NOW OPEN through May 26
Mandela: The Official Exhibition takes guests on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader, Nelson Mandela.
An immersive and interactive experience, the exhibition features previously unseen film, photos and the display of over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide. Through a series of immersive zones — each one a dramatically different experience — you will be taken on a journey through his remarkable life. His epic story is told in a series of experiential galleries, from his rural childhood home through years of turbulent struggle against the apartheid regime to his eventual vindication and final years as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.
A century on from his birth, what does Nelson Mandela mean today in a world where inequality and injustice are still rife? Mandela: The Official Exhibition asks these difficult questions and examines his legacy. Mandela’s values and commitment to making the world a better place are just as vital now as they were during his lifetime. This is a story we can all learn from and be inspired by.
Visitor Testimonials
The Mandela Experience Includes:
- Fresh insight into the people, places and events that formed Mandela’s character and the challenges he faced.
- Previously unseen film, photos and 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide.
- Mandela’s suit worn for the opening of the South African parliament in 1996.
- Mandela’s traditional headdress gifted to him by the king of the Xhosa people, Xolilzwe Sigcawu.
- Mandela’s presidential desk and chair and his iconic beige trench coat, on display for the first time in two decades.
- Immersive media presentations and scenic recreations, to actively engage with and experience key moments in Nelson Mandela’s life.
Inside the Exhibit:
Gallery 1: Meeting Mandela
An introductory multimedia presentation offers an overview of Mandela’s life and times, serving as a preview of the exhibition. It sets the tone by reminding visitors of the evils of the apartheid government and then quickly walks through Mandela’s accomplishments, from freedom fighter to president and humanitarian.
Gallery 2: Early Years (1918-1941)
Learn about the people and places — Mvezo, Qunu and Mqhekezweni — that shaped Mandela as a child and young man, and the roles these places played in defining his personality, philosophy and style of leadership.
Gallery 3: “The Struggle Is My Life” (1941-1964)
The making of Mandela. See Nelson Mandela’s transformation as a lawyer and activist, a rising star in the African National Congress and a thorn in the side of the nationalist government. Also learn of the heavy cost of his defiance: the loss of family and liberty that would profoundly affect him for the rest of his life. Nelson Mandela made a defining life choice — to do what he believed was right, no matter what the consequences, even at the risk of sacrificing his own life.
Gallery 4: 10,000 Days: The Prison Years (1964-1990)
For many years, a life in prison without hope of reprieve seemed to be Nelson Mandela’s fate. Explore how his personality and determination helped to shape and steer a particular culture on Robben Island. See how his determination and intellect set him apart, not just as one of the leaders of an outlawed freedom-fighting movement, but as a man determined to show respect and kindness to all, and in doing so, encouraging others to engage and change.
Gallery 5: Freedom? (1990-1994)
Nelson Mandela may have appeared to be a free man the day he walked out of Victor Verster prison, but it was not his destiny to lead a quiet, normal life. What happened next was extraordinary. Realize just how close to the edge of total civil war South Africa was before the landmark 1994 election. As South Africa’s newly enfranchised population went to the polling stations, did anyone really know what freedom looked like? Did anyone have any real idea about what would happen next?
Gallery 6: Healing a Nation (1994-2013)
Reexamine Nelson Mandela’s presidency and the following retirement years when he was anything but retired. This extraordinary chapter in his life is characterized by huge energy, the endless movement of international travel and his dedication and determination to fulfill his life’s mission.
Gallery 7: The Meaning of Mandela
Conclude your journey through the exhibition with a reflective and emotionally resonant experience where Nelson Mandela sends you off in his own words and inspires you to carry on his work.
Events & Programs:
A Night of Traditional Cuisine with Motherland Cooking Xperience
Join us Thursday, April 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a food and culture presentation by Motherland Culture Connection. Guests will be treated to a multi-course meal and presentation from chef Mirabel Umenei, along with after-hours access to Mandela: The Official Exhibition.
Tickets are $60 per guest.
The Intersection of Art & Nature
Join us Saturday, May 4 for another edition of our Intersection of Art & Nature series. Discover a variety of art-focused activities spread throughout the Museum. Learn about African art like Kente cloth, decorate your own Spiral Snake, and explore Mbira, a type of thumb piano. Of course, visit Mandela: The Official Exhibition, as a part of your experience.
This event is free with GRPM admission.
A Celebration of Mandela
Join us Saturday, May 18, as we honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and African cultures through music, cuisine, art, and fashion. As the second to last weekend that the GRPM will host Mandela: The Official Exhibition, these activities, performances, and additional displays will highlight and uplift our local community’s connections to African cultures and the themes of the exhibit.
This event is free with GRPM admission.
Past Events at the Exhibit
Mandela: The Official Exhibition VIP Opening Reception, March 8
Educator Night at Mandela: The Official Exhibition, March 13
Mandela is a Great Exhibit for School Groups!
- Fresh insight into the people, places and events that formed Mandela’s character and the challenges he faced.
- Previously unseen film, photos and over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide.
- Mandela’s suit worn for the opening of the South African parliament in 1996.
- Mandela’s traditional headdress gifted to him by the king of the Xhosa people, Xolilzwe Sigcawu, as he awarded Mandela the ancient tribal warrior honor of the Isithwalandwe Sesizwe.
- Mandela’s presidential desk and chair and his iconic beige trench coat, on display for the first time in two decades.
- Immersive media presentations and scenic recreations, enabling guests to actively engage with and experience key moments in Nelson Mandela’s life.
Mandela: The Official Exhibition is produced by Round Room Live in partnership with
The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) and RHoM Investments.
Dive Deeper with These Reading Recommendations From Kent District Library
The GRPM and Kent District Library have collaborated to expand your learning opportunities about Mandela, with a variety of English and Spanish book titles for all ages. Check out these books today!
Sponsored By:
Ambassador
Sustainer
Friend
- James & Barbara Haveman
Print Partner
Media Sponsors
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