The Constitutional Court building is built directly into the ruins of the prison's Awaiting Trial Block, incorporating original stairwells and bricks.
The court's wooden doors are carved with the 27 rights enshrined in the South African Bill of Rights.
The Number Four prison was specifically designed for Black men during the apartheid era and is known for its brutal living conditions.
The flame at the entrance of the Constitutional Court is the 'Eternal Flame of Democracy,' which is never extinguished.
The court's main chamber features a large glass wall looking out over the city, symbolizing the transparency of the judicial system.
Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here multiple times between 1906 and 1913 due to his participation in the passive resistance movement.
The Women's Jail features a 'gynae chair' display that serves as a stark reminder of the dehumanization experienced by female prisoners.
The building was designed by OMM Design Workshop and Urban Solutions, who won an international architectural competition for the project.
Constitution Hill is a former prison complex in Johannesburg that now serves as the seat of the South African Constitutional Court. The site formerly housed political activists including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela during the apartheid era. The precinct integrates the Old Fort, the Women's Jail, and Number Four prison museum into a single site of historical significance. The Constitutional Court building was constructed using bricks reclaimed from the demolished sections of the old Awaiting Trial Block. It houses a collection of contemporary South African art and functions as the highest court in the nation. Visitors can explore the preserved prison cells and learn about the country's transition to democracy through permanent exhibitions. The site is an active legal institution where public hearings are frequently held in the courtroom chamber. It stands as a physical transformation of a place of oppression into a beacon of human rights advocacy.
The elevated walkway in front of the Constitutional Court building, offering a view of both the historic prison architecture and the modern court glasswork.
Book a guided tour in advance to gain access to specific areas that may not be open for self-guided exploration.
Check the official court schedule before your visit, as certain areas may be restricted during active legal sessions.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site covers a large, hilly area with uneven ground.
Do not attempt to photograph court proceedings if cameras are restricted; always check for signage.
Open daily, but specific museum wings may occasionally close for private events or official court functions.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, particularly inside the courtroom and memorial areas.
