A Look Inside: The International African American Museum

August 17, 2023

After 20 years in the making, The International African American Museum opened on June 27, 2023, in Charleston, South Carolina. The monumental museum is located at Gadsden’s Wharf, which was the largest slave auction site in the United States from 1772-1808. The International African American Museum aims to “honor the untold stories of the African American Journey at one of our Country’s most sacred sites (IAAM).” Take a Look Inside the remarkable International African American Museum.

The Exterior

The outside of the museum includes the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, which is always open to the public to walk around, reflect, and remember. The outdoor space includes The Tide Tribute (photographed above) where you will see human figures that come and go as the tide rises and falls. “Each figure is representative of a man, woman, or child who laid shackled in the bellies of ships that were once anchored steps away in Charleston Harbor. As the tide changes, the shallow pool of water fills and empties, covering and revealing the shapes of those it honors. Bordered by the historic line of Gadsden’s Wharf, the tribute emphasizes the fluidity of the past, present, and future.

The Interior

The International African American Museum has various self-guided exhibits, including the Center for Family History, A Special Exhibits Gallery, African Roots/African Routes, American Journeys, Atlantic Worlds, Carolina Gold/Memories of The Enslaved, Creative Journey’s, Gullah Geechee, South Carolina Connections, Theater Gallery, and TransAtlantic. There were so many more stories that the International African American Museum wanted to include but were unable to fit, so they have created digital exhibitions powered by Google Arts and Culture.

Parking and Tickets

Parking

Hourly parking is available in the City of Charleston parking garage located at 24 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Metered parking is located along Washington Street and Concord Street that surround Gadsdenboro Park.

Directions from Parking Garage

Ticket Pricing

Standard Tickets
Adults (17+): $19.95
Child (Under 6): Free
Youth (6-16): $9.95
Senior (62+): $9.95
Military (with ID): $9.95

Resident of South Carolina Discount (2023 Only)
Adults (17+): $11.95
Child (Under 6): Free
Youth (6-16): $5.96
Senior (62+): $5.96
Military (with ID): $5.96

SNAP/EBT Card Holders
Adults (17+): $2
Child (Under 6): Free
Youth (6-16): $2
Senior (62+): $2
Military (with ID): $2

Buy Tickets

Additional Details

Purchase your tickets to this incredible museum. There are so many important stories, tributes, and history.

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