Attraction
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World on Durban's Point combines the large Sea World aquarium, a water park, reptile house, rope park and beach access across a 16-hectare site.
Old Court House Museum
The free Old Court House Museum beside City Hall tells Durban's early history through walk-in reconstructions, a miniature car collection and displays on figures such as Gandhi and Luthuli.
At a glance
- Type
- Local history museum
- Area
- City Centre, Durban, South Africa
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Sunday)
- Official site
- durbanhistorymuseums.org.za
Good to know
- Free entry
- Ramp access
- Lift
- Accessible toilets
- Baby changing
- Museum shop
- Research archive
Why we recommend it
The Old Court House Museum is Durban's main local history museum and sits in a historic building in the city centre, between the beach end of City Hall and Samora Machel Street, the former Aliwal Street. The building was originally used as a court and a post office, and it is a national monument and graded heritage site. Today it is run by the municipality as the flagship of a group of eight local history museums.
The ground floor holds the permanent displays, including a section on recently acquired objects and the Lipchitz collection of miniature cars, alongside changing thematic exhibitions. The first floor is where most visitors linger. Here a series of walk-in reconstructions brings early Durban to life: a wattle-and-daub cottage built in the style of Henry Francis Fynn's home, using the kinds of materials settlers used in the 1830s; a sugar mill; Miss Fann's repository shop; and an Edwardian pharmacy from 1907. A display called Movers and Shakers introduces people who influenced the region, including Chief Albert Luthuli and Mohandas Gandhi.
The museum works well for families, as the reconstructions are easy for children to explore, and it is also a good first stop for anyone who wants background before visiting Durban's other heritage sites. Allow about an hour. There is also an active research archive, a lecture room and a museum shop, and school and group visits can be booked online through the museums' website.
Entry is free. The museum is open from Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 16:00 and on Saturdays from 08:30 to 12:30, and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Access is good for a heritage building, with a ramp, a lift, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.
Because it stands right next to City Hall, the museum combines easily with the Natural Science Museum inside City Hall, and KwaMuhle Museum on Bram Fischer Road is a short walk away and keeps the same hours. Together they make a good half-day introduction to the city's past. The city centre is busy on weekdays, so keep your belongings close, and use a ride-hailing car or a guided walk if you are unsure of the area.
Old Court House Museum FAQs
Is entry free?
Yes. The museum is free to visit.
When is it open?
Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:00 and Saturday from 08:30 to 12:30. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
What can I see?
Permanent and changing displays, the Lipchitz miniature car collection and walk-in reconstructions including a settler cottage, a sugar mill, a shop and a 1907 pharmacy.
Is it accessible?
Yes. There is ramp access, a lift, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The walk-in reconstructions on the first floor are easy for children to explore.
What was the building originally?
It was built as a court and post office and is now a national monument.
Can groups book?
Yes. School and group visits can be booked online through the Durban local history museums website.
What is nearby?
City Hall and the Natural Science Museum are next door, and KwaMuhle Museum is a short walk away.