Robben Island Museum

Robben Island Museum

Robben Island is an oval-shaped island located in Table Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, covering an area of 5.7 square kilometers and situated approximately 6.9 kilometers from Cape Town, the country’s legislative capital.

From the 17th-century Dutch colonial period through the 20th century, the island's function changed multiple times—from a prison for political prisoners, to a leper asylum, to a military base during World War II. After the establishment of the new South Africa, the island was declared a national museum by the government in September 1996, officially opened to the public on January 1, 1997, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 1, 1999. Unlike traditional museums, the entire island serves as the museum itself. Here, the prison used to detain political prisoners during the late 20th century—especially known for holding famous anti-apartheid activists such as former South African President Nelson Mandela—as well as the prisoners' quarry, all stand as historical witnesses symbolizing the ultimate triumph of human spirit, freedom, and democracy over oppression.

The then President of China once visited the Robben Island Museum.

Robben Island Museum

Must-visit reason: South Africa’s most historically significant island/museum

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/region where the attraction is located: South Africa[South Africa]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Western Cape Province [Western Cape Province]

City where the attraction is located: Cape Town [Cape Town]