Mandela exhibition opens the Banco da Amazônia Cultural Center in Belém

The city of Belém welcomed a new cultural landmark on the evening of October 9, when more than 450 guests attended the opening of the multimedia exhibition “Mandela: A Global Icon of Reconciliation.” The event marked the official inauguration of the Banco da Amazônia Cultural Center (CCBA) — a new venue devoted to art, culture, and reflection in the heart of the Amazon.

Promoted by the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF), in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation of Johannesburg and sponsored by Banco da Amazônia (BASA), the exhibition debuted at the CCBA and has already drawn significant attention as one of the most relevant cultural initiatives in the region.

A night of tributes and partnerships

The opening ceremony gathered distinguished guests, including João Bosco Monte, President of IBRAF; Christopher Till, exhibition curator; Razia Saleh, Director of Archives and Research at the Nelson Mandela Foundation; Luiz Lessa, President of Banco da Amazônia; and Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará, alongside members of the local press, government officials, and representatives from the artistic and cultural community.

According to João Bosco Monte, the inauguration symbolizes “a meaningful convergence of institutions committed to culture, dialogue, and social transformation.” He emphasized that the collaboration between IBRAF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and BASA “helps amplify Mandela’s legacy in Brazil and across the Amazon, bringing stories of courage, justice, and reconciliation to diverse audiences while reaffirming our shared commitment to education and cultural exchange.”

For Luiz Lessa, the new center reflects Banco da Amazônia’s mission to strengthen culture and creativity in the region. “We want to combine international exhibitions of global relevance with the vibrant artistic production of the Amazon. The Cultural Center is meant to be a meeting point between the world and our local identity, celebrating diversity in all its forms,” he said.

Curator Christopher Till, former Director of Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, noted that bringing Mandela’s story to the Amazon carries deep symbolic meaning. “Madiba believed that reconciliation and justice begin with each individual’s daily actions. Sharing his vision here in Belém reinforces the universal value of democracy and human rights,” he reflected.

Representing the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Razia Saleh highlighted the organization’s ongoing work with young people as key to ensuring the leader’s legacy remains alive and relevant. “Our mission is to keep Madiba’s values alive so they can transcend generations, inspiring young leaders to build societies rooted in equality, solidarity, and justice,” she said.

Governor Helder Barbalho praised the initiative, underscoring its importance for positioning Pará as a vibrant cultural hub on both national and international stages and strengthening public policies in education and the arts.

An inclusive journey through Mandela’s life

The exhibition features fifty panels of photographs, texts, and multimedia content tracing Mandela’s extraordinary journey — from his rural childhood in South Africa to his fight against apartheid, 27 years in prison, and eventual election as the country’s first Black president.

Designed to be inclusive, the exhibition offers accessibility resources such as audio description and narration of all written texts, ensuring that visitors with visual impairments or low vision can enjoy the full experience.

More than an exhibition

On display until November 30, 2025, with free admission, the exhibition will also include special programming. One of the highlights will take place on November 20, Brazil’s Black Awareness Day, featuring educational activities that connect Mandela’s legacy to the historic struggles of Afro-Brazilian communities for equality and justice.

Housed in Banco da Amazônia’s headquarters on Avenida Presidente Vargas, the new Cultural Center aspires to become a permanent space for cultural exchange and learning — a meeting ground for local, national, and international expressions of art, history, and identity.

Exhibition: Mandela: A Global Icon of Reconciliation
Dates: October 9 – November 30, 2025
Opening hours:
October: Monday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
November: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Banco da Amazônia Cultural Center – Gallery 1
Address: Avenida Presidente Vargas, 800 – Campina, Belém – PA
Admission: Free
Open to all audiences