Celebrating Local Talent
African Art Centre
(94 Florida Rd 031 312 3804) Visit the African Art Centre shop and gallery to view a selection of high-quality telephone wire baskets and jewelry, Ilala Palm Baskets, traditional Zulu ceramics, Fine Art, antique Zulu beadwork, unique Zulu beaded jewelry and specially handcrafted gifts. Every purchase made from the African Art Centre provides income and employment for more than 600 artists and crafters currently supported by the Centre.
KZNSA Gallery
(166 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood 031 277 1705, www.kznsagallery.co.za) Tues-Fri 09:00-17:00, Sat 09:00-16:00, Sun 10:00-15:00. Home of the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts, the gallery features an exciting and ever-changing array of exhibitions by local and international artists, while the gallery shop contains an excellent selection of imaginative arts and crafts. The Arts Café (031 201 9969) serves tasty breakfasts, lunches, and teas and has an adjoining children’s playground.
Artisan Contemporary Gallery
(344 Florida Rd 031 312 4364). For more information contact Ingrid Smith on 031 312 4364, info@artisan.co.za
“ARTISAN,” standing for “Arts in South Africa Now,” is a premier Contemporary Gallery located in Durban’s renowned Florida Road. Showcasing the best of South African artistic talent, the gallery boasts a vast collection ranging from ceramics, jewellery, and hand-painted fabrics to fine art prints, originals, and exquisitely crafted cutlery and wooden vessels. This purposefully designed, luminous space serves as a testament to the rich artistry and craftsmanship of the region.
Durban Art Gallery
(Durban City Hall 031 311 2262/5) Durban’s largest gallery, it houses a comprehensive collection of South African art, both past and present, as well as international works.
The Durban Art Gallery was founded in 1892 and exhibits cover carvings, clay pots and beadwork, as well as the works of artists like Andrew Verster and Penny Siopis. The museum hosts a collection as diverse as the population of the region.
The Dodds Gallery
(Green with Envy, 281 Vause Rd 031 220 2041) is a brand new gallery space in the heart of Durban’s Berea, situated on the grounds of a plant nursery with a restaurant, shop and children’s play area. Owned and run by Michelle Dodds, the gallery specialises in fine South African art, bronzes and collectibles.
artSPACEdurban
(3 Millar Rd, off Umgeni Rd 031 312 0793)
artSPACE durban is an art gallery located in a warehouse in a light industrial area of Durban, South Africa. 2016 has brought new changes with the creation of artSPACE durban studios. artSPACE durban remains dedicated to the promotion of young, as well as, established artists.
DUT Art Gallery
(Durban University of Technology 031 373 2207)
Since its inception in 1982, the DUT Gallery stands as the cultural cornerstone of the University, devoted to the collection, documentation, and preservation of art. With a rich repertoire spanning ancient to modern artefacts, the gallery serves as a vibrant testament to both historical and contemporary artistic expressions.
The Collective
(48b Florida Road 031 303 4891)
Under the visionary guidance of artist Riaan van Jaarsveldt (ZA), “The COLLECTIVE” introduces seven emerging Belgian artists to Durban’s art enthusiasts. Showcasing talents like Wouter Van der Hallen, Tomas Boiy, Ben Van den Berghe, Oscar Hugal, Kristof van Gestel, Joris Van de Moortel, and Timothy Segers, this event is both a cultural exchange and an innovative artistic experiment. To overcome logistical and budgetary challenges, the exhibit’s unique concept, titled “In The Artists’ Absence,” revolves around each Belgian artist sending instructions for creating an artwork.
Elizabeth Gordon Gallery
(120 Florida Rd 031 303 8133) Fine art by leading South African artists. Gallery hours: 08:00-16:30 weekdays & 09:00-12.30 Saturdays.
At the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, while we place a premium on local talent, we’re equally enthusiastic about showcasing the rich tapestry of African artistry, boasting pieces from regions including Sudan, Zimbabwe, eSwatini, and Mozambique. Each artwork is intricately framed in our dedicated workshop, where traditional conservation methods meet modern aesthetics, ensuring every piece is both protected and accentuated. Our commitment is to curate an environment where art and viewer come together, creating a dialogue rich in creativity and understanding.
Fat Tuesday
(Bellevue Rd, Kloof 031 717 2785)
Heritage And History
The Durban Natural Science Museum (First Floor, Durban City Hall 031 311 2256/42) is the most-visited natural science museum in the country, attracting just under 300 000 visitors annually. Experience the boma storytelling area, plasma screens showing natural history scenery throughout the galleries, a life-size reconstruction of Tyrannosaurus Rex and realistic diorama exhibitions. The Natural Science Museum Research Centre offers public access to the third largest collection of birds in Africa! Open Mon-Sat 08:30-16:00; Sun & holidays 11:00-16:00.
Durban Holocaust Centre
Education on the Holocaust and other human rights abuses at Durban Holocaust Centre (Durban Jewish Centre, 44 KE Masinga Rd 031 368 6833 or projects@djc.co.za).
Natal Maritime Museum
Explore nautical historyat the Natal Maritime Museum (Small Crafts Basin 031 311 2230), with regional culture & history at the Campbell Collections (220 Gladys Mazibuko Rd: tours 031 207 3432, library 031 207 3711) and southern African artefacts at Phansi Museum (Cnr 41 Cedar & Esther Roberts roads 031 206 2889).
Kwa Muhle Museum
There’s apartheid history at Kwa Muhle Museum (130 Braam Fischer Rd 031 311 2213) and Cato Manor Heritage Centre (750 Rick Turner Rd 031 261 3216); Indian culture at Durban Cultural & Documentation Centre (Cnr Epsom Rd & Derby St 031 309 7559); colonial & pre-colonial history at Old House Museum (31 St Andrews St 031 311 2261) and Old Court House Museum (77 Samora Machel St 031 311 2225); and information on the 1848 German settlersat Bergtheil Local History Museum (16 Queens Ave, Westville 031 203 7107).