Named after Jonas Bergtheil, this museum is situated in the leafy suburb of Westville almost midway between Durban and Pinetown. Much of the museum is housed in Westville’s oldest building (c.1840) featuring massive stone walls and hand-hewn timber floorboards. Park like surrounds add an atmosphere of tranquility.Exhibits generally centre on the first German settlers that Jonas Bergtheil brought to Natal as director of the Natal Cotton Company and their associations with the settlements of Westville, Claremont and New Germany.
How to find the Bergtheil Museum:
Driving from Durban towards Westville on the M13 (Jan Smuts highway) take the Queens Road off ramp, turning left into Queens Road travel up the road to number 16. The Bergtheil Local History Museum is on the right surrounded by fencing with private residences on all sides.
Visiting Hours:
8:30 to 16:00 Monday to Friday
8:00 to 12:00 Saturdays
Closed Sundays and Public Holidays
Entrance Fee: Free
Parking: Free on site parking for museum visitors
Facilities:
Garden
Small activities room
Nearest refreshments and shops:
Local shopping malls in Westville +- 5km away
Other:
The Pavilion Shopping Centre and Palmiet Nature Reserve are located in the vicinity.