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Old Court House Museum

 

 

The Old Court House Museum is the oldest public building in the central business district, and has a rich and chequered past.

The building was loop-holed during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, it bore witness to both the South African Wars and the Bambatha Rebellion, and more recently acted as a recuitment centre and canteen during both World Wars.

It was here that African men were given sanction to enter the city or were denied access, and had to pay the mandatory Poll Tax. Here too, at the beginning of his legendary vocation as an activist, Gandhi was asked by the judge to leave the court for wearing a turban.

The museum features a number of collectables in the foyer, including an extensive miniature car collection.The Daphne Strutt Costume Room features fashion from throughout the 20th century, interesting accessories such as cigarette cases, bags, shoes, jewellery and hats  enhance the display.   A number of rare Art Deco and Nouveau pieces make this exhibition a must for aficionados.  

The 'Movers and  Shakers' exhibition features minature figurines relating to KwaZulu Natal's  history.  A touch screen computer display introduces visitors to a broad overview of the province's history through the lives of these personalities.

The Durban Room features the city's progression in lifestyle, wealth and means of  production, from the colonial era to the post-colonial era. 

The Durban Room features four unique exhibits: 

  • The David SB Anderson Pharmacy
  • Henry Francis Flynn's Cottage
  • The Clairmont Sugar Mill, showing developments in the production of Natal's most lucrative resource; and
  • The Miss Fann Fancy Repository with a display of the fine imported fabrics, haberdashery and luxuries available in Durban at the end of the 19th century. 

The Local History Museum enquiries section is also situated at the Old Court House Museum and a vast range of research material is accessible both for the interested visitor and professional researchers.
 
Address:
Old Court House Museum
77 Aliwal Street
Durban

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Telephone : +27 31 311 2229
 
Visiting Hours:
Monday to Saturday : 8:30 to 16:00                          
 
Sundays and Public Holidays : 11:00 to 16:00
 
Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday
 
Research enquiries: People wishing to access the Local History Museums archives are invited to visit the museum during weekdays and / or email the Curator ngubanem@durban.gov.za 

 
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