Welcome to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in a rich history that symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Just a stone’s throw from Cape Town, this small island has been pivotal in South Africa’s narrative, serving for centuries as a place of exile, isolation, and imprisonment.
World Heritage Site Since the late 17th century, Robben Island has been a site for isolating certain individuals. It became a holding ground for leaders, freedom fighters, and everyday people who faced hardship and injustice for their beliefs. Among its most notable prisoners was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years of imprisonment here.
About the Museum
The Robben Island Museum (RIM) is a public entity created by the Department of Arts and Culture in 1997. Its main goal is to manage, maintain, and showcase Robben Island as a national treasure and a site of global significance. Through various conservation, educational, and heritage initiatives, RIM is dedicated to preserving the island’s natural and cultural assets. It acts as a forum for important discussions and lifelong learning, ensuring that the stories of its past remain alive.
The museum’s mission is to honor “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering, and injustice.” When you visit, your tour will be led by a former political prisoner who shares personal stories of life on the island, providing a unique and impactful view of this significant chapter in history.
Visitor Information
Museum Hours: Monday to Sunday – 08:00 to 17:00
Location: Private Bag, Robben Island, Cape Town, 7400
(Please remember that tours leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.)