PROJECT NAME
Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory, 2013

CLIENT
Nelson Mandela Foundation

CLIENT CONTACT PERSON
Verne Harris

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In 2013, the Nelson Mandela Foundation commissioned Trace to undertake the renovation of building which houses the office that former President Nelson Mandela used during and after his presidency.

Trace’s mandate was to create a mixed use facility with: office space for the staff of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory (NMCM); a permanent exhibition on this world iconic leader which would incorporate Mandela’s actual office; a secure facility built to international archival specifications for Mandela’s very significant archive; a space for public engagement with the archive collection in research facilities and temporary exhibition spaces.

The permanent exhibition at the new NMCM now provides an overview of Mandela’s extraordinary life. This exhibition has been curated by the staff at the Centre together with Lauren Segal and is designed by Clive van den Berg. It uses priceless objects and documents from the president’s archives, many of which are seen for the first time, for example, the Nobel Peace Prize. The exhibition is also a portal to the extensive and unique archive which is housed at the NMCM. Countless world leaders and famous people from inside and outside the country have toured this facility.

In general, the refurbished building allows for better awareness of the work of the NMCM and and ensures that its public face is conducive to memory and dialogue.