Old House Museum

Introduction

Durban is a vibrant hub of culture and history. The Old House Museum, located in the heart of the city, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a bygone era. This historic site is a good destination for anyone interested in South African history and culture.

About the Museum

The Old House Museum was opened as a museum in 1954 after the site was donated to the city by George Churton Collins. It is a recreation of the home of one of Durban’s most prominent families, the Robinsons. The house features antique furniture and is set in park-like gardens. Visitors can enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and get a glimpse of what it was like for upper-middle-class settlers.

The property originally belonged to a man named Ferreira and was purchased by John Goodrick, who built a two-roomed wattle and daub cottage upon it. It was sold to a Mr Hoorsing, who in turn sold it to George Robinson in 1858. Robinson was the publisher of the Natal Mercury, the first daily newspaper in Natal, and whose son Sir John was the first Prime Minister of Natal.

The museum’s exhibitions offer a unique insight into the everyday life of the Robinson family, who are represented by mannequins dressed in period fashion.

Interesting Facts

• The Museum showcases a number of interesting items, including an old clock that once belonged to a passenger on the ill-fated sailing ship Minerva. This vessel was one of many used to bring British emigrants to the Colony of Natal. It met an unfortunate end when it was wrecked on a reef off Durban in 1850, after it was set adrift during a storm. The clock on display was one item that survived and was found undamaged, washed ashore in the barrel it had been packed in for the journey.
• The Old House Museum also features original nineteenth-century oil paintings that depict Durban life and landscape. An authentic ox-wagon and post-cart represent the transport means of the time; clocks and china document the culture of the time. An embroidered cloth autographed with the names of local leaders captures political personalities of past times.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Old House Museum in Durban is a fascinating and educational attraction that provides a glimpse into the past. Admission to the Museum is free, but unfortunately, the house is not well-suited for wheelchair users. The museum is a good destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.