Robben Island Museum
AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | OPEN: Monday – Sunday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Instagram Page | Twitter Page | YouTube Channel | Phone +27 (0)21 413 4200
Introduction
Robben Island Museum, located in Cape Town, is a unique and historic cultural attraction that tells the story of the country’s struggle for freedom and democracy. The museum is situated on Robben Island, which was once a prison that held political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, for many years. Today, Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of hope, freedom, and resilience for millions of people around the world.
Robben Island
The island was first used as a prison in the 17th century and served as a place of detention for various political prisoners, including those opposing apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. During apartheid, Robben Island became a symbol of oppression, and those who were incarcerated there became symbols of resistance and hope for a free and equal society.
The Museum
The museum, which was established in 1997, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Robben Island and its role in the struggle against apartheid. Visitors can explore the island on a guided tour and learn about its history, as well as the lives of the political prisoners who were held there. The tour includes a visit to the prison cell where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years in detention.
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One of the highlights of a visit to Robben Island Museum is the opportunity to hear from former political prisoners who now work as guides. These guides bring a personal perspective to the island’s history and share their experiences of life behind bars, as well as their hopes for a brighter future for South Africa.
The Robben Island Tour
The Robben Island Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about South Africa’s rich heritage and history. The tour is available from Monday to Friday. The museum has a dedicated Education Department that facilitates subsidised school tours for learners in primary and secondary schools from across the country. These tours are designed to educate and inform young people about human rights and development, and to inculcate an understanding of, and commitment to these important values.
During the tour, visitors get to visit all the various heritage sites that reflect the Island’s multi-layered history, such as the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers, and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Robben Island Museum also offers Private Tours, VIP Tours, and Protocol Tours. These tours can be arranged for any day of the week and offer a range of experiences, from 3.5 hours to about 8 hours. Visitors are transported to the Island via Ferries which depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. Alternatively, groups may be transported on ferries that are part of the general tours, and at the times of those ferries.
Natural Views
In addition to its historical significance, Robben Island also offers stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The island is accessible by ferry from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and the museum offers several tour options, including a standard tour, a freedom tour, and a heritage tour.
Robben Island Ferries
The Robben Island Museum uses two of its own ferries, the Susan Kruger and The Dias, to transport visitors and staff to the island, along with several private vessels if needed. The Susan Kruger is named after the wife of once Minister of Justice Jimmy Kruger who served in the National Party Government during the apartheid years. The vessel was used to transport staff and political prisoners between the mainland and Robben Island and is now in service as a ferry for the island. The Dias was also used to transport staff and political prisoners between the mainland and Robben Island and has a significant place in the island’s history.
Virtual Tour
The Robben Island Museum website offers potential visitor a sneak peak via virtual tour. Be sure to have a look here.
Physical Location
Tourist Experiences
Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.
Conclusion
The Robben Island Museum is a must-visit destination for tourists, offering a unique and educational experience to learn about South Africa’s rich heritage and history. With the availability of specialized tours and subsidised school tours, there is something for everyone. The tour of the Island is a symbol of hope and inspiration for human rights and development, making it a truly special and memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Robben Island Museum is an opportunity not to be missed.
