Museum Reviews
Wow! Just wow! I was completely blown away by how visually creative and explorative this museum would be! They have so many facts and artifacts encompassing the entire African and African-American diaspora! It’s a lot!! You will learn so much. Be prepared to spend at least two hours going through everything! My favorite part is where you can look up your family tree if you have the basic info, like names and/or cities of birth. They also have an open closet to hang your coats, a small gift shop area, a cafe, and a neat outdoor area to explore. It’s not horribly expensive, either. The staff are quick and efficient as well. There’s something here for everyone!
I visited the museum during the Emancipation Celebration Holiday, initially hoping to learn more about Gullah Geechee history. Instead, I encountered a deeply comprehensive and powerful account of the African American experience and its foundational role in the creation of America. As Mikayla W. so aptly stated, the experience was “incredibly moving and powerful in the best and worst ways.” My soul was fed, inspired, and healed. Through the voices of my ancestors, truth was revealed, allowing me to understand the true purpose and power of my people. I will definitely be back.
Thoroughly enjoyed exploring Carolina history through the lens of the Geechie Gullah history. There so much to read within the confinement of those walls. I even tried the family ancestors and was pleasantly surprised I found my grandparents and great grandparents.Bought a book out of the gift shop for my great nephews birthday.As someone who grew up in Charleston I learned a lot that I didn't know about Charleston through the museum.
This is a must stop for your Charleston visit.There is something engaging for all ages.
An excellent museum showing the African American experience in South Carolina. Not to be missed.
This museum has so much African American history to explore. There are fantastic displays, artwork, and videos on so many topics. The films were highly produced and extremely engaging. Being from the Charleston area, I was particularly interested in the information on the Gullah Geechee communities and rice cultivation in the Lowcountry but found so many more exhibits highly intriguing. We spent well over 3 hours here and time just flew learning about all the hard things, amazing people, and past events the have shaped and strengthened Black Americans. Black history is American history and it is important to everyone.
Accurate Historical Data, tailored to this area.That matters, they highlight from the beginning to current times.Allies and antagonist, as well as the bravery of the african men and women who survived the tumultuous passage over.🌟 Before you go inside walk towards the water and experience a unique and powerful display.It takes about two hours to walk through.There is a paid gravel lot parking diagonal on the opposite side.♿️ Drop off at the sidewalk.
One of the best museums on our tour through South Carolina. Informative, Interactive, important.
My mom and I came to Charleston mainly to visit the International African American Museum, and it honestly left such a huge impact on us. The building itself is stunning, right on the port, but it’s what’s inside that truly moves you.The history and stories shared throughout the museum are powerful, emotional, and beautifully presented. We took our time walking through each exhibit, and there were moments that really stopped us in our tracks. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.If you’re visiting Charleston, make this a priority. It’s more than a museum, it’s a reminder, a reflection, and a celebration all in one.
Ms. V. Johnson was welcoming and very knowledgeable about the museum. She gave a synopsis of the layout and the flow of the museum. She also mentioned the artwork on display outside as well. She enjoys her position and it shows. Thanks again!
The staff was very helpful and professional. The exhibits were very informative; I believe everyone should visit at least once.
I really loved the international African American museum. There's a wealth of information and art and I would say prepare to spend several hours there. I like how accessible it is. There is a elevator to get upstairs with and they're all resting spaces in the actual museum itself. I like the praise house and the Gullah Geechee documentary short. One thing I think was missing was an examination of the current impact of slavery. The legacy of slavery and how it is impacting the African diaspora now. I felt like there was a buildup to that but it didn't quite meet the mark. Here we are in Charleston which is gentrified and it's people are being pushed to the margins and that's not really acknowledged by the museum. And the descendants of slaves in Charleston I still facing racism systemically & socially as well. They gave a nod to mother Emmanuel Church which was important but there's just not a full embracing with displays and art of the current struggle.
The museum was amazing until I over heard a female staff yelling and being disrespectful towards another employee when it could’ve got handle better than that.I will not return for the simple fact that anything could’ve transpire to much going on in the world. Lieutenant Lee you need to do better.
THE MUSEUM ITS SELF IS GREAT BUT ITS ONE SECURITY GUARD THATS UNPROFESSIONAL AND RUDE DIDNT CATCH HER NAME BUT SHE WAS ONE DRESSED IN A WHITE SHIRT AND WAS RUDE AND ROUGH WITH ONE HER COWORKERS INFRONT IF EVERYONE THAT WASNT RIGHT AND MADE ME NOT WANT TO VISIT EVER AGAIN
Absolutely amazing!! Just takes your breath away!!!! So wonderfully done in the presentations and information!!! Love it and will definitely be returning!!!!
Our nation's "black eye" on full display. Very moving historical perspective into how depraved the entitled can become.
Powerful experience, stunningly curated. The mix of visual, video, audio and written content makes for a rich and deeply affecting experience. A must
This wonderful museum documents not only the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It also attempts to recollect Charleston's part in that history.
Very excellent and moving presentation of the history and culture of African Americans. We were brought to tears several times with the vivid depictions of chattel slavery and Jim Crow. This is a MUST visit for any trip to Charleston and important for understanding a vital cornerstone of Charleston and American history.
As a child who grew up having my identity diluted to foot notes in my educational and social settings, the IAAM is a revival! It's a tempo boldly beating for the heart of black culture, black resistance, history, present, and future! Our ancestors deserve this place. Beautifully crafted displays, classes, educational opportunities, storytelling, motion picture, more... it's a monument of hope, survival, and audacity!
After two hours, we couldn't take in more. We could easily have stayed another hour.The information is sometimes a bit too dense, and a bit erratic. But many displays are very well done, beautiful, and informative. There are some great videos. I'll be back.
This was a beautiful experience, informative and evoked so much emotions. I will be returning as different exhibits are brought through the museum.
Great museum for learning about Charleston's history and Gullah roots.
Great information! This museum has a lot so plan accordingly and make sure you have time to see everything.
This museum is meh. I most likely won't be returning. Book your visit ahead of time, and be prepared to go through security. They will check your bags and pockets. I just wasn't overly impressed and kind of bored honestly. It gave me vibes of a modern art gallery. If you're more into reading and looking at screens, this place is for you. This place is full of LED lighting that may give those with light sensitivity some problems. There are some TV monitors here and there talking about information you can find on public television.
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Expertly crafted and interactive exhibits. A must visit if you're in Charleston.
This is a must-see attraction! Get tickets in advance because they were sold out when we got there. We were fortunate because a party of four didn't show up. There were hundreds of people there to see the exhibits. To see so much history at such a location where a lot of the slave trade took place left me speechless... I don't see how some continue to deny the truth of our contributions and suffering in building this great Nation. "Billions" of dollars were made in free labor from the slave trade. So many lost their lives as chattel property of slave owners. I must admit it was heart-wrenching to revisit man's inhumane treatment of a people who had no choice in the matter. Kudos to the city of Charleston for not burying this painful truth. It is truly "a must see". What's so amazing is there were people of many cultures who visited that day. It was a testament to those "who wanted to learn more of what slavery was really about".
The history and the advancement of slaves to freemen. The Charlston experience was very educational.
It’s very worthwhile and really deserves a couple of visits. There is a ton of information and the taped interviews of former enslaved people from the Archives are very moving. Lots of reading involved to get all the info, but give it a try as there is a lot to be learned.
Focus was Gullah geechee, which I didn't expect. Interesting and enjoyable.
The information here is unbelievable! You need a weekend to really soak up this knowledge!
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.
Great, museum, very informative. I recommend that everyone visits this museum!
Very Inspiring, Educate it. Learn some history on my father's side of the family all in all. I must do. When do you are here in south carolina, charleston
Great experience, alot of very informative information, and a look back from how far we've come!!!
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.
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.
Lots of amazing history and artifacts. The format was confusing, however, and it was difficult to understand how the exhibits flowed. A little less reading and more interactive displays would have been nice.
This historically robust, truth sharing and high tech museum was amazing! Easy access to all exhibits on one floor. Laid out extremely well which keeps patrons engaged with smooth throughput.
I would recommend visiting this museum before visiting the one in DC. This museum displays are well put together and is a nice preview of what you could see at the museum in DC. It takes about 1 1/2 hour to walk through, maybe a little longer if you take the time to learn more about each and every display. I really enjoyed the area based around your family search. That was an awesome feature in the museum.
The visit to the museum on February 14, 2024, was very impressive. From the outside to the inside, there was much to see. Unaware that the museum was only a year old was even more remarkable. The staff, including the security officers of the museum, were friendly and pointed out the exterior exhibits (i.e., the Maya Angelou wall, sacred grounds in front of the harbor, and the gardens). Visitors are allowed to take pictures and video recordings. As an FYI, when recording, not everyone has the same respect, so please be aware.Each display was well set up, and the visiting exhibits were also well-suited for the museum. As a visitor to the city, state, and museum, there was so much enrichment of the history and culture. That is, learning about multigenerational island history, agricultural lands, and spiritual lineage as well as the impact of the harbor.FYI: Parking is not near the museum unless visitors are able to find street parking (may be metered parking). There is a parking garage available that cars, trucks, RVs, trailers, etc. can be used with free shuttle services. Four hours cost $12. Please call the museum for location and cost.This museum started the 2024 journey of visiting as many African American museums that are open and operating in the nation. Some museums are being maliciously damaged, while others have been destroyed by natural disasters, and many are now in the process of remodeling and upgrading. It is imperative to visit such places, not only to gather what history books continue to leave out, but also, and very importantly, learning about the history of the people from these places. They often tie into larger stories and/or historical events that we are still very much unaware of. Support your city, state, and all the history that makes the area what it is today.
As a native Washingtonian, I'm a bit of a museum snob. This museum is one of the BEST museums I've ever been to.I'd recommend this museum to anyone who wants to know about the black experience in general, and the black experience specific to the South Carolina region. Since I'm pretty familiar with general AA history, I focused my visit on learning about black culture in SC, and it was so rich! I learned so much. My favorite exhibits were the Praise House and the diorama that detailed the hard work of preparing rice fields for planting and harvest.A thoughtful feature was quiet rooms where one could sit in privacy if needed. Several times I felt emotional viewing the exhibits but felt uncomfortable crying in public. These rooms, thoughtfully outfitted with Kleenex, are needed.If I were in the area again I would pay to go again. I spent about 90 minutes and still would go back.
Visited this amazing museum yesterday. Extraordinarily powerful in setting, and immersive exhibits. Cannot say enough about the experience, from the moment you step foot on the grounds the attention to detail is beautiful. The history is staggering it's estimated that more than 80 percent of African Americans can trace one ancestor back to Charleston. This museum should be included in everyone's visit here
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.
This museum was well overdue! Purchasing tickets online prior was extremely easy instead of waiting in line. Every part of the museum was beautifully and intentionally designed. I loved the many interactive displays, but few people noticed because the text was small. Overall, our visit was great. The staff was friendly and inviting. I can’t wait to visit again.
This museum is stunning! The graphics and visuals transform each exhibit. I went for an event, so I only had a short time to walk through all exhibits, but I will definitely be back. There was thought and purpose behind every piece, artifact, and biography. They even have a story booth to record your own history. I would love to see what they do with those recordings. What a beautiful way to bring stories from all generations together. Very powerful!
