International African American Museum

What a great day to be at the museum! Awareness. Emotional. Celebratory. Empowering. Educational. Magnificent. Tragedy. Rediscovery. Passion. Purpose. Strength. And so many other words can describe the vibe and emotion you feel walking through the tragic events of all our history and the tenacity and courage it took to survive. I had to go back and get tissues. I felt all the feels. #Juneteenth

Very well done museum telling the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the cultural, social, and political history of African Americans. Quiet rooms and balconies are very helpful for parts that are emotional. The architecture of the museum relates to the scale of slave ships entering the port, with a stone relief and reflection pond abstracting the conditions aboard the ships. I would allow about 2 hours to fully absorb all that this museum has to offer; so many incredible stories of perseverance.

Wow! What a powerful place. So glad Charleston finally has a museum devoted to the African American experience and the city's role in shaping it. Very detailed exhibits on the history of the slave trade, emancipation, civil rights, Black leaders. Beautiful artwork throughout. The museum grounds on Gadsden Wharf is beautiful with a reflecting pool on the harbor. Give yourself 1.5-2 hours for the visit.

I had the pleasure of enjoying this museum on my birthday, Tuesday 01-23-24. I bought the ticket online for the 10 - 10:30 am entry. I was running a little behind due to traffic and the rain. I called to see if I would still be allowed to enter, but received a message that the call volume was high and left a voice message. I explained when I checked in and was told that it was no problem. I parked at a meter in walking distance to the museum on an adjacent street, no more than a quarter mile away. I believe the maximum time available was two hours. I wanted to look back as I look and move ahead into a new year of life. I didn't leave disappointed. There's something spiritual about being in places like this. Other visitors were as mesmerized as I was. The staff I interacted with were great. In the studio area, I sat and talked with a young lady while drawing on a rock. I told her I couldn't draw and she still encouraged me to join her. Other staff members joined in the conversation and gave good suggestions of seafood restaurants. I took the suggestion of the cashier in the gift shop area for lunch. I purchased the sun and moon spin drum. FYI, I initially tried to use a gift card but the cashier said I wouldn't be able to use it because it didn't have a chip; it was no problem. I used my personal card. I'd definitely return and hope to be able to take my niece one day. Job well done on capturing our history, especially in such a monumental city as Charleston. I look forward to using the Family Search site.

I am very glad we were able to visit during our trip. This museum has so much life and color along with the history of the Transatlantic Slave trade and Charleston's role in it. I loved learning about the Gulla Geechee history. While the history is hard it must be known and this is a great place to learn. I highly recommend visiting to anyone visiting Charleston.

This place is amazing, touching to the Spirit. It is truly very informative, and eye opening! I am so very proud to see how well put together the museum is. It overlooks the ocean and all the staff members are so very nice and polite.

Beautiful building on the water with lovely gardens and quiet spaces. Self guided with interactive displays. Learned so much history and enjoyed the art displays.

Excellent way to spend the day in Charleston. Not so big it's overwhelming, but lots to see. Love the information videos. Very bright modern and educational. The staff is very courteous.

Great Experience that EVERYONE can enjoy visiting. A great opportunity to learn about the Charleston Harbor and it's history with the Slave Trade. It's also a great opportunity to learn about the Southern Geechie culture/roots, the foundation of African American traditions, and the Evolution of the celebration of African American Culture. Highly recommend.

Hubby and I spent the day in Charleston, SC on our trip to Hilton Head, SC. We came here for Memorial Fat Weekend but they were closed so we decided to come while we were this way. This is a great educational experience for young and old! We had been to the African American museum in Montgomery Alabama last month and this is experience wasn't as intense as that but still enjoyable. The staff were professional and friendly. I would definitely recommend!! Learning about the Gullah, African and other cultures that influenced the people of that region was very interesting.

Had a private tour and a great discussion after visiting the museum. The museum is a good balance of the dark history of African Americans in this country and it also celebrates the impacts and contributions of African Americans to this country.

Beautiful exhibits telling the stories of black Americans. Easily could spend four hours reading all the info. You can leave for lunch and come back. Very thought provoking.

This museum is along the waterfront in Charleston. It is a big museum with so much information on international slavery and African American history in America and abroad. There are a lot of exhibits and displays of information as well as pictures and films. The museum is very well done and also has a gift shop.

What a wondrous museum. But just a heads up it can be very overwhelming; don't be surprised if you shed a few tears. This was an incredible museum. Every exhibit was so impactful. It's hard to process how much devastation slavery caused. The history is gut-wrenching as it's estimated that more than 80 percent of African Americans can trace one ancestor back to Charleston. There were lighthearted exhibits that showcased the persistence, beauty and passion of African American culture. It made me feel powerful. I'd recommend this museum to anyone who wants to know about the Black experience as a whole and the Black experience specific to South Carolina. I have always been interested in Gullah Geechee history and the exhibits that focused on that were so rich. You will need about a good 2-3 hours to see everything. This is a must when you are in Charleston.

I had the pleasure of enjoying this museum on my birthday, Tuesday 01-23-24. I bought the ticket online for the 10 - 10:30 am entry. I was running a little behind due to traffic and the rain. I called to see if I would still be allowed to enter, but received a message that the call volume was high and left a voice message. I explained when I checked in and was told that it was no problem. I parked at a meter in walking distance to the museum on an adjacent street, no more than a quarter mile away. I believe the maximum time available was two hours. I wanted to look back as I look and move ahead into a new year of life. I didn't leave disappointed. There's something spiritual about being in places like this. Other visitors were as mesmerized as I was. The staff I interacted with were great. In the studio area, I sat and talked with a young lady while drawing on a rock. I told her I couldn't draw and she still encouraged me to join her. Other staff members joined in the conversation and gave good suggestions of seafood restaurants. I took the suggestion of the cashier in the gift shop area for lunch. I purchased the sun and moon spin drum. FYI, I initially tried to use a gift card but the cashier said I wouldn't be able to use it because it didn't have a chip; it was no problem. I used my personal card. I'd definitely return and hope to be able to take my niece one day. Job well done on capturing our history, especially in such a monumental city as Charleston. I look forward to using the Family Search site.

Comprehensive and beautifully rendered museum with history, culture, and art. I particularly appreciated the videos in addition to the wall education cards and artifacts. While the title of the museum is International, much of the focus is the history and culture in South Carolina, which is still excellent. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to absorb the exhibitions and process your emotions. Highly recommended!

The museum was absolutely beautiful ! The view outside was gorgeous, and as I made my way inside, I was blown away by the depth of history and knowledge shared at the museum. With interactive and engaging displays, the exhibits were powerful and moving, shedding light on the rich history and contributions of African Americans in South Carolina and offering a compelling and educational experience for visitors. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Overall, the museum provided a thought-provoking and immersive experience that left a lasting impact. I highly recommend visiting to gain a deeper understanding of the important role African Americans have played in shaping South Carolina's history.

While in town for an event, my hubby scheduled a visit for us to attend. He said selection was going fast. It's a popular new attraction. We arrived and parked for free on the street. If it's not a Sunday, prepare to pay $12 at a nearby parking deck. Onto the museum. Check in is outside, no matter the weather. You can go up the stairs or take an elevator to the venue. There is a small gift shop and soon to be cafe. The staff at the desk says that you can start wherever you want. We walked around and read the different displays of history. There are a nice mix of videos, pictures, movies, and memorabilia to view. I love seeing quiet rooms, where you can go if you get overwhelmed/emotional. There are even a few interactive areas as well. There is also a few areas where events could be held. Please come and see this venue for yourself! You will definitely walk away learning something new.

This past Martin Luther King holiday, the International African American Museum (IAAM) was offering free admission. So, I took the opportunity to visit. I only had a few hours since they were closing early, but my experience was amazing! The site of the museum once served as a port of arrival for enslaved Africans brought to North America. If you haven't been, you truly must add it to your 'Places to Visit' list. It's an emotional, thought-provoking, interactive cultural experience of pictures, videos, and art. Every corner is filled with deep, enriching history that a one day visit can't fulfill. There is so much to take in that I must visit again to get the full experience. I'll let my pictures and videos speak for themselves.

This review should be five stars and in time I am sure I will elevate BUT in honesty of providing an accurate review I am sticking with 3 stars. Before I start, please consider being a supporter. Of the many benefits you are entitled to FREE entry. We've been following the opening of the museum for over a year. We were set to attend to opening in January but as some know there were some structural issues which delayed it. It did open July 2023. The museum is a must-see. Organizers have done a great job in presenting the journey and contributions of African-Americans in the South Carolina region. There were two glaring deficiencies that I would have assumed to be addressed in the delayed opening. The gift shop did have a few items but it was nowhere near the retail environment you expect from similar museums. The venue is a stand-alone, yet there was no place to grab a snack or even a bottle of water (although in fairness I did see workers preparing a spot). There is parking in the area. Staff was very professional. Another thing I noticed was that even on a Thursday, there was a brisk multi-ethnic crowd enjoying the displays and other items to showcase the history. In time, I am confident management will iron out the issues I have communicated as well as others. I do plan on returning as there is so much to take in, it would be difficult to absorb everything in one visit.

If you are in Charleston this museum is a must visit! The museum was so thoughtfully planned out and designed. From the fact that the location was apart of the slave trade in South Carolina to the overall architecture - the attention to detail was amazing I went on a Thursday so the exhibits were not overcrowded and I was able to take my time and read at my own pace. There is a lot of information to consume. We only had a two hours and were able to experience most of the rooms / exhibits. To fully appreciate the full museum I recommend at least 3 hours.

If you live in or near the Charleston area and you haven't been here yet, go! There is a parking garage located close by and it's about a 5 minute walk to the museum. Time stamped passes must be purchased and it's highly recommended you purchase ahead of time online (as I did) because they do have a tendency to sell out, especially on weekends. Truly enjoyed my visit here and it's really sparked my interest in learning more about the Gullah Geechee history and community. The museum is beautifully constructed and it being right at the dock where our ancestors were transported really spoke to on a spiritual level. The artwork and artifacts are beautiful and the staff really did a good job in providing history on each exhibit. I hope to do a walking tour during my next visit to Charleston. Highly recommend!

Beautifully done museum and so worth the price of admission! Every area was so interesting and informative.

There's a lot to say about this museum. It's built on a site where ships actually arrived carrying Africans unwillingly into this country and the colony that preceded it, making this site's transformation into a history museum covering that very subject poignant and triumphant. There was a ton of money poured into this site, and it shows. The good news is that it shows in what a fantastic aesthetic this building has. The bad news is that the influence of large corporate donors is clear. Entrance isn't cheap, but even with no particular special exhibitions or events on, I did end up spending a solid two hours carefully perusing the content. There is a security check at ground level, but the entire museum is in a raised building that one can walk under. The exhibits are all on one fairly large floor. There is a linear exhibit covering the history of the African diaspora and a few specialty galleries on the other half of the building. The history is quite detailed and is largely nuanced and compelling until it gets to the modern era, where it unfortunately takes an uncritical approach and fails entirely to accurately convey the past few years, containing several obvious falsehoods. It's frustrating because most of the museum is good, but there are clearly people who won't know enough to reject the part that isn't. The specialty galleries include a beautifully photographed and rather abstract fifteen minute movie on the history of the nearby sea islands, a variety of Africana, and some extensive coverage of the distinctive style of rice farming. The museum's small gift shop does not sell Carolina Gold rice, which seems like a missed opportunity, as the story of rice is compelling and this specific variety of rice is incredibly aromatic and flavorful. A variety of interesting art and photography dots the museum. It's at its strongest when it's covering the local Gullah Geechie culture, which is distinctive. Indeed, the museum was actually recommended to me by a Gullah volunteer at a historic site on one of the sea islands. I wish I could recommend it unreservedly, but as it is I would say that the visitor with some time and money to spare should put on their critical thinking cap and explore.

Beautiful new museum celebrating Black history in the Americas. It's located on Gadsen's Wharf, where 40% of enslaved Africans landed. I highly recommended visiting this museum if you are in Charleston.

This have been the most humbling experience! So much history within these walls. I walked out most definitely having the utmost respect for those who came before me and fought for freedom. This museum is a must see! I have so many more photos but it's too much to post. One would get lost in the amount of history within those walls. It's absolutely amazing.

I had no idea this place existed! Spent 4 hours in there and still need another visit. I especially enjoyed the video presentations throughout the museum. They even have a space to search your family lineage.

I had a great time here! It was very informative and really helped me to explore my roots. I learned so much during my visit! I wish the museum wasn't so heavily focused on only Charleston and went more into all of the regions that have Gullah geechee culture bc it would be exciting to hear about how different places display the culture. This place also is built next to the water and has a great view! I loved all of the outdoor installations! Great place to check out if you are visiting and want to learn more!

This an incredible history museum so plan to spend sometime at this exhibition. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a docent who informed us about this museum. From there, we watch a short film then we moved about this museum. Take your time since there's a lot to take in. Also, enjoy the grounds for additional reflections

Second time here! You MUST visit. Reservation required! Make it for at least a couple of hours, mininum! It takes a long time to read and absorb so much of the history, from the ills of slavery to the greatness accomplished by many in the recent and the current years. Some of my photos tell the story, as a photo may indeed be a thousand words worth.

Excellent museum. The exhibits were powerful and thought provoking, and the layout seamlessly guided you through different periods and events. This is a must-see in Charleston. We spent about two hours here and we could have easily spent more time.

Beautiful. Moving. Sadness. I felt so many things as I walked the floors of this beautiful museum. It is fairly new. Make sure to reserve in advance as they stay very busy. I would recommend all races to see this beautiful establishment. There is so much to learn. With the U.S. trying to rewrite history, it's important that we have places like this to go to. Take your children and grandparents to visit.

Went to the newly opened museum and I was thoroughly impressed. There are so many exhibits to see and things to learn that you could easily spend 3-4 hours exploring and not see everything. I was so fascinated with what I saw there that I went home and ordered an ancenstry DNA test kit.. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, online, for the day you want to visit. Tickets sell out fast.

If you are in Charleston, this is a must. The museum is small but mighty. I recommend blocking 4 hours to learn and reflect. Also to purchase tickets online.

I highly recommend visiting the relatively new International African American Museum by Gadsden's Wharf in Charleston - it tells important stories with an emphasis on the African American experience in South Carolina. I learned a lot!

Very emotional, educational and needed! I recommend everyone visit and being fam/friends/kids.

THIS MUSEUM IS BEAUTIFUL!! Just absolutely beautiful!! It is so well put together and a wonderful variety of African American history to interest all! I visited a few weeks after they had opened. I loved the aesthetic, the different aspects of African American culture, that it has waterfront views and most of all the option to take a deep dive into exploring your roots for free! There is also a paid option that offers more detail but I think it's so wonderful of them to offer that. One of my favorite and most emotionally wrenching parts was the outdoor exhibit representing the slaves being transported in the bottom of the ships that arrived on the coast exactly were the museum sits but it was beautifully represented and when it rains the spaces fill in with water representing how they drowned at sea... It is so heartbreaking... but our history needs to be represented and REPRESENTED TRUTHFULLY. This museum does just that! The exhibits are so detailed and I learned so much when visiting. It is not as big as the African American Museum in DC but definitely worth seeing for yourself. I highly recommend visiting!

I highly recommend. It's one of the best learning experiences. It talks about so much history and current information. Especially all the contributions made to America and even its dark past of the treatment of African Americans. Go learn and educate yourself

Fantastic new museum, beautiful architecture and artwork elevate your visit. The exhibits thoughtfully weave together international, national, and local history (and present) using written and documentary film as storytelling mediums.

I think this museum will only get better as the build the collection. Right now the exhibits are heavy on the reading and digital art that can result in vistiors bunching up as the explore the museum. The outdoor gardens and the fountain exhibit are the highlight of the visit allowing you to consider the exhibit and watch the brilliantly designed water feature.

I've been waiting since construction started in January 2020 for this newest museum based on the African American culture in this country specifically South Carolina to open which was June 2023, and I must say it was well worth the wait. There are a variety of cultural experiences beginning from my ancestors being stolen from their homeland to Black Lives Matter era. Very educational experience for all human beings. When in Charleston enlightened yourself and learned how our ancestors were enslaved.

Opened in the last year. Great exhibitions & particularly packed with individuals information & a genealogy library. Helpful staff. SC residents get an extra discount if you remember to ask for it. Don't miss the harbor front has the lay out of the slave ships & sad outlines of the poor souls shipped over. Information on the middle passage & abundant information on many facets of the diaspora including native Americans.

Wonderful to see all colors of people there learning together. I wish there would have been more information of the The Gullah Geechee people in the short film.

Wanted to see the new museum recently opened. Very interesting. There is significant focus is on South Carolinians throughout.

This was a life changing exhorting. So full of information that I never learned in my 54 years. You must visit if you are in the Charleston area.

The International African American Museum provides an excellent education and historical experience. Well worth a visit to see everything that they have available here. The staff here is very knowledgeable and welcoming.

Loved the experience very much. Truly inspiring and informative experience. Would recommend it to everyone who is interested in learning about South Carolina.

Here's a brand new museum, with no possibility for parking. Well, then use public transportation! ... Right? It's your first visit to Charleston? No public transport system, anywhere

I learned so much about South Carolina, African American and International history. Prepare to spend hours reading, watching, listening, and learning.

To be sold out nearly every day I thought there would be more to see. I thought it would tell more of Charleston's history. I've been to a couple of African American Museums that had more to offer. If you in the area I would recommend it.

According to Wikipedia, there are approximately 155 African-American museums in the United States. These museums' "primary focus is on African American culture and history." A few of my Grubbing Pals just so happened to check out the International African American Museum (IAAM) located in Charleston, SC, just an Uber ride away from where we were staying while visiting the state over the holiday break. The weather was quite dreary, due to the clouds and light rain. The atmosphere was fitting, considering where we were touring that day. We bought tickets, which varied in cost by age (children, seniors), military, and students). The entrance to the museum was downstairs and outdoors next to the escalator which would take you up into the museum as the building stands on concrete stilts. As you enter, there are several local docents ready to greet you with maps and information you will need as you wander the museum. If there were any faults with the museum, it would be in the confusion, regarding which direction you should begin and end the tour. IAAM is full of so many exhibits to enlighten the viewers, beginning with the past "Points of Arrivals in the Americas 1501 - 1867" and continues all the way through the 1950s and '70s and, finally, 2008 when America's first African-American president, Barack Obama, was elected. The museum displayed a lot of South Carolina's history which I was not aware of, but not enough about the horrors of being a Black American back in the day. The IAAM is about the third of the size of the recently built National Museum of African American History and Culture located on the mall in Washington, DC, however, the IAAM is packed with a plethora of information and videos for learning of America's past. Don't forget to visit the exhibit outside as you leave. Where I to return to Charleston, If I am ever in town again, I would definitely visit this incredible museum again.

This museum is incredibly informative & engaging! I entered thinking I'd learned about the South, the slave economy, etc but nope! I learned a lot more - and in a very accessible engaging interesting way - in a beautiful building. Very well done all round. I highly recommend a visit.

The international African American museum in Charleston SC is amazing. The displays are very well done, and in a variety of formats. It can be emotionally draining and they have small quiet rooms for people to take a little break. I recommend this museum for everyone. This story is part of every American's history.

This museum was incredible. I'm a museum junkie, have been to hundreds and hundreds of them all over the world. And this was truly in the top 5 best museums in the US aside from the Smithsonian. An absolute must see. So well curated and incredibly powerful.

The history that they told about slavery in South Carolina was very enlightening and truthful.

For the size of the building, we expected more to see inside. This shows the obvious displays. The museum is easy to get to, with the Fort Sumter your nearby. If you're in the area, stop by for a history lesson.

A moving and educational experience. We [myself and daughters (18 and 21)] happened upon this museum and decided to go in on a whim. I am so glad we did. I learned so much and continue to reflect on the experience.