The Old Court House is close to The Riverside Hotel Durban
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.
The Durban Room features four unique exhibits:
- The David SB Anderson Pharmacy
- Henry Francis Flynn’s Cottage
- The Clairmont Sugar Mill, showing developments in the production of Natal’s most lucrative resource; and
- The Miss Fann Fancy Repository with a display of the fine imported fabrics, haberdashery and luxuries available in Durban at the end of the 19th century.
The Local History Museum enquiries section is also situated at the Old Court House Museum and a vast range of research material is accessible both for the interested visitor and professional researchers.
The Riverside Hotel Complex
Set just 20 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport and 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre of Durban, The Riverside Hotel reflects a resort life in the city.The Riverside Hotel offers 168 superbly appointed bedrooms as well as an onsite restaurant and state of the art conference facility. The Riverside Grill offers a mouth-watering menu and furnishings that have been designed to offer our guests a luxurious and relaxed environment. We have paired luxury dining with poolside relaxation, breath-taking scenery & open-planned settings. We invite you to experience the perfect day with friends, family or business partners.
SERVICE
The Riverside Hotel is a full-service hotel. Facilities available include, but are not limited to, 24 hour reception, conference facilities, room service, laundry, mini gym, The Riverside Grill restaurant, shuttle and much more. Discover it for yourself today and drive on down to the Riverside Hotel
ATTRACTIONS
At The Riverside Hotel, the possibilities are endless: Visit uShaka Marine World, the enormous Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umgeni Bird Park, play a round of golf at the Windsor Golf Course, or catch a game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it situated within a few minutes drive.