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Museum

Marshall Square Prison

📍 Marshalltown, Johannesburg, South Africa
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3/ 5.0
★★★☆☆

Introduction

Marshall Square Prison is a century-old prison building in central Johannesburg, built in the late 19th century. It once held countless common criminals and political prisoners, including Mahatma Gandhi, who was briefly detained here during his time in South Africa. This red-brick building has witnessed Johannesburg's transformation from a gold-rush town to a metropolis and carries the heavy memory of South Africa's judicial and prison system evolution. Now decommissioned, the building exterior retains the heavy Victorian-era style, becoming part of the city's historic landscape. Although the interior is not open to the public, as a historic landmark it still attracts history and architecture enthusiasts who come to photograph and admire it.

Highlights

1
Century Red-Brick Building
Heavy Victorian-era historic architecture
2
Gandhi Detention Site
Mahatma Gandhi was briefly held here
3
City Historic Landmark
Witness to Johannesburg's transformation
4
Judicial History
Carries prison system evolution memory
5
Photography Spot
Red-brick exterior popular with photographers

🛈 Practical Info

AccessExterior viewing and photos only
SafetyCity center, watch belongings
TimeDaytime visits safer and better
NearbyCombine with other historic city buildings

💡 Tips

Daytime offers better light and safety
Do not attempt to enter the abandoned interior
Combine with Johannesburg historic building tour
Visit with companions for safety in area

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Marshall Square Prison?

Daytime offers better light and safety Do not attempt to enter the abandoned interior

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.