Sign Nelson Mandela condolence books at Museum of African Art, Embassy of South Africa

A man writes a message on a poster of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Vilakazi Street in Soweto where Mandela resided when he lived in the township, December 6, 2013. South African President Jacob Zuma, announcing that Mandela died at his Johannesburg home on Thursday after a prolonged lung infection. (Ihsaan Haffejee/Reuters)

The world is mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former president and anti-apartheid icon, a man known globally as a staunch crusader for freedom and equality.

The National Museum of African Art invites visitors to leave their condolences for Mandela’s family in a book that will remain on display through Dec. 13. Guests can sign the book during regular museum hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those not able to visit the museum can also post their condolences on the museum’s Web site or Facebook page.

In a statement released yesterday, museum director Johnnetta Betsch Cole said, “I am profoundly saddened by the passing of former President Nelson Mandela, a beloved and powerful citizen of South Africa and the world who worked throughout his life for peace, justice and equality. There are no words that can adequately capture the extraordinary impact of his life and work."

The Embassy of South Africa will also display a condolence book through Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. The embassy is located at 3051 Massachusetts Ave. NW.