Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre
A profound centre memorializing the Holocaust and other genocides, fostering education and reflection on human rights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for reflection
Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A profound centre memorializing the Holocaust and other genocides, fostering education and reflection on human rights.
"An eye-opening and thought-provoking experience that brings to life the reality and impact of the Holocaust and Genocide."
Free Admission
:moneywithwings: Entry is free, making it accessible for all to learn and reflect.
Allow Ample Time
:clock1: The exhibits are deeply moving; give yourself time to absorb the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holocaust Exhibition
A poignant exploration of WWII's atrocities, honoring victims and survivors with impactful displays.
Other Genocides Exhibits
Learn about the harrowing histories of Rwanda, Kosovo, and the Armenian genocide, fostering broader awareness.
Stories of Resilience
Discover uplifting narratives of individuals who bravely helped and saved persecuted people.
The Cicle Cafe
A highly recommended stop for delicious savory and sweet treats, including excellent coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Centre's Dual Focus
Prepare for an Emotional Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission
:moneywithwings: Entry is free, making it accessible for all to learn and reflect.
Allow Ample Time
:clock1: The exhibits are deeply moving; give yourself time to absorb the history.
Cafe Delights
:coffee: Don't miss The Cicle Cafe for great coffee and treats like cheese blintz.
Educational Value
:books: Ideal for learners, with guided tours enhancing curriculum content.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission
:moneywithwings: Entry is free, making it accessible for all to learn and reflect.
Allow Ample Time
:clock1: The exhibits are deeply moving; give yourself time to absorb the history.
Cafe Delights
:coffee: Don't miss The Cicle Cafe for great coffee and treats like cheese blintz.
Educational Value
:books: Ideal for learners, with guided tours enhancing curriculum content.
Thought-Provoking
:brain: Be prepared for an eye-opening and reflective experience on humanity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre for its thoughtful exhibitions, which powerfully convey the realities of the Holocaust and other genocides. The centre is lauded for its educational value, serene atmosphere, and the inspiring stories of resilience it shares. The on-site Cicle Cafe also receives high marks for its excellent coffee and treats.
"A beautifully and thoughtfully laid out exhibition. Very sad but also uplifting in the many stories of people who stepped up to help and save the people who were being persecuted. The museum covers the holocaust of WW2 but also covers other genocides such as Rwanda, Kosovo and of the Armenian people. It was well worth the visit and is free. The Cicle cafe is a must for a welcome stop for savoury and sweet treats. Highly recommend the cheese blintz and they have the BEST coffee in town."
Dee Abbott
"Serene, peaceful and strong message in the museum.
Very Good cafe."
Jyotsana Rankawat
"A beautiful eye-opening and thought-provoking experience. Walking through the exhibition brought to life the reality and impact of the Holocaust and Genocide.
Our learners enjoyed the guided tour and activities. The experience adds value to the content covered in the curriculum.
Our facilitator, Thobeka, was phenomenal with the learners. She was confident in her presentation and answered the learners questions well."
Melissa Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The centre is located on Playfair Road in Durban. Public transport options like buses and taxis are available. It's advisable to check local transport schedules or use ride-sharing apps for convenience. 
Information regarding specific parking availability is not widely detailed, but it's recommended to inquire directly with the centre or look for street parking in the vicinity.
While specific hours can vary, the centre is generally open during weekdays, often with extended hours on certain days. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current opening times.
Walk-in visits are generally welcome, especially for individuals. However, for guided tours or group visits, booking in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability.
The centre aims to be accessible. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact the centre in advance to confirm arrangements and ensure a comfortable visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre is free. This allows everyone the opportunity to learn from its important exhibits.
While walk-ins are welcome, booking in advance is recommended for guided tours or group visits to secure your spot.
The centre hosts educational workshops and may have special exhibitions. It's advisable to check their official channels for any upcoming events.
Many visitors find a guided tour highly beneficial for understanding the context and impact of the exhibits.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding restrictions, especially in sensitive exhibition areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find exhibits detailing the Holocaust, as well as other genocides like those in Rwanda, Kosovo, and Armenia. There are also stories of resilience and individuals who helped persecuted people.
The centre is educational and thought-provoking. While it covers sensitive topics, guided tours can be tailored for learners, making it valuable for educational purposes.
To fully appreciate the exhibits and reflect on the history, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the exhibits and their historical significance.
The atmosphere is described as serene, peaceful, and impactful, designed to foster reflection and learning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Cicle Cafe is located at the centre and is highly recommended for its savory and sweet treats, as well as excellent coffee.
Visitors particularly rave about the cheese blintz and the overall quality of the coffee.
The centre is located in Durban, which offers a wide array of restaurants and cafes. You can explore options in the surrounding areas for diverse culinary experiences.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside exhibition areas. It's best to consume your own food at designated areas or before/after your visit.
The cafe offers a selection of savory and sweet treats, making it a perfect spot for a light meal or a delightful break.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary within the centre. It's important to look for signage or ask staff for guidance on where photos are permitted, especially in sensitive exhibition areas.
While not explicitly stated, the exterior and perhaps the cafe area might be more open to photography. Always respect the solemn nature of the exhibits.
The architecture of the centre and the Cicle Cafe might offer visually appealing shots. However, the primary focus should be on the educational experience rather than photography.
Flash photography is typically prohibited in museums and exhibition spaces to protect artifacts and avoid disturbing other visitors. It's best to assume flash is not allowed unless otherwise indicated.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in or around cultural institutions and public spaces without explicit permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger school groups. The on-site Cicle Cafe provides a pleasant spot for a break with treats and coffee, which can be a nice reward after a thought-provoking visit.
📚 Students and Educators
The centre's commitment to fostering critical thinking makes it an ideal destination for school trips. Educators can leverage the exhibits to spark discussions on human rights, historical responsibility, and the prevention of future atrocities. The free admission further enhances its accessibility for educational institutions.
🤔 Reflective Visitors
The centre's dual focus on the Holocaust and other genocides provides a comprehensive understanding of historical inhumanity. Discovering stories of individuals who stepped up to help and save others offers an uplifting counterpoint, highlighting the enduring power of human goodness.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Centre's Educational Mission
+1 This mission is particularly vital as the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, making institutions like this a crucial link to history. The centre actively engages with youth, believing that education is key to preventing future atrocities. Through guided tours and workshops, the centre brings historical events to life, adding significant value to curriculum content for learners.
Community Engagement and Activism
+4 These demonstrations highlight a perspective that draws parallels between historical genocides and current events, urging for a broader understanding of human rights violations. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and social media reveal a complex dialogue where the centre's name is invoked in calls for peace and justice.
While the centre's primary mandate is historical education, its location and name have made it a site for public expression on a range of human rights concerns. This engagement reflects a community's desire to connect historical lessons with present-day challenges, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of genocide prevention and human dignity. The Cicle Cafe Experience
Patrons specifically recommend the cheese blintz and consistently laud the cafe for having 'the BEST coffee in town.'
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit