The Voortrekker / Msunduzi Museum

MUSEUM FOR ALL PEOPLE

Since the 1990’s, the Voortrekker / Msunduzi Museum in Pietermaritzburg was 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.

The Main building is home to a variety of cultural-history exhibitions which are constantly being upgraded and expanded, like  ‘ A Tapestry of Cultures’ on the Mezzanine floor, now open to the public.  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 Hindu Shiva temple, a traditional Zulu home and a beautiful herb garden. Plans are being made for a permanent Quilt Display and a Discovery Centre in the near future. Displays on the Anglo Boer War can be seen at the Voortrekker House, 333 Boom Street.

In 2012 the museum will be celebrating its centenary.