| Nelson Mandela in Cape Town - Legacy Exhibition | Nelson Mandela in Cape Town - Legacy Exhibition | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/mandela_header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassA570273E84DB4E4095712CB3D646F565"><p>Nelson Mandela's historic appearance at the <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-signature-venues/cape-town-city-hall">Cape Town City Hall</a> is marked by a statue on its balcony, and a permanent exhibition inside. Madiba, as he is often referred to, strode out of prison on Sunday, 11 February 1990, travelled into Cape Town city centre and gave his first speech to thousands of people on the Grand Parade, from the balcony of City Hall. Our exhibition will take you back in time to experience the country’s struggle for liberation.</p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">About<br></h2><h4>Please take note of the festive season closures below:</h4><ul><li><strong>Tuesday, 24 December 2024:</strong> Exhibition will close at 12:30.</li><li><strong>Tuesday, 31 December 2024</strong>: Exhibition will close at 12:30.</li><li><strong>Wednesday, 1 January – Monday, 6 January 2025</strong>: Exhibition closed. </li></ul>
<span>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" alt="Nelson Mandela at City Hall" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_inline1.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /></figure></span>
<p>We have created a permanent exhibition detailing the late President Nelson Mandela’s legacy, those involved in the liberation struggle in Cape Town, the events leading up to Mandela's release, and the transition into democracy. The museum-like exhibition features a timeline from Mandela’s early days and his resistance to apartheid, the time he spent with other struggle veterans on Robben Island, and culminates with his release on 11 February 1990 and subsequent speech delivered on balcony of City Hall.</p><p>The purpose of the exhibition is to create a popular cultural tourist attraction where you can visualise the events, and have a full experience of our country’s journey to democracy. The City Hall building is anticipated to be included in the National Liberation Heritage Route, and forms part of the city’s cultural heritage precinct, which includes the Castle of Good Hope, Old Granary, District Six Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Visitor experience</h2><p>You will be able to take part in self-guided and guided tours, walk in Madiba’s footsteps through
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-signature-venues/cape-town-city-hall">the City Hall</a> and stand on the balcony from where he addressed the nation. By using interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays, we have put together an exhibition that brings to life Madiba’s life and legacy, as well as the people, organisations and events that contributed to freedom and democracy.<br></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Statue<br></h2><p>
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_inline2.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;height:auto;float:right;max-width:250px;" />A bronze life-size statue of the late Nelson Mandela was unveiled on the balcony of City Hall on 24 July 2018. The statue is positioned on the balcony where he stood when he gave his first speech as a free man on 11 February 1990. </p><p>The sculpture was created by artists Xhanti Mpakama and Barry Jackson. Mpakama is a young artist who was born near Madiba's childhood home in the Eastern Cape, while Jackson is an experienced bronze sculptor who has crafted artworks of several historical figures for the National Heritage Project. Both artists also worked on the Mandela bust, which takes pride of place in front of the National Assembly at the South African Parliament.</p><p>The Western Cape Government (WCG) commissioned and donated the statue of Madiba to the City, as part of the exhibition to celebrate his life and legacy in Cape Town. It forms part of an initiative by the WCG and the City to share former President Mandela’s story with the world. </p><p>As part of the economic development strategy for the region, Project Khulisa, a Madiba legacy route was envisaged. The route allows you to follow in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps and visit key sites in the province. These include Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for most of his sentence, to Drakenstein prison and eventually to Parliament, where he was sworn in as our country’s first democratically-elected President in 1994.<br></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Exhibition<br></h2><p>The walk-through exhibition on the first floor of the City Hall consists of interpretive panels, audio-visual equipment, and interactive displays. Together, they create an experience linked to the legacy of Madiba, as well as the organisations and people involved in the liberation struggle in Cape Town.</p><p>Key moments in history are brought to life and take you on a journey through the life and times of Nelson Mandela, especially of his time spent in Cape Town and on Robben Island.</p><h4>The following phases are covered at the exhibition:</h4><ul><li>Early life timeline</li><li>1940s and 1950s in Cape Town</li><li>1960s events leading to imprisonment</li><li>Prison years on Robben Island</li><li>Struggle protests</li><li>1980s negotiations</li><li>His release </li><li>1994 democratic elections</li><li>Presidency and legacy</li></ul><div class="image-gallery-slider img-gal-1" id="img-gal-1" data-slides="3" data-slide="1" style="height:493.5px;"><div class="image-gallery-content" style="height:414px;">
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-1">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_gallery3.jpg" alt="" style="display:none;" />
<figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>
<strong>Art breathes life:</strong> Interpretive panels, audio-visual and interactive displays showcase Madiba’s life and legacy.<br></p> </figcaption> </figure>
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-2">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_gallery2.jpg" alt="" style="display:none;" />
<figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>
<b>Detailed history:</b> The exhibition details events leading up to Mandela's release, and the transition into democracy.<br></p> </figcaption> </figure>
<figure class="itemSlide slide-left slide-3">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_gallery1.jpg" alt="" style="display:none;" />
<figcaption class="image-slide-text" style="display:none;">
<p>
<b>Struggle heroes:</b> The exhibition showcases the people, organisations and events that contributed to freedom.<br></p> </figcaption> </figure> </div><div class="image-gallery-control"><div class="image-gallery-caption"> </div><div class="image-gallery-nav"><div class="nav-info">1 of 3</div><div class="slide-next">
<i class="icon arrow-white-next"></i> </div><div class="slide-prev">
<i class="icon arrow-white-prev"></i> <br></div></div></div></div><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?<br></h4><p>In 2022, we won a
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Top%20honours%20for%20Nelson%20Mandela%20Legacy%20Exhibition" target="_blank">Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport's 2022 Cultural Affairs award</a> for our 'Contribution by a Conservation Body, Heritage Organisation, Museums towards the Promotion of Local History, Heritage or Renaming of Geographical Features'. We also won the award for Local Government Commitment at the
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Nelson%20Mandela%20Legacy%20Exhibition%20wins%20gold%2c%20again" target="_blank">National Heritage Council of South Africa's 9th Annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards</a>.<br></p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Temporary exhibitions<br></h2><p>The Nelson Mandela in Cape Town – Legacy Exhibition is currently home to two temporary exhibitions.</p><h4>Enoch Mankayi Sontonga (1873 - 1905) Exhibition<br></h4><p>An exhibition on Enoch Mankayi Sontonga (1873 - 1905) is the first temporary exhibition on display as part of the Nelson Mandela in Cape Town - Legacy Exhibition. The temporary exhibition honours Sontonga, the composer of the song Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika; now South Africa's national anthem. Sontonga unfortunately died at the young age of 32 and never knew how popular his anthem would become and the role it would play in our democracy.</p>
<span>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Enoch%3DSontonga-Exhibition-800.jpg" alt="" /></figure></span>
<h4>The Grand Parade Exhibition</h4><p>The Grand Parade Exhibition marks the second temporary exhibition that has been put on display. This temporary exhibition was developed in partnership with the City’s Strategic Assets Department and traces the development of the Grand Parade’s history, addressing aspects such as its use as a public open space, its historic monuments, the historic location of the Old Fort, the Parade’s trading traditions and practices, as well as its use for contemporary events and celebrations.<br></p>
<span>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Grand_Parade_Exhibition.jpg" alt="" /></figure></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Education centre</h2><p>
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_inline3.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;height:auto;float:right;max-width:250px;" />To complement the exhibition, we have developed a supportive education programme for primary and secondary school learners. A fully-equipped learning space, or classroom, has been created for students to reflect on what they learnt from the exhibition material.</p><p>We have enlisted the help of specialists to compile eight lesson plans for grades R to 12, which are aligned to the Life Skills and Social Science (History) learning areas of the national curriculum:</p><ul><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade_R_to%202_MandelaandNationalSymbols.pdf" target="_blank">Grades R - 2: Nelson Mandela and Some National Symbols</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade%203_PeopleandPlaces.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 3: People and Places</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade%204_LearningfromLeaders.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 4: Learning from Leaders</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade%205_HeritageTrailthroughthe%20Provinces.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 5: A Heritage Trail through the Provinces</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade%206_DemocracyandCitizenship.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 6: Democracy and Citizenship</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade%209_MemoryasResistance.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 9: Memory as Resistance</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade_11_LearningMorefromLeaders.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 11: Learning More from Leaders</a></li><li>
<a href="http://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_NM_lesson_plan_Grade%2012_CivilResistanceinSouthAfrica.pdf" target="_blank">Grade 12: Civil Resistance in South Africa, 1970s to 1980s</a></li></ul><p>If you would like your learners to experience this unique, interactive education programme and guided visit through the exhibition, please email<em> </em><a><em></em></a><em><a href="mailto:Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za"> Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p><h2 class="sectHeading">Revitalisation</h2>
<span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/nm_inline4%2c.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:600px;height:380px;" /></figure></span>
<p>Our vision is to redevelop
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-signature-venues/cape-town-city-hall">City Hall</a> and the
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-signature-venues/grand-parade">Grand Parade</a> and turn these historic landmarks into prime cultural tourism destinations. The proposed project is a joint effort between the City and the WCG’s Department of Tourism and Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.<br></p><p>The Grand Parade and City Hall have seen many events and activities. The area has presided over public protests and jubilation. Constructed in 1905, the City Hall is one of South Africa’s most imposing early 20th century buildings and an important visual icon of Cape Town. Set against Table Mountain, it forms a dramatic backdrop to the Grand Parade, the city’s main place of public gathering. Extensive interior renovations to City Hall are ongoing and aim to breathe back life into a building that was once the main seat of municipal government in the Cape.<br></p><p>Our handy <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/City_Hall_and_Precinct_guide.pdf">City Hall and Precinct Guide </a>contains detailed information, as well as a recommended route and map of sites to see and experience in the area. </p><div class="lrg-icon-content bordered"><div class="lrg-icon lrg-check"><p>
<b>Remember</b></p><ul><li>Entry to the exhibition is through City Hall’s security desk, or Cape Town Tourism's Visitor Experience Office. Both entrances are at the front of the building via Darling Street. You will need to adhere to security procedures.<br></li><li>Parking is limited around City Hall, so please make appropriate arrangements.<b></b></li><li>The exhibition is closed on weekends, Mondays and public holidays.</li></ul></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Entrance fees</h2><p>Free</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Opening hours</h2><div>
<strong>Tuesday - Friday: </strong>10:00 - 16:00 (subject to coinciding education programmes and other events).<br><strong>Public holidays:</strong> Closed<br></div><div>
<br> </div><div>Contact us at
<em>
<a>Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za</a></em> at least two days before your intended visit to confirm whether the exhibition is open to visitors, especially if you're part of a large group.</div><div>
<br> </div><h4>When emailing us, please include:<br></h4><div><ul><li>your name and surname<br></li><li>the number of people in your group<br></li><li>preferred date and viewing time</li></ul></div><div>Exhibition staff will contact you to confirm availability.<br></div><div>
<br> </div><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><p>
<em>Email:
<a href="mailto:Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za"> Mandela.Legacy@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p> | | GP0|#30f54e2f-ae10-4fcb-86bb-97a9db7b89aa;L0|#030f54e2f-ae10-4fcb-86bb-97a9db7b89aa|Nelson Mandela in Cape Town legacy exhibition;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#6c76e2f7-4cbf-462e-b191-de905f1ae159;GPP|#07a08cd3-03c2-4703-bb40-76a6c7a471e0;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Visit the Nelson Mandela legacy exhibition in City Hall, Cape Town. | 0 |
