Today Google Maps released first ever Street View imagery of Robben Island as well as an audio-visual tour hosted on Google Cultural Institute, five days in advance of South Africa’s Freedom Day.
Robben Island – like Alcatraz – has always captured people’s imagination. It was the island where many of South Africa’s freedom fighters were imprisoned and Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life.
In an effort to marry history with the future, Google and Robben Island Museum have partnered to make this global heritage landmark accessible to the world via the internet. The newly launched guided tour of the island includes a virtual visit to Mandela’s prison cell and activist Robert Sobukwe’s house. This imagery and tour provides glimpses into the story of the Island and some of its more famous prisoners.
Robben Island Museum CEO, Sibongiseni Mkhize, says: "The reason Robben Island is now a museum is to educate people about the part of South Africa’s heritage that is embodied in the island’s multi-layered history. Together with Google we are making this heritage accessible to people all over the world."
Former anti-apartheid prisoner Ahmed Kathrada says: “Not being able to see or interact with children for 20 years was possibly the most difficult thing to endure during my time on the island. There’s a poetic justice that children in classrooms all over the world will now be able to visit Robben Island using this technology.”
As part of this project, Google Maps will also develop teaching notes on Robben Island for educators who will be using this interactive tour as an educational tool.
Derek Hanekom, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, says: “The internet is the world’s most powerful source of information, and thanks to Google’s partnership with the Robben Island Museum, more people than ever before have access to this World Heritage Site. We hope that this initiative not only allows for the world to reflect on South Africa’s struggle for freedom, but also showcase its beauty.”
Luke McKend, Country Director for Google South Africa, says that this project vividly demonstrates the internet’s power to democratise the world and bring history to life.
“We’re launching this project five days ahead of Freedom Day in South Africa. Robben Island is a symbol of South Africa’s fight for freedom. We’re excited about helping people to learn more about this heritage and to explore the island from any device, anywhere in the world.”
The Robben Island interactive tour can be accessed on mobile devices, from desktops and from Google’s Cultural Institute, where Robben Island Museum will host five exhibits depicting the history for the Island. The Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory will also update their Cultural Institute exhibits with new layouts and add Street View panoramas of Robben Island.
Follow the links below to view: