Explore the Durban Local History Museums

Kwa Muhle Museum

On approaching Kwa Muhle Museum one is immediately struck by the elegance of the arch lined veranda and large sturdy copper covered entrance doors

This building, once the headquarters of the Cities infamous Native Administration Department and the center of Durban’s harsh system of labour control has been transformed into a museum seeking to reflect Durban’s urban growth, and the history of its residents from a range of perspectives.

Visit the Kwa Muhle Museum and discover what life was like in and around Durban during and leading up to the apartheid era. Ponder over the exhibits which include photographic prints of township life, and reflect on the contributions of the ordinary people who laid the foundations of Ethekwini’s development as one of Africa’s leading cities.

How to find the Kwa Muhle Museum:

For drivers approaching the museum from the city center : drive up Aliwal Street passing the back of Workshops shopping center on the left and the exhibition centre on the right. After turning left into Ordnance Road keep right, and pass a big multi story building on the right hand side (Metro Water and waste). The arch lined building just beyond is the Kwa Muhle Museum. A unique glass guardhouse stands at the entrance to the patrons parking area. (Click here to see map)

Visiting Hours:

• 08:30 to 16:00 Monday to Saturday
• 11:00 to 16:00 Sundays and Public Holidays
• Closed : Good Friday and Christmas Day

Entrance Fee: Free

Parking: Free on site parking for museum visitors

Museum Facilities:

• Separate Male and Female toilets
• A toilet suitably equipped for visitors with babies
• A toilet suitably equipped for disabled visitors

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT:

• The Courtyard - ideal for launches, cocktails, performances and other functions.
• Lecture Room - with audio visual facilities perfectly suited to meetings, lectures and workshops. (Max 45 people)

Nearest refreshments and shops: The Workshops shopping centre , about 5 minutes walk from the museum.

Other:

• A number of other museums and historical sites are located close by.
• The Hilton Hotel, Town Lodge, Cricket stadium and the International Convention Center are located within easy walking distance from the museum.