The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory

TThe Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory is committed to preserving the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a non-profit organisation. Situated in Houghton, Johannesburg, it is a place dedicated to keeping the memory and the legacy of Nelson Mandela alive.

History and the preservation of the past was very important to Mandela and it is evident that the Nelson Mandela Foundation is committed to the preservation of archives, documents, awards and photographic records that chronicle the late global icon's life.

Did You Know?

TThe Centre is two blocks from Mandela's final home on 4th Street.

TThe centre was founded in 2004 as a publicly accessible archive, and their focus has always been on the life and times of Mandela and his dedication to social justice.

Food
When to visit
How to get here

Food

When to visit

How to get here

TThe personal artefacts and exhibitions, which are permanently on display, outline his life and the context of his struggle for freedom. Letters from prison, personal photographs and his Nobel Peace prize all have pride of place at the centre.

Entry to the permanent exhibition, The Life and Times of Nelson Mandela, is free of charge, but it is a good idea to book a tour beforehand via the online booking facility. If you are interested in a visit to the centre you can call ahead to make the necessary arrangements.

MMany say you can feel Mandela’s presence when you take a walk around the office where Mandela worked from 2002 to 2010. Here you will see his books, his personal desk and even the chair he sat in. It is a special place upholding all that is good about Nelson Mandela.

Who to contact
Best time to visit
How to get there

Who to contact

Best time to visit

How to get there

Vibrant culture

Tour Soweto in Gauteng: experience vibrant township life and the spirit not even apartheid could crush in the south of Johannesburg

Vibrant culture

Tour Soweto in Gauteng: experience vibrant township life and the spirit not even apartheid could crush in the south of Johannesburg

Take a tour of Soweto, Johannesburg’s vibrant city-within-a-city – apart from learning the history of the struggle against apartheid, you can immerse yourself in a modern urban vibe with lots to do.

Vibrant culture

South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over

Vibrant culture

South African cultural museums: rich traditions and history all over

South Africans are a diverse mix of peoples from Africa, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, and the many museums scattered around the country preserve rich histories, heritages and cultural traditions.

Vibrant culture

Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity

Vibrant culture

Historic places of worship in South Africa: cathedrals, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples catering to religious diversity

South Africa is a country of rich religious diversity, protected by the Constitution, so explore sacred architecture and spiritual traditions at our many historic places of worship.

Vibrant culture

A showcase of African art – Wits Art Museum, Johannesburg

Vibrant culture

A showcase of African art – Wits Art Museum, Johannesburg

Wits Art Museum – part of the University of the Witwatersrand – houses an African art collection that was started in the 1920s and includes masks, photographs, paintings and more.

Vibrant culture

South African art museums

Vibrant culture

South African art museums

There are many well-known historic and contemporary art works on display in art museums and galleries in each of South Africa's 9 provinces, with many important permanent art collections centred in the country's major cities.

Vibrant culture

Tour the National Stadium in Soweto

Vibrant culture

Tour the National Stadium in Soweto

National Stadium in Soweto, which was known as ‘Soccer City’ during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, is available for tours. Because of massive demand, however, you will need to book ahead to secure your trip around the famous sporting venue. Tours, which last up to 90 minutes, are available on Thursdays. During the tour, guests will visit the exclusive VIP suites, change rooms, warm-up areas, players' tunnel, the pitch, and upper sections of the stands.

Vibrant culture

The Mandela House, Soweto

Vibrant culture

The Mandela House, Soweto

House 8115, Vilakazi Street, Orlando, Soweto, has become one of the most famous addresses in South Africa. It is the house where former South African President Nelson Mandela lived, on and off, for more than 14 years.

Vibrant culture

Liliesleaf Farm (1)

Vibrant culture

Liliesleaf Farm (1)

Liliesleaf Farm was for many years a meeting place and hide-out for top African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) personnel – it is now a museum.

Choose your country and language:

Africa

Americas

Asia Pacific

Europe

Vibrant culture

The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory – the legacy lives on