Old Prison Museum

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Pietermaritzburg is home to the Old Prison Museum, a historic site that has been declared a national monument and official heritage site. The museum documents South Africa’s diverse history, from colonial times to the dawn of democratic South Africa in 1994. Fairly recently refurbished, the Old Prison Museum boasts stunning displays, interactive technology, and is a world-class museum.

About the Museum

The Old Prison Museum is located in Pietermaritzburg and covers a period of more than 150 years of history. The E-block was the first building erected on the site and was opened in 1862. The cell block has been declared a national monument and is one of the oldest buildings in Pietermaritzburg. The museum is home to exhibits that showcase the site’s history, including colonial times, apartheid, the liberation struggle, and the political struggle.

One of the most interesting things about the museum is that it houses the cells of some of South Africa’s most prominent political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, King Dinuzulu, and Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi. Visitors can learn about the lives of these individuals and the challenges they faced during their imprisonment.

Interesting Facts

When the cell blocks of the prison were originally built, each cell was designed to house prisoners individually. However, as inmate numbers increased, it became common for each cell to accommodate as many as 10 or 12 prisoners, who slept on mats on the floor. Each cell had two buckets, one for water and one to be used as a toilet.
The cookhouse was constructed in 1872, but a dining hall was never built. Instead, in all weathers, inmates experienced ‘open air dining’ in an area of clearly marked white lines on the tar between the chapel and the ‘whites’ section.
The cell walls were covered with every kind of graffiti, including names of girlfriends, mothers, prayers, threats, lewd remarks, violent images, and the carefully drawn insignia of various organizations.

Physical Location

Conclusion

Visiting the Old Prison Museum is an incredible opportunity to learn about South Africa’s diverse history and the challenges faced by those imprisoned within its walls. The museum’s exhibits showcase the lives of some of South Africa’s most prominent political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, King Dinuzulu, and Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi. With stunning displays, interactive technology, and a world-class museum, the Old Prison Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in South Africa’s history.