Robben Island to host G20 delegations, tours suspended for renovations
A complete shut-down of Robben Island for maintenance and upgrade from 16 June to the end of August 2025 was announced at a media briefing hosted by the Robben Island Museum (RIM) Council.
Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers
Robben Island, a cornerstone of South Africa's historical and cultural identity, is about to step into the global spotlight as the nation gears up to host the G20 summit later this year.
As part of the preparations to welcome dignitaries from around the globe, the Robben Island Museum has announced a crucial decision: all public tours will be suspended from June 16, 2025, until September 1, 2025.
This temporary closure aims to facilitate essential maintenance and renovations necessary for the preservation of this iconic site.
“The decision to suspend tours was not taken lightly,” said a spokesperson from the Robben Island Museum Council.
“Robben Island is a treasured national heritage site, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the understanding of our visitors during this time.”
Despite the suspension, history enthusiasts will have the opportunity to delve into the island's extraordinary narrative by visiting the exhibition at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, ensuring that even during the closure, education about this pivotal landmark continues.
All visitors with booked tickets during the closure period will receive a full refund, with seamless transaction reversals for credit card payments, while EFT reversals will require client approval. Queries can be directed to refunds@robben-island.org.za.
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