Mandala House

Mandala House was built in 1882 for the African Lakes Corporation, the trading company that operated across this region, and it is the oldest building still standing in Malawi: a two-storey house with deep verandas on both floors, set in a garden. It now holds an art gallery, a café and the Society of Malawi's library and archive, which covers the country's history and is open to researchers and visitors.

Highlights

• The 1882 house - the oldest surviving building in the country.
• The verandas - the deep galleries running round both floors.
• The Society of Malawi archive - the historical library housed in the building.
• The art gallery - the contemporary exhibition space in part of the house.

When to go

Year round; the gallery and café keep daytime hours. The archive has restricted opening. It closes on Sundays.

Practical notes

The archive is open only at limited times and access to material needs asking. The house is used as offices and a café rather than presented as a museum. Parking is limited.

Nearby

St Michael and All Angels is nearby, and Blantyre centre is around it.

Key facts