Mandala House, Colonial building in Blantyre, Malawi
Mandala House is a two-story colonial structure in Blantyre with a wraparound veranda built from local materials including grass, mud, and bricks. The building displays characteristic features of early architecture with solid construction that has endured over time.
The African Lakes Corporation built this house in 1882 as one of the first two-story structures in the region. It stands today as the oldest remaining building in Malawi and marks an early period of colonial development.
The space now hosts an art gallery where visitors encounter contemporary works and exhibitions reflecting the local creative scene. It serves as a meeting point where people come to engage with artistic expression in a relaxed setting.
The building is located on Kaoshiung Road and accessible during regular opening hours with an art gallery space and a cafe on-site. Visitors should check ahead about opening times and any special exhibitions to make the most of their visit.
The name comes from the Chichewa word for eyeglasses that John Moir, one of the founders, wore and which locals associated with the building. This linguistic link between a simple object and the structure shows how local people perceived and named the place.
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