4 fascinating small museums you must visit in Durban

As a city that’s steeped in history, it’s no surprise that Durban is home to many museums and galleries. Here are top four smaller museums that you should visit

1.  KWAMUHLE MUSEUM

The KwaMuhle Museum's artifacts, records and images highlight our cultural kaleidoscope, while recording and showcasing life under apartheid. With a view to documenting Durban’s urban transformation, KwaMuhle’s collection is one that focuses on the personal stories of everyday people.

Visit: The museum is open 8:30am–4pm from Monday to Saturday, but closed on Sundays and public holidays. Call 031-311-2237.

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2. PHANSI MUSEUM

It started as a small, private museum, but the Phansi Museum quickly expanded into the entire house that now showcases this incredible collection. Boasting one of the largest and most diverse arrays of African arts and crafts in the world, Phansi Museum’s three levels are just begging to be explored.

Visit: The museum is based at Roberts House in Glenwood; it's open weekdays 8am–4pm. Call 031-206-2889.

3. OLD COURT HOUSE MUSEUM

The oldest public building to be found in Durban’s central business district, the Old Court House Museum boasts an eclectic range of exhibitions. Reflecting Durban’s varied cultures, this museum is a must for those interested in looking back at fashion’s ebb and flow – check out the Daphne Strutt Costume Room when you go.

Visit: Open from Monday to Friday (8:30am–4pm) and Saturdays (8:30am to 12:30pm), but closed on Sundays and public holidays. Call 031-311-2229.

4. DURBAN HOLOCAUST CENTRE

A walk through the Durban Holocaust Centre makes for poignant pondering. A memorial to the six million people killed in the Holocaust, this centre also works to highlight human rights abuses and the fight against xenophobia.

Visit: The centre is open from Sunday to Thursday (8:30am–4pm) and Friday (8:30am–2pm), and closes on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

This article was originally published in Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Durban. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.