welcome to the uMsunduzi Museum
Since the 1990’s, the uMsunduzi Museum in Pietermaritzburg, an agency of the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, has been transformed from a historically single-themed museum to one that depicts the heritage of different cultural groups of KwaZulu-Natal.
The museum was created in 1912 as a tribute to the Voortrekkers. Voortrekker history is the main focus in the Voortrekker Complex, i.e. the historic Church of the Vow, the Andries Pretorius House and the E.G. Jansen Extension. The Voortrekker Memorial Church and historic Church Hall were also recently acquired for the Museum by the National Department of Arts and Culture.
The Main building is home to a variety of cultural-history exhibitions which are also constantly being upgraded and expanded, like ‘ A Tapestry of Cultures’ on the Mezzanine floor. Those interested in the history of the Struggle for Democracy, may find the Birth of Democracy Display on the ground floor informative. The Museum also boasts a replica Hindu Shiva temple and a beautiful herb garden. A display on the the South African (Anglo-Boer) War can be seen at the Voortrekker House, 333 Boom Street. The house is opened on Tuesdays and Fridays from 07h30 – 15h00, on other days opening can be arranged on request by contacting the Museum at 033 394 6834.
Our Services
Education Programmes
Enhance / supplement your school’s curriculum
- We have developed several programmes suitable for learners from Grade R to Grade 12
- Various programmes offered in English, Afrikaans and Isizulu
- Enquiries can be directed to our Education Department staff at 033 394 6834 (Mondays to Fridays)
Internet café and Library
Accessible resources for all or your research projects
- Our reference library has a variety of books and topics for your interest
- We offer printing, photocopying, scanning and the use of our internet café at affordable prices
- Enquiries can be directed to our Librarian at 033 394 6834 (Mondays to Fridays)
Venue / Parking for hire
Facilities open to the public for various private functions
- Spaces available for hire: Memorial hall and Memorial Church
- Safe parking facilities also available (daily or month-to-month)
- Enquiries can be directed to our Receptionist at 033 394 6834/5/6 (Mondays to Fridays)

Find out more about our Unondlela Mobile Museum
The uMsunduzi and Ncome Museums is committed to enhance and improve the understanding and appreciation of diverse histories and cultures of all people of KwaZulu-Natal through the mobile museum programmes. A mobile museum is a museum educational outreach programmes that brings the museum to the people from rural areas who cannot visit museums. The objective of the mobile museum programmes is to make the museum exhibitions and artefacts accessible to disadvantaged communities. The Museums drive to schools, libraries and rural/public events to provide such programmes.
Keep up with us via social media
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Physical address
351 Langalibalele Street
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Business hours
Monday – Friday: 09h00-16h00
Saturday / Public holiday: 09h00-13h00
Sunday: Closed