Phansi Museum

Architecture • Durban, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa

Phansi Museum in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, is a multifaceted cultural institution that offers visitors a unique and vibrant experience. As a standout attraction in the city, Phansi Museum is classified as a museum but offers so much more than traditional exhibits. It seamlessly combines elements of an art gallery, library, and store, making it a diverse and enriching destination for tourists and locals alike.

The museum showcases a rich collection of traditional and contemporary African art, with a particular focus on Zulu cultural heritage. Visitors can browse through a wide array of artifacts, sculptures, beadwork, textiles, and ceramics, all with intricate designs and cultural significance. The museum's art gallery features rotating exhibitions by local and international artists, providing a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange.

Aside from its impressive collection, Phansi Museum also houses a library that serves as a research hub for those interested in exploring South Africa's diverse cultural history. The on-site store offers unique handmade crafts and souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of African artistry home with them.

Overall, Phansi Museum is a captivating point of interest in Durban, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of South Africa's cultural heritage. It is a must-visit establishment for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of African art and history.


Tours for Phansi Museum

Exploring the area? Book a tour to fully experience everything Phansi Museum has to offer. A guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights and hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

Durban from Within : An Immersive City Tour in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal $130 Tour Provided by Viator
5.0 (2)

Durban from Within : An Immersive City Tour

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa

Start the day strolling through Africa’s oldest surviving Botanical Gardens with our passionate horticulturalist tapping into its history and unique collection. Unlock the trendy suburb of Glenwood with artist Mooki Lion and track down the public portfolios of local street artists. Time to meet Mama Nkosi otherwise known as the dancing curator of one of the largest collections of traditional art as she reveals indigenous beliefs and tribal culture.

Tuck into lunch (own cost) and sample the popular flavours of Durban — ever tried a bunny chow? With your energy levels restored, enter into the beating heart of the city — Victoria Street Market — and meet local merchants as they peddle their wares.

Drive through the city centre as your guide brings it to life with historical anecdotes and an encyclopaedia of knowledge. Moses Mabhida Stadium isn’t just great to look at, it’s also terrific to jump off (own cost). Finish the day at Station Drive Precinct for an artisan gelato tasting.

Zulu Cultural Experience: Zulu Village + Tribal Markets + Traditional Zulu Food in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal $171 Tour Provided by Viator
4.9 (5)

Zulu Cultural Experience: Zulu Village + Tribal Markets + Traditional Zulu Food

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa

Today is all about context, immersion and relevance. We will start where all things should, at the beginning. Meet the dancing curator of Phansi Museum who will introduce you to a vast collection of indigenous art and crafts before sampling Pan African Cuisine.

Time to head to Isithumba — a living Zulu cultural village. A local resident will help you to explore the village on foot as you begin to understand a different way of life. If the ancestors are kind you may even meet the village chief or the local spiritual healer for an immersive exchange.

The Markets of Warwick are our final stop. This curious quarter represents the beating heart of indigenous culture. Meet the Lime and Imphepho Gogos (female elders) and watch them create their goods before you witness the culture shock that is Muthi Bridge or as we like to call it — “Sangoma Central”. Unlock this mysterious place and get a feel for where the culture is heading.

Durban City Sightseeing Tour in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal $46 Tour Provided by Viator
4.4 (8)

Durban City Sightseeing Tour

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa

Experience Durban, a city of contrasts on the Durban City Sightseeing Tour. Shaped by the early Colonial settlers, see the city has developed from the indigenous Zulu population and the Indians who arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th Century.

Durban in a Moment: Botanical Gardens, Tribal Museums & Traditional Markets in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal $101 Tour Provided by Viator

Durban in a Moment: Botanical Gardens, Tribal Museums & Traditional Markets

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa

Explore SA’s oldest Botanical Gardens with a horticulturalist who’ll introduce you to their unique collection of plants and secret to invisibility. Meet the dancing curator of the city’s largest collection of tribal art, tap into indigenous beliefs and South African traditional culture.

The Markets of Warwick are home to over 5 000 vendors which 460 000 commuters pass through by daily. It’s time to tap into this beating heart of the city and unlock the soul of the Victoria Street Market — the Muti Bridge. Visit Asiye Etafuleni — the NGO protecting the rights of traders — to understand the significance of this space to the city and her people.

Finish the day with a Durban bunny chow at an award winning local foodie hotspot on Helen Joseph Road (own cost).