The KwaZulu-Natal Society of the Arts — Attraction in eThekwini Ward 33

KZNSA (KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts) blends crisp, subtropical modernism with a relaxed, community feel. The street face is pared back—whitewashed brick, slim steel frames, big glass—and along the garden edge deep louvered screens and a light canopy cast patterned shade, creating that easy inside–outside flow. Inside, the tall white-cube gallery is calm and flexible; the shop stacks up like a creative loft with a steel mezzanine; and the café runs through a long, high space with stepped brick flooring and beautiful, filtered daylight.

I went specifically to get some work done and it delivered. The Wi-Fi was solid and there were plenty of people on laptops, which gave the place a focused, productive energy. The outdoor terrace is shaded and easy-going—perfect for catching up with friends between tasks. I had a light meal (pretty good) and the chocolate cake was excellent. Service was friendly and attentive; the waiters were great.

Verdict: As a café/art centre combo, it’s welcoming, unpretentious, and well designed—good shade, good air, good sightlines. I’m giving it 3/5 for now, not as a knock on the venue, but because I haven’t sampled enough of the menu to make a full five-star call yet. I’ll update after a few...

A peaceful venue located in Glenwood, Durban.

Depending on which route your maps app takes you, you could drive relatively peacefully through Morningside and Berea to get there, or through the buzz and chaos of the CBD.

This is a great venue to have brunch or lunch with friends. Depending on how late your run / cycle ends, you could also opt to get your post-workout meals here. It will be a bit of a wait though so if you’re really hungry, you might need to push the staff to prioritize your meal. The menu options aren’t plentiful, especially if you’re on a strict diet; however, there’s enough to enjoy a decent meal.

There are exhibitions in the gallery, which are changed frequently enough. There isn’t enough on display for you to get lost for hours on end exploring artwork and pieces but, there’s enough for a quick walk-through and discussions afterwards.

The adjacent Art Store has beautiful crafts. Depending on your budget, you could find good pieces here.

There is safe, unstructured parking at the venue.

A pleasurable...

I absolutely adore this gallery! It's a treasured gem in our community, showcasing a variety of works from a diverse range of local artists. The diversity of exhibits is truly impressive, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover.

But what makes this gallery truly special is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The on-site cafe serves mouthwatering food and drinks, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind while soaking up the artistic vibes. And, be sure to explore the charming store inside, where you can find a delightful selection of handcrafted and locally made items to take home.

Follow their social media accounts and keep an eye out for openings, events, and workshops - they host an array of entertaining and educational activities that are not to be missed!

This gallery is a must-visit destination for art lovers and anyone seeking a creative escape. I feel so fortunate to have it in our community and can't wait to see what they have in store...