Top 5: Museums in Durban, South Africa

The coastal city of Durban is an eclectic mix of African and Indian influences. Because of this, it boasts some of the best museums in South Africa.

Phansi

Phansi is the museum to see for anyone who enjoys South African art. The curators took special care to create small exhibitions that focus on artists from the country, including precious jewelry, African dressing and cultural exhibits that highlight the region’s rich history.

Mahatma Ghandi House

Just outside of town you’ll find the Mahatma Gandhi House. The former home of the famous nonviolent resistance leader was turned into a museum in 2000 and showcases his life during the 20 years he lived in the region. It’s also a great place to learn about Indian influence in Durban.

Durban Art Gallery

The Durban Art gallery is more than a century old and contains artwork dating back to the 15th century. It regularly houses both local and international artists, and boasts an extensive natural science museum on the lower floor. They also offer tours in a number of languages.

Killie Campbell Africana Museum

Killie Campbell was a Natal sugar farmer and politician, and the Killie Campbell Africana Museum is the site of his former home. The world-renowned museum contains the Killie Campbell Africana Library, a museum of ethnology, a historic furniture collection and a collection of African art that cannot be missed.

KwaMuhle Museum

The KwaMuhle Museum showcases a collection that highlights what life was like in and around Durban before and during the apartheid era. Exhibits include photographs and videos showing life during the period, and highlights the tremendous effort that went into building Durban into the modern city it is today.