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Art museums in Durban are a rave for those who love to dig into the rich world of art and culture. The art museums of this city attract like-minded people from all over the world. You will get immersed in its richness, creativity, and elaborate designs that will inspire you and not only that, this art museum will paint the rich history of this country and even beyond as you will see in many of its galleries the rich artistic flair and international touch in some of the collections. It is truly an enjoyable and enriching place to visit and the experience will leave you bedazzled and inspired.
10 Art Museums In Durban
Here is a list of ten art museums in Durban offering a unique experience and aesthetic enjoyment.
1. Durban Art Gallery
Photo: Södertälje konsthall / Wikimedia Commons
For all you art lovers and history buffs, art museums in Durban are an excellent way to quench your thirst for the love of art and culture. Durban art museums opened in 1892, and have collections representing the diversity of the myriad history of the Kwazulu-Natal region. You can enjoy the collection of the Durban art gallery from the 15th century to now. The collections consist of tribal art, clay work, beadworks, and many paintings donated by French, British, and Dutch.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
2. African Art Center
Photo: Philip Nalangan / Wikimedia Commons
This place will captivate you with its interesting handmade jewellery, potteries, paintings, and beadwork which will keep you on your toes and spoil you with choices. The art and crafts here are so exquisite and unique that you will want to buy almost all of their designs. You can enjoy the arts or even buy one and they can also take custom orders for you right from the center which is the best part. Their high-quality arts and crafts make this place a favourite in Durban. This centre has become an internationally acclaimed place, thanks to its merchandise and the high expertise in showcasing the beautiful art of the region, for all to enjoy.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Glenwood, Berea
3. The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery
Photo: Eric Park / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, close to 30 years old, is in an Edwardian-style architecture building. The gallery also presents exhibitions and offers advice to clients, mainly fine artworks of established and emerging South African artists. The gallery also undertakes conservation framing and restoration services as a core activity of preserving the artworks and allows you to take the paintings, mirrors, or prints on approval to help you conceptualize whatever you are working on.
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None
Location: 148,Montpelier road
4. Art Gallery Of The Durban University Of Technology
Photo: Dannie Jing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The art gallery of the Durban University of Technology is located in the Cecil Renaud Theatre at the Durban University of Technology. The gallery is aimed at preserving and promoting a wide range of artworks from the collections including traditional clay pots to modern-day portraits. It creates a calm conducive environment for the students as they study and aims at providing quality education while encouraging the development of a culture geared towards the physical and mental development of the students.
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Location: 51 Steve Biko Road
5. Artisan Contemporary Gallery
Photo: Andre Carrotflower / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In the city of Durban crafts, the Artisan Contemporary Gallery is the most extensive gallery hosting numerous collections of South African artworks and a few international ones of different eras. There is also a variety of the visitors’ artistic tendencies and styles available. It’s a common place for the locals and guests on organized tours, thanks to the accommodating and courteous personnel who strive to make the visit worthwhile.
Attractions: Collages, paintings, textiles, glassware
Location: 344 Florida road
6.Bat Centre
Photo: Pi.1415926535 / Wikimedia Commons
The Bat Centre is an art facility that fosters the growth of local art. It provides working areas for artists to pursue their art and serves as an art community center. The building is vibrant with its wall painted and energetic vibes. This non-profit organization does a good job promoting the arts and culture of Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, and South Africa to create a market for local artists. The centre is brimming with performances of folk songs, poetry, and spoken word. They also have artists and galleries in the residence.
Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Esplanade
7. Phansi Museum
Photo: StockSnap / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
This museum has a rich collection of South African Artwork from the 1900s to the latest and is nicknamed one of the biggest museums of this type anywhere in the world. The word phansi means,” below” or “beneath” in the Zulu dialect and this museum was given this name because the owner Paul Mikula from his collections in his basement had started the museum. Today, the museum has become the leading cultural institution showcasing the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the Indigenous people.
Entry Fee: ₹ 3400 approx
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Location: 500 Esther Roberts Road
8. Etching Art Gallery
Photo: buian_photos / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Etchings Art Gallery, Framing & Gifts has strongly advocated for upcoming and established artists since its inception in 1993. Originally established by Garnet and Wendy Cornell, this contemporary gallery contains an exquisite selection of original paintings, prints, and mirrors, and provides custom framing. The gallery is highly recommended due to the quality of its artworks and the friendly staff working therein. They also have a coffee corner to relax and enjoy the paintings.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: Park Boulevard center 11 browns drift road
9. The Kwa Muhle Museum
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Kwa Muhle Museum, housed in the old building of Durban’s Native Affairs Department offers an in-depth history and toils of the city and its inhabitation. The museum contains information on the life endured by the people residing in Durban under apartheid including images of the township life and those who shaped the city. The structural design of the museum was used to house the methods of administering and controlling the people of South Africa through apartheid South Africa.
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Location: 130 Bram Fischer Road
10. The Campbell Collections
Photo: Zalfa Imani / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Campbell Collections comprise a splendid assemblage of resources relating to the inhabitants of early Natal and Zulu civilizations. This collection is valued as it signifies cultural components possessed by both immigrant whites and native Zulu people. The history and the library greatly help the students, scholars, and all people who want to know the history of South Africa. A visit to this place will add a layer of perspective and let you into the world of the indigenous people, further enriching your visit.
Entry Fees: ₹100
Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Berea
As a coastal city with a lot of history and different peoples, it is easy to appreciate the culture thanks to the coast. There is more than one way to appreciate art, and that is very true in Durban; from enjoying the busy and brightly coloured stalls at the Victoria Street Market to observing the beautifully crafted artefacts at the African Art Centre. Plan a trip with TripXL and get ready to be inspired, provoked, and amused in these lovely art museums in Durban.
Cover Photo: Alexandre.ROSA / Shutterstock
