A hidden treasure

THE Phansi Museum in Durban in Esther Roberts is certainly a hidden treasure just waiting to be explored by local residents and visitors alike.

The museum, which is a non-profit, public benefit organisation, is situated in Robert’s House, a Victorian National Monument in Glenwood.

The Phansi Museum began as a small collection of craftwork in a basement before being accorded private museum status in 2000.

From small beginnings, the museum houses one of the largest and most spectacular publicly accessible collections of southern African artefacts including Zulu beadwork, dating back to the 19th Century, earplugs, wire baskets, milk-pails, beer-pots and fertility dolls.

“We are very excited to announce that presently the Phansi Museum is undergoing several structural alterations and modifications to improve current displays and to include spaces to host temporary exhibitions, educational programmes, workshops and outreach projects. Although we embrace the traditional museum objectives of collecting, documenting, preserving and disseminating our rich indigenous culture, our aim is to redefine our role in society by increasing our responsibility in shaping community identity and bringing different community groups together,” said director, Sharon Crampton.

The Phansi Museum collection has reach and resonance and honours the extraordinary ability of ordinary people to shape South Africa’s cultural heritage.

By partnering with local authorities and institutions, it aims at providing a stimulating public space where people of all backgrounds can come together and be inspired.

“We are committed to ensuring that individuals have access to high-quality museum experiences and to initiating active dialogue with potential and existing audiences and special interest groups. Our vision is to be considered as a museum which stands out as exceptional,” said Sharon.

Visit the museum at 500 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood.

Contact 031 206 2889.