Old Court House Museum
Postal address: Old Court House
Aliwal Street
Durban
4001
| Street address: Old Court House
Aliwal Street |
City: Durban Province: KwaZulu Natal Postal code: 4001 Country: South Africa
Phone: +27 31 311 2229
Description
The Old Court House Museum is the oldest public building in the central business district, and has a rich and chequered past.
The building was loop-holed during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, it bore witness to both the South African Wars and the Bambatha Rebellion, and more recently acted as a recuitment centre and canteen during both World Wars.
It was here that African men were given sanction to enter the city or were denied access, and had to pay the mandatory Poll Tax. Here too, at the beginning of his legendary vocation as an activist, Gandhi was asked by the judge to leave the court for wearing a turban.
The museum features a number of collectables in the foyer, including an extensive miniature car collection.The Daphne Strutt Costume Room features fashion from throughout the 20th century, interesting accessories such as cigarette cases, bags, shoes, jewellery and hats enhance the display. A number of rare Art Deco and Nouveau pieces make this exhibition a must for aficionados.
The `Movers and Shakers` exhibition features minature figurines relating to KwaZulu Natal`s history. A touch screen computer display introduces visitors to a broad overview of the province`s history through the lives of these personalities.
The Durban Room features the city`s progression in lifestyle, wealth and means of production, from the colonial era to the post-colonial era.
(Source: www.durban.gov.za)
Category: Museum Keywords: Culture; History
Ref ID: 129
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