The KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg is set to relocate to a new R632 million facility to better preserve its heritage and natural history collections.
The museum, which opened in 1904 and also houses the Centre of Scientific Research, has outgrown its current premises at 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street. Its new location will be at 96 Jabu Ndlovu Street, the former site of St Anne’s Hospital. Construction is expected to begin next year and is scheduled for completion in December 2029.
The museum’s collection includes 10 cultural history galleries, covering archaeology, rock art, Zulu and Nguni anthropology, and European settler history, as well as eight natural history galleries featuring mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, molluscs, and a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex model.
Viranna Frank, the museum’s public relations officer, said the current facility is inadequate and lacks sufficient parking, posing safety risks for visitors, particularly school groups. The redevelopment of St Anne’s Hospital will combine restoration, demolition, and new construction to create a modern museum with larger exhibition spaces, educational facilities, and improved visitor amenities.
Frank explained that planning for the project began in March 2020 with Sakhisizwe Architect leading the team, though progress was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and heritage site approvals. The KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute has approved development plans, with further approvals required before alterations or demolition.
The new museum will include increased office space, state-of-the-art storage and research facilities, lecture theatres, multi-purpose halls, a gift shop, internet café, secure parking, and dedicated bus drop-off points.
Zimasa Velaphi, head of communications for the Department of Arts and Culture, said the department will fund the project. The estimated cost based on the concept design is R631,717,283, with final costs to be confirmed once the detailed design is complete. Upon completion, the current museum building will return to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
