ST. LOUIS, MO – August 10, 2023
Guests to Enjoy 50% off Original Ticket Pricing While Discovering “The Meaning of Mandela”
Nelson Mandela believed that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Knowledge is key to eliminating inequality, advancing peace and enhancing our planet.
To enable more guests to learn about Mandela—from his childhood to iconic freedom fighter to prisoner and eventually President and renowned world figure—and understand his message, the Saint Louis Science Center is offering 50 percent off the original ticket pricing until the special exhibition closes in mid-September. Ticket prices during these final weeks are $8 for adults, $7 for military personnel, $6.50 for those ages 60 and older, and $5 for children ages 5-12. Science Center members of any age may tour Mandela for just $4 per person.
“Mandela’s legend has been told many times, but few know his entire tale,” said Neville Crenshaw, Science Center manager of special exhibitions and featured experiences. “Through this special exhibition, the Science Center reveals deeper stories behind the headlines and displays rare, personal artifacts that bring guests closer to understanding Mandela’s lasting impact. With these lower admission prices, more guests will be able to discover the ‘Meaning of Mandela’ and continue discussions on how his focus on education and equality remain important for us today.”
Mandela: The Official Exhibition is full of fascinating objects, images, documents and more—many of them personal to Nelson Mandela and never before seen outside of South Africa. Mandela’s epic story is told through a series of seven experiential zones, including:
- “Meeting Mandela” – introduces guests to Mandela and his impact on the globe.
- “The Early Years” – presents a look at Mandela’s early life in rural South Africa. Impactful displays: a leopard-skin crown presented to Mandela by the King of the Xhosa people, traditional clothing and art.
- “The Struggle is My Life” – looks at the rise of apartheid and Mandela’s transformation into a leader amongst the African National Congress. Impactful displays: signs of apartheid issued by the South African government and a television interview with Mandela.
- “Prison Years” – an exploration of Mandela’s 27-year imprisonment. Key displays: personal letters and notes written to family and friends, the bed mat and silverware he used, and a re-creation of his cell.
- “Freedom?” – the story of South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democratic election. Key displays: images from the period and the Nobel Peace Prize Mandela earned with F. W. de Klerk in 1993.
- “Healing a Nation” – images from Mandela’s presidency. Key displays: the suit he wore as South African president for the opening of parliament and photos, videos and correspondence with world leaders,
- “The Meaning of Mandela” – guests hear from Mandela as he presents a call to action to solve many of the world’s problems and reflect on his message. Key display: the lion skin that draped his burial casket.
“The Royal House of Mandela is delighted to endorse this exhibition honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlalha Mandela as it truly captures the spirit of our global icon,” said Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Chief of Mvezo and grandson of Nelson Mandela. “It succeeds in quintessentially depicting the man and the legend whose struggle and sacrifice has captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world. I believe that everyone who sees this exhibition will agree that Mandela’s legacy lives on and that the dream will never die.”
Purchase tickets to Mandela: The Official Exhibition online at slsc.org/mandela, by calling 314.289.4400, or at the Science Center box office. For more about this special exhibition, visit slsc.org or call 314.289.4424.
For more information, or to schedule interviews with Science Center personnel, contact
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager.
Email or call 314.289.4461
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 producer of Mandela: The Official Exhibition and 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.
Mandela: The Official Exhibition appreciates the support and involvement of several South African Heritage Partners including institutions and individuals who are contributing to the exhibition content. These Heritage Partners include: The Robben Island Museum, The Liliesleaf Heritage Site, Mqhekezweni – The Great Place, Christo Brand and Zelda la Grange.
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.
