Revolutionary.
Father.
Political prisoner.
World leader.
Statesman.
Icon of the struggle against oppression.

Nelson Mandela was all of these things and more.

Lawyer. Revolutionary. Political prisoner. World leader. Elder statesman. Human rights icon. Global advocate for change. Nelson Mandela has been all these things to people across the world. Now, a unique opportunity to learn more about this venerated statesman is provided in Mandela: The Official Exhibition opens March 9, 2024 at Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, MI.

Mandela: The Official Exhibition, produced by Round Room Live in partnership with The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) and RHoM Investments, is the major new global exhibition that examines the legacy of the world’s most famous freedom fighter using personal belongings and objects never previously seen outside of South Africa. These artifacts combine with unique insights from family, friends, and others to reveal the deeper stories behind the headlines.

A Revolutionary Experience

A series of experiential galleries will take you on Nelson Mandela’s journey to becoming the ‘Father of South Africa’, and a globally loved and respected figure. His epic story of heroic struggle, forgiveness and compassion is explored in new, personal and revealing ways.

  • You will go back in time to the rural childhood home that shaped the great leader that he became.
  • You will follow him through years of turbulent struggle against the apartheid regime and learn how his remarkable spirit remained unbroken, but at great personal cost.
  • You will relive the global celebration of his release after 27 years in prison, and his historic ascent as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

With wisdom from the man himself, plus exclusive insights from his family and those that knew him best, visitors will see Nelson Mandela in a new light. A century since his birth and five years since his passing, what does ‘Nelson Mandela’ mean today, in a world where inequality and injustice are still rife? Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition asks these difficult questions and examines his legacy. Nelson Mandela’s values and unshakable belief in a better world are as vital now as they were during his lifetime.

EXHIBITION HERITAGE PARTNERS

A portion of the exhibition proceeds will go to the Royal House of Mandela to support economic development programs in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. 

NELSON MANDELA PHOTOGRAPH: © PETER MOREY www.petermoreyphotographic.co.za