Durban Natural Science Museum in Durban Sentraal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

The Earth, its History and life on Earth, both past and present

Durban Natural Science Museum in KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa is situated in the city of  Durban. It may be the country’s smallest Natural Science Museum, but is certainly one of the busiest.

The Museum is most famous for its life size T. Rex model, almost complete Dodo Skeleton and their Egyptian Mummy, Peten Amen. The Museum is one of the most utilized in South Africa, with an average of 290 000 visitors each year. It is renowned for their life-like dioramas (habitat groups) and the innovative and dynamic education programs. See stuffed fish, birds and insects or walk back in time to visit the origins of Africa.

The Durban Natural Science Museum was founded on 23 July 1887 and celebrated its 120 ^th Anniversary by sealing two time capsules on the 23 September 2008 to celebrate its contributions to the conservation of natural heritage. The first will be opened in 2057 and the second in 2087 on the occasion of the Museums bicentennial celebrations.

The Museum also has a Research Centre offering access to the third largest collection of birds in Africa. These tours are by appointment only, but worth the experience.

Things to do and see

• Information Desk
• Notice Board showing Auditorium Programs
• P A Clancy Gallery on Birds
• Kwanunu Insect Arcade
• Kwazuzukwazi Science Centre
• W A Campbell Gallery of S.A. Wildlife
• Hall of Earth Sciences Gallery
• Hall of Amphibians & Reptiles
• Research Centre (by appointment only)

Admission

Admission to the Museum is free of charge.

Monday to Saturday: 08h30 – 16h00

Sunday and Public Holidays: 11h00 – 16h00

Closed on Good Friday & Christmas Day

Research Centre

Tours on Fridays at 12h30 only, please contact the Centre directly to make a booking.

Climate

Durban has a warm climate throughout the year with cooler evenings in the winter months and rainfall in the summer months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 29˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 20˚C.

Transport

There are Domestic and International flights into Durban’s  King Shaka Airport on a daily basis. Bus services, taxis and car rental companies are available for easy access around the area.