Mandela: The Official Exhibition explores the life of the world’s most famous freedom fighter and political leader. His epic journey is told in a series of experiential galleries, from his rural childhood home through years of turbulent struggle against the apartheid regime, to his eventual vindication and final years as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.
An immersive and interactive experience, the exhibition features previously unseen films, photos, and the display of historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums, and archives worldwide. This unprecedented exhibition offers fresh insights into the people, places, and events that formed Nelson Mandela’s character and the challenges he faced.
MOHAI will also highlight Mandela’s 1999 visit to Seattle and present a look at Seattle’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, including the work of the Seattle Coalition Against Apartheid. Mandela recognized Seattle as one of the first U.S. cities to boycott South African goods.
Mandela: The Official Exhibition was produced by Round Room Live in partnership with The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) and RHoM Investments.
On view at MOHAI from May 24 – September 7, 2025.
Generous funding for this exhibit was provided by the Gates Foundation, The Boeing Company, The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, Jon and Bobbe Bridge, Madeline and Richard de Sam Lazaro and the MOHAI Exhibits Fund
Media support is provided by The Seattle Times, Converge Media, Cascade PBS, and KEXP. Promotional Partner is Visit Seattle.
This exhibit has closed.
Exhibit Details
On View Dates
Location
Cost
Recommended Audiences
Educators
Kids
Accessibility
ADA Compliant Entry Ramp
Elevator Availability
Explore the Exhibition with Converge Media
MOHAI will also highlight Mandela’s 1999 visit to Seattle and present a look at Seattle’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, including the work of the Seattle Coalition Against Apartheid. Mandela recognized Seattle as one of the first U.S. cities to boycott South African goods.
Highlights From the Exhibit
About Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela – Co-Executive Producer
Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela is the traditional leader of Mvezo and the grandson of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
In 2007, when the Chieftancy and family title was restored, Nkosi Zwelivelile was installed as Chief of Mvezo and head of the Mandela clan under the direction of his grandfather Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Since then, Nkosi Zwelivelile has fulfilled several primary roles including: establishing and invigorating a community development arm, The Mvezo Development Trust; building a primary school and initiating the Mandela School of Science and Technology with Siemens Corp.; developing the Mvezo Komkhulu Museum and the future home of this exhibition; launching annual cultural, political and sports related programs and activities in the Eastern Cape; and, providing community and spiritual leadership as defined by centuries of culture and tradition.
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Special thanks to the following exhibit sponsors
Jon and Bobbe Bridge
Madeline and Richard de Sam Lazaro
Special thanks to the following media sponsors
