Old House Museum
About This Museum
Would you believe this unassuming building was once the bustling hub for Durban's very first Indian merchants? Tucked away on Diakonia Avenue, it feels more like stepping into a well-kept secret than a formal museum. Inside, the creak of the original wooden floors guides you through rooms that breathe with stories of the city's early traders and settlers. Itβs a wonderfully intimate glimpse into the lives that shaped modern Durban.
Collection Highlights
You'll find everything from delicate porcelain and traditional beadwork to old ledger books filled with elegant handwriting. The real treasure, for me, is the recreated merchant's room, complete with authentic fabrics and goods that would have been traded over a century ago.
Visitor Information
It's right in the central business district, so it's surprisingly easy to pop in. Just check their opening hours online beforehand as they can be seasonal.
Architecture & Building
A classic Victorian veranda house, painted a crisp white, with a wide, welcoming porch that just begs you to sit for a moment and imagine the conversations it has overheard.
Contact & Location
Address: Old House Museum, 31, Diakonia Avenue, eThekwini Ward 32, Durban, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, 4057, South Africa
Phone: +27 31 311 2261