Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal

About Natal Museum

Situated just south of Pietermaritzburg’s City Hall in Jabu Ndlovu Street, the Natal Museum is one of South Africa’s five national museums, set in a particularly pretty building that dates back to 1905.

Did you know? The KwaZulu-Natal Museum has an internet café with computers, a resource library, and a film room. This makes it the ideal place for a school outing or for learners and researchers to spend some time delving into the fascinating world of information available.

Situated in a beautiful building that dates back to 1905, the KwaZulu-Natal Museum remains one of South Africa’s top national museums, and is a treasure trove of delights for the young and not-so-young visitors alike. It is just south of the City Hall of Pietermaritzburg.

Today, this museum is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the cultural, historical and natural wonders of South Africa and the world. Its exhibitions include impressive displays of insects, mammals, amphibians, birds and molluscs. There is a well-preserved remnant of the last wild elephant in the province, and a life-size model of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

More than this, there are exhibitions of geological and paleontological finds, reconstructions of authentic Victorian scenes, recreations of ancient cave art, and the last remaining vestiges of a shipwreck, where visitors can step onto the wooden deck and be transported back in time. There are also fantastic sections celebrating the Soccer World Cup of 2010, and the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indian folk in South Africa.

The dynamic temporary displays keep things particularly interesting because visitors get to enjoy something new and exciting almost every time they visit. These have included displays on xenophobia and children’s art exhibitions.

There are ramps, lifts and toilet facilities for visitors making use of a wheelchair. Other facilities include two lecture halls and knowledgeable staff members that can assist in the research library. Guided tours are a fantastic way to get the most out of the exhibitions and can be arranged in advance.

The museum is open from Monday to Sunday and offers very reasonable entrance fees. Pietermaritzburg is the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal and is about an hour’s drive from Durban accommodation.

Need to Know

WhereNatal Museum, 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

WhenMonday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h30
Saturdays from 10h00 to 16h00 and Sundays from 11h00 to 15h00
The Museum is closed on New Year's Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill.

Telephone+27 (0)33 345-1404

OvernightStay in Pietermaritzburg Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal

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