‘Mandela: The Official Exhibition’ on Display at MOHAI

Inside the historic Naval Reserve Armory on Lake Union, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) engages visitors with hands-on, interactive experiences that make history come alive. MOHAI’s current featured exhibit is “Mandela: The Official Exhibition.” This detailed exhibit (created in collaboration with The Nelson Mandela Foundation of South Africa) takes visitors on a journey through the life and death of Nelson Mandela, including a section on his historic visit to Seattle in 1999.

“Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations around the globe. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to connect deeply with his story, one of courage, conviction and the enduring power of hope,” says Leonard Garfield, MOHAI’s executive director.

 ‘Mandela: The Official Exhibition’ comes to Seattle

The exhibit starts with Mandela’s childhood on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, progresses to his decades of imprisonment, and finally his rise to the presidency of South Africa. Visitors walk through nine separate galleries, which feature never-before-seen photographs, videos and personal and historic items. I was struck right away by the ceremonial leopard-skin headdress that was given to Mandela by King Xolilzwe Sigcawu of the Xhosa people. It was the first time in 200 years the headdress was given to anyone other than a king.

The exhibit has many striking images displaying the rampant racism of apartheid, including street signs and a bench indicating that it was for “Europeans only.” Following this section of the exhibit are the galleries dedicated to his 27 years spent imprisoned. It was powerful to see artifacts including clothing Mandela wore, the bowl he ate meals out of, and a bed mat and blanket like one he would have used. There is something about seeing these items that brings history to life and makes those 27 years feel very real.

After the imprisonment sections, the exhibit has jubilant videos playing on the walls as the people of South Africa celebrated his release and eventual election as president. The final room held one of the pieces I found most stunning: the beautiful white lion skin that was draped over Mandela’s casket when he died in 2013.

One thing that struck me about this exhibit is that, while it is in a history museum, these events are incredibly recent. Mandela was released from prison in 1990. I was 12 years old. Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected President in 1994, when I was a sophomore in high school. My grandma was 14 years older than Mandela. For me, this closeness makes his story feel even more inspiring and alive.

What parents should know

While this exhibit does have items younger children might appreciate, the bulk of the displays rely heavily on text. Tweens and older will get the most out of it. But, since kids younger than 14 get into MOHAI free, making this part of an outing to Lake Union Park or the Center for Wooden Boats will make an excellent summer afternoon. Even if your child doesn’t stop to read every panel in the exhibit, the pictures and historical objects will be enough to present an overview of Mandela’s life, and allow for important follow-up conversations about justice and racism.

“At MOHAI, we are honored to present this powerful exhibition to our community,” says Garfield, “especially at a time when Mandela’s message of justice and reconciliation feels more relevant than ever.”

I couldn’t agree more.