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constitution-hill

Learn more about the historic Constitution Hill through this comprehensive guide

Going to Constitution Hill is one of our family’s favorite yearly traditions. Our recent tour was really immersive! 

We put on a prisoner uniform all day, and the stern “wardens” handcuffed us. With my head bowed down, it was hard not to feel a bit of fear. At that time, I thought about what political prisoners like Nelson Mandela went through all those years.

If you too want to reflect on our history, let me guide you to the attractions and exhibitions of Constitution Hill. 

Things to Know

Website: https://www.constitutionhill.org.za/home 

Address: 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein

Phone: +27 11 381 3100

Operating hours: Daily: 9 AM-5 PM

General Admission Fees:

  • 1 hour tour: R120 (adults), R55 (children 5-17), and R80 (pensioners & students)
  • 2 hour-tour: R180 (adults), R100 (children 5-17), and R100 (pensioners & students)
  • Self-guided tour: R100 (adults), R50 (children 5-17), and R65 (pensioners & students) 

Free Admission Days: 

  • Human Rights Day: 21 March
  • Freedom Day: 27 April
  • Youth Day: 16 June
  • Women’s Day: 9 August
  • Heritage Day: 24 September
  • Day of Reconciliation: 16 December

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Constitution Hill was originally built as a prison complex in 1892 and later served as a military fort. 

Many people served their time here, including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Besides them, there were also tens of thousands of ordinary people confined in these precincts during its 100-year history. 

Today, it’s a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy, including its turbulent past. In the Constitutional Court, you’ll see an impressive art gallery showcasing contemporary South African artworks. 

By Bus: Constitution Hill is accessible via the City Sightseeing red bus. They operate between 9 am and 5 pm, with the last trip being at 4 pm. Also, if you join this tour, you get a 25% discount on the entrance fee. 

By Car: The site has a parking lot on the left-hand side between Sam Hancock Street and Kotze Street. 

Attractions

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The Old Fort was specifically designed for white male prisoners; most of them were political prisoners during apartheid. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here when he was arrested in 1962. Today, his cell is now an exhibition. 

The exhibition includes artworks detailing the harsh realities of incarceration during apartheid. 

After browsing the artwork, you can walk around the fort’s ramparts for a fantastic view of Johannesburg’s skyline. 

resistance-and-resilience

Resistance and Resilience is one of the five exhibitions located in Number Four, one of the most notorious prisons that housed black criminals and political prisoners. In this exhibition, you’ll learn how prisoners in this site found ways to pass time, especially between the end of the workday and lights out. 

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The Mandela Gandhi exhibition shows the lives of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. The entire exhibition spans four spaces featuring images and interactive interviews, all curated by Birad Yajnik. 

See the Mandela Gandhi wall, which includes a multimedia display accessible via smartphones. The exhibition aims to connect visitors with the leaders’ messages of peace and non-violence through interactive elements, including games and web-based videos.

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Dress as prisoners and experience life in the precinct in the museum’s Time Travel Tour. 

To mimic the prison experience, participants dress in prisoner uniforms and march through the precinct. You’ll see how life was back then as each group does chores the wardens asked prisoners to do. 

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For R350, tourists will get a sense of how prisoners felt after dark in this prison. During a night tour, you’ll be passing the Old Fort ramparts and the precincts to learn about life back then. Then it ends with dinner to complete the evening. 

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Discover the Constitutional Court’s symbolic architecture and pivotal role in South Africa’s justice system. Built from the former Awaiting Trial Block, the court reflects African traditions of justice. 

For R100 (adults) or R70 (children 5-17, pensioners, and students), you’ll be accompanied by a court expert who can share insights into its function, design, and powerful artworks.

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Website: https://playafrica.org.za/ 

Phone: +27 11 480 4892

Business hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday: 8 AM-4:30 PM 
  • Saturday: 9 AM-2 PM

Play Africa gives kids a unique, hands-on learning experience through play. As South Africa’s pioneering children’s museum, it offers engaging exhibits that spark imagination, creativity, and problem-solving. 

Where to Eat

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodiloveyouza/ 

Location: The Old Fort

Phone: +27 79 386 8786

Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM-5 PM 

Pricing: $

Located in the Old Fort, Food I Love You serves a flexible a la carte menu with dishes made from locally sourced produce. The restaurant is known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere and dishes inspired by traditional African cuisine, made to evoke a sense of comfort and home. 

I liked their pork baklava, a tender, spiced pork wrapped in crispy, flaky pastry layers.

Where to Shop

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Facebook: https://www.constitutionhill.org.za/pages/the-movement-store 

Phone: +27 79 386 8786

Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM-5 PM 

Pricing: $

The Movement Store is no ordinary museum shop. 

The items are curated and made by creatives from the museum’s artisan program. Here, you can find locally-made products such as shirts, cups, and memorabilia. Stop by here to purchase something that reminds you of your visit here. 

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