mon-Sat 0830-1700 Sun & Public Hols. 1100-1700 Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday Tel. (031) 3006313

LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUMS

Themes relating to the history of the region are depicted in these museums.

41	Richmond.		Open Wed - Sat 9.3O-12.3O: Sun lO.3O-12.3O Closed Mon. Tue.Thur ~ Fri
42	Rohde House Museum	The history of dairying is the major theme of this museum. along with Mooi River's history.	Cnr. Athlone Rd & Cloughton Terrace, Mooi River. Open Mon.Tue - Fri lOOO-123O: Thurs 14OO-16 3O Cosed Wed. Sat. Sun & Pub Hols Tel (O333) 31 766
43	East Griqualand Museum	Griqua history is the major theme of this museum's displays. although it also has several local history exhibits and items.	Main St. Kokstad Mon-Fri 0800-1300 1400-1600 Sat, Sun, & Pub Hols by request Tel. (037) 7273133
44	Matatiele Museum	Exhibits depict the local prehistory history and cultures of the town and district from stone age to present day.	High Street, Matatiele. Open Mon - Fri 0900-12 00.14 00- 16 00 Closed Sat. Sun & Pub Hols - Museum open on request Tel. (0373)7373135
45	Pinetown Museum	This is a multi-cultural local history museum representing all cultures and covering 100,000 years.	Cnr Old Main Rood ond Crompton Sts. Mon- Thurs 0900-17 00: Fri 0900-16 00: Sat (alt) 0900-12 00 Closed Sun & Pub Hols Tel (031) 719 2160
46	Howick Museum	This museum has a wide range of items and exhibits. including displays on various aspects of medicine. local history. furniture. the SARMCOL strike and informal settlements.	Falls View Rood, Howick. Open Tues- Fri 0900-12 00.14 00- 15 30: Sat 0900-12 00: Sun 10 00- 16 00 Closed Mon ~ Pub Hols Tel (0332) 306124
47	Nieuwe Republiek Museum.	The period of the Nieuwe Republiek is a major theme of this museum Other aspects of local history are also covered.	Landdrost St, Vryheid. Open Mon-Fri 0730-1600 Sat/Sun by Appointment Tel. (0381) 812 133 ext. 287
48	Port Shepstone Museum	Fascinating aspects of the sea, shipwrecks and the old harbour are the main feature of this museum.	Athlone Drive, Port Shepstone. Open Mon - Fri 0900-16 00 Closed Sat. Sun ~ Pub Hols Tel (0391)21507
49	Utrecht Museum	The displays depict the history of prominent personalities and the local history in a unique and creative manner.	Cnr Loop & Kerk Street, Utrecht. Mon.-Fri. 0800-1200 Closed Sat. Sun & Pub. Hols. Tel. (O3433) 4373
50	Weenen Museum	A lovely display of old Voortrekker dresses, utensils etc.	Andries Pretorius St., Weenen Mon-Fri. 0830-1200, 14-00-1600 Closed Sun. & Pub. Hols. (0363) 41711
51	Greytown Museum	Situated in a historical monument. it is crammed with items from a variety of cultures.	Scott St, Greytown. Open Mon - Fri 0800-1600 Closed. Sat. Sun ~ Pub Hols. but open on request. Tel (O334) 31171 extension 128
52	Himeville Museum	The museum is in a fort. The rich history of the district is reflected with a focus on the San (Bushmen)	Arbuckle St, Himeville. Closed Mon. Tues. & Thurs. (033) 7021184
53	Winterton Museum	An amaZizi replica homestead. Agricultural implements. Displays on local history and an excellent library on the South African War are special features of this museum.	Church St. Winterton. Mon-Thurs, Sat 09OO-12 OO. Fri. 1300-1600 Closed Sun. & Pub Hols (O36) 488 162O