ST. LOUIS, MO.–May 8, 2023
Immersive Special Exhibition Examines Nelson Mandela’s Life through Previously Unseen Film, Photos, Artifacts and Personal Effects
On May 27, the Saint Louis Science Center will welcome Mandela: The Official Exhibition, a special exhibition that will usher guests along an immersive and interactive journey into the remarkable life of revolutionary freedom fighter and iconic humanitarian, Nelson Mandela. Produced by Round Room live in partnership with The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) and RHoM Investments, the exhibition features previously unseen film, photos, videos and the display of more than 150 historical artifacts and personal effects – many never previously displayed outside of South Africa – on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide.
“The Science Center is honored to present the inspirational story of Nelson Mandela for our guests,” said Neville Crenshaw, Science Center manager of special exhibitions and featured experiences. “In experiencing this powerful exhibition, guests will be able to hear from Mandela in his own words and explore the people, places and events that formed his character, the vast challenges he faced and his lasting legacy.”
The 10,000 square-foot Mandela exhibition celebrates his legacy — from his youth among the Xhosa kingdom to his struggle against apartheid, liberation from imprisonment and evolution into a world leader — through a series of engaging zones. Among the collection’s featured items are:
- Personal letters written during his imprisonment on Robben Island.
- The suit he wore for the opening of the South African parliament in 1996.
- Mandela’s desk and chair used during his term as South African president.
- The lion skin that draped his burial casket.
Crenshaw added, “The Science Center is dedicated to serving our whole community by being a trusted source of education, providing a forum for ideas and conversations, and bringing global experiences to share with our guests. Exhibitions like Mandela: The Official Exhibition help us tell the ever-evolving human story and ensure that our community, and our institution, remain a home for everyone in the years to come.”
Mandela: The Official Exhibition will be open to the public through mid-September. While admission to the Science Center is free, tickets for this special exhibition are required and are now on sale at slsc.org, by calling 314.289.4400, or at the Science Center box office. Current and new Science Center members can enjoy a 50 percent discount on tickets to the Mandela exhibition.
For more about this special exhibition, visit slsc.org or call 314.289.4424.
About the Saint Louis Science Center
The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the award-winning Science Center engages guests through on-site experiences, including hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, which is one of just nine IMAX® Dome with Laser theaters in the world, and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium featuring the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the organization provides informal educational programming to schools and other organizations in the St. Louis community and is home to the nationally recognized Youth Exploring Science (YES) program, which works with underserved teens throughout their high school years to prepare them for in-demand STEM careers. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.
About Round Room Live:
Round Room Live is the leading producer and promoter of exhibitions and family show entertainment, specializing in transforming both new and iconic intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events. Round Room creates unique live experiences tailored to the distinct character of each property and produces the highest quality productions for audiences around the world.
Round Room’s Immersive and Entertainment Experiences division is currently touring: Formula 1: The Exhibition, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Mandela: The Official Exhibition, and Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free. Their current roster of touring theatrical shows includes: The All New…Nitro Circus 20th Anniversary Tour, Baby Shark Live!, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Blippi The Musical, Peppa Pig Live, and Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage.
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 Chieftaincy 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 Cap; and providing community and spiritual leadership as defined by centuries of culture and tradition.
For more information, or to schedule interviews with Science Center personnel, contact
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager.
Email or call 314.289.4461
