Explore the Durban Local History Museums

Old House Museum

The site of the Old House Museum in Diakonia Street was donated to the city by George Churton Collins, built by the Town Council and opened in 1954. The museum features a recreation of the home of one of Durban’s most prominent families, the Robinsons. Sir John Robinson was Natal’s first Prime Minister, and also owned the Natal Mercury, Durban’s daily morning paper.

The house with its antique furniture set in park-like gardens offers visitors respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life and provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the upper middle class settlers.

Time-travellers can reflect on an era when the use of wagons was almost as common as our use of cars today and how a former Prime Minister was smuggled from Dundee to Greytown in a post cart.

How to find the Old House Museum:

From the City Hall drive up Smith Street, cross over Gardiner and then Field Street keep in the left lane until reaching Yusuf Dadoo (formerly Broad) street. Turn left and head towards the bay. Keep right and turn into Diakonia Street. You will pass one or two blocks of flats on your left and right, and then on your left just after a beautifully restored old building (now a music school) is the Old House Museum. (Click here to see map)

Visiting Hours:

• 08:30 to 16:00 Monday to Friday
• Closed : Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays

Entrance Fee:

Free

Parking:

No parking is available on site, but metered street parking close to the museum is normally easily obtainable.

Facilities:

• A large garden is situated behind the museum.
• The house is not well suited to people in wheelchairs.
• Male and Female toilet facilities.

Nearest refreshments and shops: Across the road.

Other: Close to the Central Business District and Albert Park.