The museum

« Blurring as much as possible the boundary between the museum and the living area in order to restore as accurately as possible this episode of Gandhi’s life , and allowing the visitor to deeply feel his philosophy .. Sitting in the mezzanine where he used to meditate or on the sofa in the living room to open the letters that he and Kallenbach exchanged : this is what inspired our work » says Lauren Segal, curator of the Satyagraha Museum and the Constitution Hill Museum. This assignment was carried out in close collaboration with Eric Itzkin, Gandhi’s specialist, according to whom « both men would probably have recognised the place ».

In the first rondavel, a small circular rooms at the entrance, a spinning wheel similar to the one used by the Mahatma, pieces of khadi( woven white cotton), printed with quotes and words in Sanskrit, sound like mantras, but also portraits of Gandhi at various stages in his life. The other rondavel is dedicated to the people who were at his side in his South African experience : his family, friends, partners can be seen in period photos. The fireplace in the living room is a reminder of its original friendly role. Kallenbach’s and Gandhi’s daily life is captured on the walls with pics and quotes . The room connects with the dining room opening onto the garden in which stands a large wooden table, sourced – like all the furniture – in India, in different places where Gandhi lived. A ladder leads to the mezzanine, Gandhi’s room that seems to have stood still : a simple mattress on the floor, a spinning wheel, a book rack, and even the iconic pair of round glasses are there. Serenity is palpable and is undoubtedly the centrepiece of this intimate museum.

Guided tours from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission price : 170 rand