Nelson Mandela, the legendary anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa, was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 of the 27 years of his incarceration by the apartheid government of South Africa. This spot was used to isolate people – from lepers to prisoners – for more than 200 years. It served as South Africa’s maximum security prison until 1991.
South Africa’s Department of Arts and Culture established the Robben Island Museum in 1997. Today, it’s a multilayered venue that represents conservation of the island’s natural and cultural resources and education and serves as a platform for visitors to engage in critical debate and learning. We are all excited for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
