The Nelson Mandela National Museum opened its doors on the 11th of February 2000 and is visited by thousands of South African and international tourists every year. It is considered one of South Africa's most significant heritage institutions. The Museum houses an exhibition on Mandela's book " Long Walk to Freedom," gives an account of his life in context, and preserves a collection of gifts given to Mandela.
After his release from Robben Island, Nelson Mandela, as the first democratically elected President of South Africa, received a significant number of gifts from the South African and international community in recognition and appreciation of the role he played in the struggle for peace, freedom and democracy in South Africa and the world.
In accepting the gifts he indicated that he did so on behalf of all people of South Africa and further expressed the wish that the gifts be displayed for the benefit and appreciation of the nation, at or near his home village, Qunu, in the Eastern Cape. It is for this reason that the museum comprises the impressive Bhunga building in Mthatha, the Qunu component and the open-air museum at Mvezo.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday and public holidays: 09:00 - 12:30
