Old Court House Museum

Have you ever wondered what Durban looked like centuries ago? Well, standing right before you is the Old Court House Museum, a time capsule of Durban’s fascinating history. It’s the oldest public building in the central business district, and its walls have witnessed incredible events that have shaped the city and the nation. This building has seen it all – from the turbulent Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the subsequent South African Wars to the Bhambatha Uprising. It even served as a canteen and recruitment centre during World War I and II. Imagine the stories these walls could tell! The Old Court House Museum is an architectural gem, with its grand facade and intricate details. Step inside and you’ll find two floors of exhibition space showcasing the stories and the lives of the people who have shaped this city. You’ll see a fascinating reconstruction of Henry Francis Fynn’s wattle and daub cottage, taking you back to the early days of Durban. And don’t miss the Sugar Mill exhibit, displaying a 19th-century sugar crusher and boilers, which gives you a glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural past. The Museum also has a collection of old photographs and documents, and you can even see a three-dimensional historical pageant featuring figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Luthuli. The Old Court House Museum is not just a place to learn about the past. It’s a living testament to the city’s resilience, its multicultural heritage, and its journey to becoming the vibrant city we know today. So step inside and let the stories unfold before you, each one a piece of Durban’s grand tapestry.