Apex Museum

Wonderful museum, small in size but filled with interesting information. 2 short movies sets the tone and each area is numbered taking you in sequence on the historic journey of enslavement.

The absolute best African American Educational Museum. I took my grands here and they loved it. We spent two hours walking through entire Museum and read EVERYTHING!! Love how it shows the absolute TRUTH with evidence of what happened to our Educated, Gifted African Kings and Queens by force migrating them all to America as slaves.

The K.A.S.S.I.E. Project hosted their first of many events for surthrivers of sexual and domestic abuse. Perfect setting for My Voice My Truth My Power!

My family and I visited the APEX Museum during our family reunion last week and had a fantastic time learning about African American history. I especially appreciated their emphasis on Black history existing long before slavery. I'm eager to return and learn more from their knowledgeable staff.

Such a hidden treasure! Also, the staff was so welcoming and full of information!! I'm so glad we had an opportunity to visit and we will certainly be coming back for the full guided tour! So incredibly important that we know where we came from but how far we need to strive to go. Thank you for this space to reflect!

As many times my husband and I have visited Atlanta over the years we never knew about this place. Absolutely love it. The ladies are informative, friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable people. Great tour. Thanks. We will definitely be back.

This was a really great museum. I brought my teenage mentees. We know that it is hard to please teenagers but to my surprise they really enjoyed it. They were highly engaged

An incredible experience. Walking through this museum felt like being transported through time. I learnt so much in a short space of time. I really liked that they avoided the obvious items and focused on reframing commonly accepted misinformation and promoting positive messages. African American history does not begin with slavery.

We visited here with a group and really enjoyed the guided presentation from a Georgia State PhD student and a Museum docent. There were a wide range of ages and backgrounds in our group and they accommodated them all.

This was an amazing experience about black history! One of their sayings, "our history didn't begin with slavery!" The APex museum showed just how much rich history African Americans had BEFORE being enslaved. There were so many facts that I had no idea about! Parking does cost $10, but be prepared to be blown away by the rich history of African Americans.

Looka here. I recommend the actual guided tour. I was impressed by our guide's, Dan's, knowledge and obvious reverence for our history. He made sure to emphasize and explain the difference between the Black History taught to us by the mainstream and the actual historical relevance and accuracy of events we knew and some we never heard of. Further, this information is researched and vetted. A doctoral student contributed greatly to the compilation and organization of the historical data in the detailed timeline. We were taken on an interactive experience from the African Motherland through the Point of No Return to the slave ship (The White Lion) to The Middle Passage to the The New World to the Auction Block to the Plantation and into today. We further enjoyed the history about Auburn St. Crowd participation is a must! We were educated and thoroughly impressed with this experience. We will be back and we'll bring more folks next time. Remember: Black History didn't start with slavery. Slavery interrupted Black History.

I had an opportunity to experience this museum. I was really impressed with the knowledge the owner has. He gave a very informative guided tour. I work with an organization called Black Millennials 4 Flint and we were hosting a documentary release at this beautiful museum. The owner made us feel right at home. I would highly recommend.

I always look for history in any city when I travel. I just happen to be in Atlanta on MLK day, so I decided to visit the Apex museum. It was free today, look at the website for the rates and other free days. Lots of parking just keep in mind that on holidays Atl has no shame in charging $20 per car to park in downtown. I believe any other day at the Apex the fee is $7 per car. They do have good parking area with plenty of space. The museum is large but big enough to wander around and absorb some history. It actually was a great experience packed with knowledge for all. All the school systems need to bring the kids for a true history lesson. Lots of info about African American inventors, leaders, etc. They do have a video that runs at different times, the attendants will walk thru and the announcement. The museum is well organized and clean. Its well worth the stop if you are in the down town Auburn ave area. There are several other black history museums within walking distance, so keep that in mind since you will be already parked. I really enjoyed my time in Atlanta MLK weekend! Tip: If you want some good grub go visit Desta Ethiopian restaurant, its so yummy and customer service is on point. See my review on them.

Okay, hear me out and read the review to the end to understand my rating. Time for a history field trip! So I was really excited to come here, and we came here at a spur of the moment. You can pay $7/8 at the door or get a discount on GroupOn ($4-5). Parking was a little confusing because we saw some people park in the lot and not pay, but there was clearly a sign that said pay. We paid ($8) because we didn't want to risk it. There ample parking. So you don't have to worry about the lot being filled (but I'm sure people park there who are not going to the museum). You ring the bell for them to open the door for you. You start off by watching a general video of Black history starting from Africa. It definitely reminded me of the old school history videos we watched in elementary and middle school (iykyk) ahaha. After the video we started at the beginning of documented Black history and continued on until present day, including Black history in Atlanta. It's a self guided tour. There were a few displays of the transatlantic slavery voyage. There is a nice display of a Black owned pharmacy, which was nice to see (slavery isn't our only history). Towards the end there is a Black women in STEM section which was amazing to see and a hallway filled with Black inventors. There's also a gift shop where you can purchase a variety of things (books, clothing, magazines, etc). Overall, I would say this is a great place to bring kids to get the. To understand Black history or even someone who is just learning Black history. Don't come here thinking it's going to be like the museum in DC, because it's definitely it. But it's an affordable excursion for the family.

I highly recommend that you visit this museum especially if you love history. The layout is awesome and the staff members are very friendly and patient. If you ever visit ATL this has to be on your list. They have college students also on deck to provide you with the information as you will experience the presentations they provide. I would tell you more. It I'll give it away if I do. You must go visit. I recommend using a service to get you to and fro here.

The parking situation was a bit convoluted and confusing, as I had 3 different employees tell me 3 different things, but it all worked out in the end. As someone who actually loves and cares about my culture and history, and someone that also read things outside of the mandated coursework throughout my academic years, it wasn't necessarily a super illuminating exhibit, but still much appreciated and a reminder/reinforcement of some valuable and important things. Though I had to stop myself a couple of times from "helping" the tour guide with information drops, no matter what end of the awareness spectrum you happen to be on, the exhibit/tour has something for everyone and shouldn't be dismissed. The staff was very knowledgable, energetic, enthusiastic and helpful. The exhibit is a small scale exhibit, but definitely worth the time. =)

Very nice museum. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. It is small but it's holds ton of great info. Definitely worth visiting.

If you ever want to dive into Sweet Auburn's history and become more cultured then you should give the Apex Museum a try. I was thoroughly impressed with the Museum. A gentleman by the name of Miles was our tour guide for the day. There was so many special Artifacts that a story of its own. The exhibit museum focuses on Africa's origin and the introduction of the slave trade in the 1700 and 1800s. I won't go into too much detail because it's something one who is either a native or Atlanta or non-native should experience. The museum is only 8 minutes from the Peachtree Station and is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. If you decide to drive there, parking would be a bit of a challenge.

I am still in shock that this museum has been here or 40 years! I have lived in Atlanta for 15 years and never heard of it until recently. I found it on a Groupon deal, and my hubby and I purchased a family membership. I think every school should have a field trip here because there is a lot of really good information about the important history of the African-American in the US. The content may be a little difficult for younger audiences, as they are quite graphic and authentic about the middle passage, and the published advertisements on the wall are actual reproductions, which include language and content that unfortunate, but important that we remember so we never repeat it. Admitted, after having been to the civil rights museum in Atlanta and the National African American History Museum in Washington DC, this facility is certainly not at the same caliber. However, it's about Atlanta history - which is essential, critical and really the origin of much of the greatest in America's story. Take a couple of hours, and invest in this important history. Share it with your friends, and family as well!

I didn't know much about this museum until they offered a free museum day in celebration of Juneteenth. It's a quaint museum packed with a lot of knowledge that focuses on the African- American experience from Africa to America. While the museum focuses a lot on slavery because it had such a big impact on the African- American experience, I loved learning about Africa and the different inventors, leaders, inventions, etc.

I came here last weekend with my fiance to redeem a Groupon. I did not know what to expect. Parking was straight forward, per the website it was to be paid in their lot and it costs $8 - $10. We paid $10 because it lasted until the next morning. I don't like to play around with expired parking tickets when I go anywhere downtown. Our actual tickets were less than the parking, ironically. The tickets were easy to redeem, when we entered the museum, we went to the gift shop counter, and I redeemed the entry for two from the Groupon app on my cell phone. The service from the museum workers was really good. Everyone was polite and knowledgeable about the history. The tour was self guided for the most part, and started with a few videos which were informative, but dated. I would like to see a revamp with newer technology, because the older films can feel a bit lengthy and monotone, like history class. I did like learning about the Journey and all of Sweet Auburn's history. The museum itself is small, but has wax figures, artifacts, and photos. I think that it is something that each person of the African American culture should see at least once. I highly recommend taking school aged children of color, so that they can learn about their history. I learned some new things that I did not know about my culture and the history right in the heart of Atlanta. There were also some things that were covered that I knew from my parents and World history in college. I would love to see the Apex Museum updated, but I am sure the funds may not be there just yet. My favorite thing to remember and reflect on, was that our history, did not start with slavery, as many public school text books like to tell it, but back Africa where there were kings, queens, knowledge, and growth.

Super insightful and creative museum. I'll never forget the door of no return simulation. The visit is well structured. You're grounded in the Black experience through the lenses of an Atlanta resident. You go all the way back to the Kings and Queens of Africa to learn about the impact of their posterity on this southern American city. It's fascinating really, once it's over you walk out across from the Atlanta Life Insurance Company (which you learn about during "Sweet Auburn") and I felt like .... damn we did that! I felt pride, accomplishment, and above all encouragement to build my dreams.

Upon arriving, the door was locked as if they weren't expecting visitors; according to the website they'd been open for appx 2 hrs.. Once the young lady, who was our tour guide, apprehensively let us in, she introduced herself . it seemed as if it took her a moment to warm up to us, but all in all it was an enlightening experience. The museum is small, but chock full of knowledge. I was appreciative that she always told me when she was leading into graphic territory; at one point I walked my 8 year old twins away bc the knowledge was a bit gory, but well needed for us to know. All in all, this is a very well needed exhibit.. Our story seems to become more watered down as time goes by, but Ahnika (our guide) kept our attention & kept the experience very real. I at one point had to walk away to not become emotional. Will definetly bring my brother & mother back.

Loved this little gem nestled in a nook on Sweet Auburn Ave. We literally stumbled upon it while walking along the avenue.

Being that I've been to specialized museums like this before I can say that I wasn't overly disappointed in the size, information and or design of the interior. I get that as you enter the building it's supposed to be a representation of Africans diaspora into Europe, Asia and the America's. I think the site is just too small to really convey that message. There is a plethora of information within these walls. I just think the space needs more planning and well um... SPACE. The way you experience the tour takes away the emotional aspects of feeling the impact of slavery. But, the museum is ripe with local business history and facts. Seeing and learning that Black people were more responsible for the economic and commercial growth of the deep South makes you feel proud in knowing that we do plenty of great things when we are focused. As for the museum itself, I think they need more funding to properly display the meaning, impact and messages of how slavery changed the course of humanity. You are whisked through the displays and exhibits sometimes running right into one another. The diorama like reenactments of life on slave ships coupled with the mixed media supplementing the information really holds your attention. It's important the visiting public supports a place like this. With no major sponsors or grants this little piece of history will not survive.

This museum is a gem. The museum itself is housed in a small building and takes about 45 minutes to get through (if you watch 3 of the 10 minute videos they show you before you view the artifacts in the museum). The price is $7 for adults and $5 for children and students (they also have special pricing for military and senior citizens). I learned a couple of unique facts here, and was so glad I came. They keep the museum pretty neat and tidy for the most part. My fave part of this place is the gift shop. I bought three books and a ring (handmade). Most of the books sold here are written by local residents, and are so worth the bucks! Me and my bf came on a Saturday afternoon when it was pretty empty. So happy I got to check out the APEX museum. Such a beauty!

My wife and I took our children to the Apex Museum one Friday afternoon. Keep in mind that we visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute the day before and the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Birmingham the day before that. Both were great and obviously sufficiently funded. The Apex Museum is a bit dated and probably underfunded. It has been around for 40 years and has a good message. The videos they show after you pay the entrance fee have good information but technology and attention spans have changed a great deal since 1996 and 1987. The videos were presented very well by the staff member and I feel she could have conveyed the messages better than the videos did. Overall it is worth visiting if you are in Atlanta and have some extra time but by no means would I suggest driving to Atlanta for this Museum.

Went today. $4 entry for adults, and $3 for students. My daughter had to visit the musuem for a homework assignment. I was a little disappointed in the layout, and really think that going to this type of museum on an early Saturday morning on an empty stomach just isnt the way to view this museum. I called it a "slave musuem" becasue I think that 75% of the musuem has slave memorbabila, and other artifacts and the other 25% covers inventions and patents received by other African Americans. One thing that botherd me was the "wall of fame". I was surprised to see certain individuals on the wall.....namely police chief Beverly Harvard......wasnt she fired under speculation of emblezzement from the APD? Sad how a place that is suppose to uplift African Americans would overlook a thing like that. I guess that its just a part of history that for every person that tries to uplift their race, theres always going to be one or two that are in it for the money. Nice visit, some artifacts are really touching, and theres about a 20 minute film that traces the slave journey from Africa and the history of Auburn Ave. Was it worth $7......only if you consider that the money goes towards a worthy cause.

First, it's so tough to separate the museum's purpose from the actual museum. It is a necessary and wonderful museum and I can't believe I'd never heard of it before. The staff was incredible--passionate and friendly. That being said, they'd mentioned that they don't get state funding, and it's pretty evident. The exhibits are clearly homemade, aside from those that are actual historical artifacts. The films they showed are super outdated and a little bit corny. I am positive all the drawbacks could be fixed with more funding and interest, and it's really depressing that this museum is more well-known or popular.

Where to I begin... well I bought Groupon tickets for my boyfriend and I to go as a date outing. We drove down to Atlanta and upon arriving we see a guy washing his car in the parking lot right in front of the place. That was the first no no. Next the place wasn't open (just like the other reviewer mentioned). I was so embarrassed because it was kind of a surprise for my boyfriend and we didn't even go in the place so I lost my money on Groupon. From the reviews it seems like we weren't missing much... I would have LOVED to still see the place just to get my money's worth.

I learned so much... and I consider myself well read in regard to our history. This little gem on Auburn is DEFINITELY a must. I will be returning with my nieces in tow next time.

Staff was very friendly but sad sad sad depiction of our history. True funding could be needed for this business, maybe we don't support it enough. I expected more but this is tragic. If I didn't know about my culture and wanted to learn this would not be the place.

Small but mighty! Took our 8.5 year old twins here yesterday. While they were most impacted by the interactive displays, I was also appreciative the museum went to great efforts to include exhibits of Africa's rich industrious and innovative history as to reinforce what we have been studying in classical history - that people come from diverse, deep, and dazzling backgrounds that date back to ancient civilizations. What impressed the children most was the simulated experience of walking from a slave barracks in Africa to board a slave ship (the "White Lion"). It was actually quite haunting for our kids as it sank in that the people that did this never returned home again. It also gave us an opportunity to discuss the horrors they were about to face. We were all awed to see actual slave shackles and tags used in the displays. As other reviewers have mentioned, the films are dated. Would love some huge grants to become available for updating the format of the video portion of the tour. Very friendly staff and the price was right. Parking was easy. Highly recommend for all living in or visiting Atlanta and any students.

I enjoy this museum but not necessarily for the memorabilia and artifacts found in it. There is an organization called Sankofa Spirit that specializes in providing cultural and educational experiences that focus on Africa and the African Diaspora. I used to attend a monthly short film event- Movies with a Mission- which focused on countering the myths and negative images of people of African descent so often promoted by Hollywood which was sponsored by this organization at held at the Apex. I also have attended some non-related events at the museum to include the recreation of a slave ship. I guess my fondest memories of this museum would involve the organization mentioned above, as well as, the people I was fortunate to meet at this venue due to the organization and ethnic persons who believed education and unity of the people were a good cause. I believe the museum itself can contain much Much more but it is a great place for like-minds to mingle and grow.

I'm always torn about how to go about reviewing places like this. I also have to take into consideration that even though slavery and Black history are touched upon in schools, the lesson plans are inadequate and leave a lot to be desired for those that have a genuine interest in the subject matter. That being said, I just...l don't know. I was so disappointed. This is literally one big room where you walk around in a circle to the various wall displays. I can appreciate what they're trying to do here, and I suppose this is a good "beginner" tour for children but I just felt like the basics were covered just as they are in your average classroom. I did enjoy the Drug Store exhibit. There were so many ORIGINAL products from the store dating back to the 1920s and we were even allowed to hold them (I probably wouldn't allow people and their greasy hands to handle these pieces of history, but I don't run anything in the place). That's really the only aspect that really intrigued me. This place could do so much more with the history of slavery if they really wanted to. I'm glad I went and experienced it, but unfortunately I probably won't be back.

An excellent Black history presentation where we were shown a movie and a short and interesting lecture

My family and I enjoyed our visit to the museum. It was a learning experience regarding Auburn St. The questions we asked were answered and our comments accepted. Some of the items sold a bit pricey. I'm guessing to help with costs of keeping museum open. It does seem to need some funding. Overall, a good experience and the employee at front desk, upon entering, really nice. Visit if there's a chance. The price was $7 per person.

Great museum that teaches African history and accomplishments prior to, during and after slavery. Also showcases the success of African-Americans in Atlanta and their work to overcome such great adversity. Wonderful, knowledgeable staff. Well worth the time for a visit.

Did you know...? So much of history is not taught in grade school. it's worth a visit to explore the journey back centuries to African history and the ugly truth about western enslavement of Africans. Learn about Georgia's own Black Codes, and how the resilient African American people survived and made numerous contributions to American society and economy. From pharmacists to surgeons to inventors and scholars, you will leave the APEX knowing more than you ever imagined.

I came upon this museum while walking to a coffee shop a few doors down. The staff was very welcoming and I enjoyed the tour although it was with a heavy heart. I highly recommend.

Took the family to Apex today. It was a reminder of history class for some of us and new material for others. The museum is small and took us about 30 minutes to go through but all in all it was very informative and the staff was polite. The museum needs more funding and perhaps a better location to increase foot traffic. When we arrived the door was locked. We asked a women passing by if we were at the correct entrance. She was super rude, we ignored her and just rang the door bell to be let in. The neighborhood the museum is in is historic and sketchy and you will have to pay to park.

I like this place! It only costs $11 for 2 people if one of you have a student ID. The set up is nice! They have a lot of stuff in there! I was suprised! Their slavery stuff is on point! You can go in here somewhat ignorant and come out not-so ignorant! I liked the videos that they play too! Overall, this place is definitely a good look for a Saturday afternoon. 2 thumbs up!

This was my first time visiting Apex and I'm really glad I finally made it. I'm glad that there is such a museum to give a panoramic view of black history starting from past (as far back as Egypt/Kmt) working all the way up to present. I am even happier that expansion into a larger more modern facility is currently in the works because the current space left much to be desired. The space was a lot smaller than I thought it would be. For the huge timespan covered in the exhibits (dating from B.C. to A.D.) it seemed like each station only touched the surface of a deeper story behind what was available at the museum. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed myself and I would recommend it to others looking for a quick synopsis of Black History with additional focus on the history and significance of Sweet Auburn Ave. but I would describe the current Apex as "cute"; a good attempt to pull together bits and pieces from a complex and overwhelming history to create something small and palatable. It is great for kids but still informative for adults. In contrast, the King Historic Site mostly focuses on one period in particular, namely the Civil Rights Era, and it is MUCH bigger and more modern than Apex, even though Apex covers a larger time period so I expect the new Apex facility to be at least as informative as the King Historic site in regards to the level of detail to which the exhibits convey information. Now, in order to really appreciate what I am saying one must also understand that the humble beginnings of Apex are also due to the need for more funding. So in addition to acknowledging what I felt was missing it is only fair that I also acknowledge that all the way from the staff person who greeted us when we walked in, on to the detail of the exhibits, you can tell that the staff and founder(s) take pride in creating a warm and inviting environment for learning and appreciation of black history despite the funding restraints. I sensed that about halfway through my visit as I looked at the types of artifacts in each of the exhibits. Some of the things I had never seen, heard, or read about in my history books. All in all, Apex not only taught me a few black history details that I did not know but it also made me reflect on the fact that if black people want others to see, read, and talk more about, and appreciate black history, we as black people need to take a more active role in supporting our black cultural centers. That means making a greater effort to donate, promote, attend functions, volunteer, or whatever we can do to show our support. Every little bit helps. How can we ask of others what we are not willing to do for ourselves?

I really enjoyed visiting the Apex Museum. What a great reminder of how brilliance and vibrant people we are. Atlanta is truly a historical place.

My kid and I visited for the first time during MLK holiday. We were new to Atlanta and I felt the need to explore our cultural roots and find out how much my 7 year old actually knew about black history. During our tour, he asked A LOT of questions which shows his level of interest. I had never seen him so intrigued by history although he tends to enjoy new knowledge. After our tour, I noticed a slight change that is still very present today. He has a confidence about himself and loves his culture. Most importantly, he is comfortable with himself and recognizes the journey of slavery. He has adopted a self assurance that he may not of embraced without the knowledge of such history. He appreciates the history and often expresses his gratitude for not being a part of that era, in its capacity. This museum was perfect for telling not one but many stories that children can comprehend. History is truly rediscovered in this museum. Thank you for being a part of the journey to my sons self discovery.

I haven't actually entered the museum, but I went there and arrived at 4:40. I was fully aware that we wouldn't see much, but I thought we could take a quick 20 minutes tour. Apparently they had already completely shut down. I think a 5 closing time is already ridiculously early in a large city like this, but to actually shut down before closing time is completely unprofessional.