Also known as the Natal Settlers Museum, the Old House Museum stands on Diakonia Street (formerly St Andrew's Street), near Albert Park in Durban's city centre.
History
The property was originally built as a modest two-room cottage in 1849 by John Goodrick. In 1858 George Robinson, publisher of Natal's first daily newspaper, the Natal Mercury, purchased the land and expanded the residence significantly. His son, Sir John Robinson, became Natal's first Prime Minister.
The site was donated to the city by George Churton Collins and opened as a museum on 12 June 1954, dedicated to housing memorabilia of Durban's early settlers. The building received National Monument designation on 28 November 1975.
Exhibitions
The museum recreates Victorian domestic life with period furnishings, mannequins, original oil paintings of early Durban, antique clocks, china and embroidered cloths. Notable exhibits include an ox-wagon, a post-cart, and a ship's clock salvaged from the wrecked Minerva (1850).
Visitor information
Address: 31 Diakonia Street, Durban, near Albert Park
Hours: Monday–Friday 08:30–16:00; Saturday 08:30–12:30. Closed Sundays & Public Holidays.
Admission: Free