Albany Museum-Provost Prison

Albany Museum-Provost Prison

Albany Museum-Provost Prison
4

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles15 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
6
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Philip M
Grahamstown, South Africa56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2018 • Solo
The Provost is an example of a panopticon prison – a design pioneered by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century. The tower has windows positioned so that a short walk makes it possible to see into all cells.

The Provost Coffee Shop is in the tower with seating available indoors and out, and you can also explore the cells.

Bentham was considered very enlightened for his time though, in today’s world, his sentiment of “a mill for grinding rogues honest” would not be taken so positively.

The Provost is on the border of Rhodes University but belongs to the Albany Museum. Visitors who have eduroam WiFi access can use it as if the building is part of a university. Since this is technically not free WiFi unless you have access through your education institution, I checked “not sure” for free WiFi.
Written November 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paula B
Kloof, South Africa25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2018 • Family
Probably one of my favourite places in Grahamstown! What a delight! You have to appreciate the irony of enjoying a delicious meal in an old prison overlooking the Rhodes University Dept of Psychology!
Fantastic service from a delightfully friendly Grahamstowner, delicious coffee and food and just an all round pleasant experience. There is space for children to play under the shade of an ancient tree 7.4m in circumference, cozy indoor spaces to linger over a good book and cup of coffee or pleasant outdoor spaces. If you're brave enough you can remember to duck your head and 'crawl' into the old prison cells and enjoy your meal in complete privacy - just don't knock your head on the way out!
Whether its an historic visit you're looking for, an early morning coffee fix, a quiet space to pass time or a meeting place for friends - this is the spot!!
Written April 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lu-Gerda d
Mossel Bay, South Africa245 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2012 • Couples
The prison was designed in 1835 by the Royal Engineers. The cells are arranged in a semicircle and has a guard-house overlooking the cells. It is part of the Albany Museum Complex but is only open by appointment. We did not make an appointment and had to settle for pictures of the outside. The building was declared a National Monument on 9 September 1937.
Written October 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cnrdhnkm
Grahamstown, South Africa38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
Quint little coffee shop on the edge of the oldest Botanical Garden. peaceful surroundings. Serves delicious food. Please visit
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeetesh H
Grahamstown, South Africa46 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Solo
Supurb setting with tables by the old jail vibes but neat and cosy.outdoor feel, have muffins, and sandwiches and huge choice of hot drinks.nice
Written February 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pcaige910267
Grahamstown, South Africa35 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Friends
One of the oldest buildings from another time and period. The design was used for the prisons throughout the British empire including Australia. The cafe has great coffee. The apple pie was disappointing - like an apple strudle with plain pastry strips on top. The menu is mainly beverages with lots of different tees and vegetarian snacks . They do have a chicken dish. A number of items were crossed off on the menu. Worth a visit or two or three !
Written December 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nicola K
Johannesburg, South Africa152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2018 • Business
A very interesting space, and history. Worth a visit. Food and coffee available. Use the bathroom, it's charming!
Written September 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

zamakes
Port Elizabeth, Bequia15 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Solo
I was intrigued by the museum. Fascinating prison from the early 1800s. Good for the youngsters to go and visit.
Written June 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Celtic-Wanderer
SCOTLAND782 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Friends
...now mainly a quirky cafe venue and a unique setting. Not suitable if you have restricted mobility as the stair up into the building is steep, with a handrail.
Written February 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

brianfQ3331OT
Grahamstown, South Africa30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Family
Fascinating prison from the early 1800s - but the coffee shop is also a great experience. Light snacks and superb coffee.
Written July 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Albany Museum-Provost Prison, Grahamstown