The African American Museum in Dallas is set to launch a significant exhibition titled Mandela: The Official Exhibition on June 13, 2026, coinciding with the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This event is strategically timed to attract a surge of international visitors to the city, as the World Cup is expected to draw thousands of fans to North America from June 11 to July 19.
Fair Park, where the museum is located, will also host a Fan Festival during the tournament, adding to the excitement surrounding this global sporting event. Notably, nine World Cup matches are scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington between June 14 and July 14.
This exhibition marks the first time it will be showcased in Texas and provides an in-depth exploration of the life and legacy of the late South African president, Nelson Mandela. Recognized globally as a symbol of freedom and justice, Mandela also had profound connections to the world of soccer. He viewed the sport as a unifying force, promoting hope and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.
Through various events, including organizing soccer matches while imprisoned and supporting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Mandela showcased how the sport could bridge societal divides. His appearance at the tournament’s closing match, proudly wearing South Africa’s national jersey, is a lasting representation of the power of sport to unite and inspire.
“Nelson Mandela devoted his life to justice and the fight against apartheid, enduring 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa’s first democratically elected president,” stated Lisa Brown Ross, president and CEO of the African American Museum. “This exhibition tells the full arc of his life and affirms the Museum’s role as a vital cultural destination for North Texas and for visitors from around the world.”
Exhibition Features and Experiences
The exhibition will occupy all four galleries of the museum, offering multisensory experiences that trace Mandela’s remarkable journey. Visitors will follow his path from a rural childhood in the Eastern Cape, through decades of resistance against apartheid, and ultimately to his election as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.
This portrayal of Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba—his Thembu clan name—will delve into his personal reflections and the stories shared by his family and close associates. One gallery will be transformed into an immersive, multimedia environment, allowing guests to engage with defining moments from Mandela’s life.
Attendees can expect to encounter rare films, photographs, and personal artifacts on loan from the Mandela family, alongside contributions from museums and archives worldwide. These items will highlight the people, places, and pivotal experiences that shaped one of the 20th century’s most influential leaders.
Visitor Information and Accessibility
The exhibition will be open until November 1, 2026. Admission to the African American Museum is free, with operating hours from 11:00 to 17:00, Tuesday through Friday, and from 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays. Special summer hours are set to be announced. Additionally, free self-parking is available in nearby lots, ensuring easy access for visitors.
As Dallas prepares for this significant cultural event, the exhibition promises not only to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy but also to engage a global audience through the lens of sport and unity during one of the world’s most anticipated events.
