Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Old Slave Mart Museum

    3.9 (154 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Old Slave Mart Museum Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Old Slave Mart Museum

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Rachel B.

    Information was well represented very reasonably priced. Walking distance to other historical places in Charleston.

    Old Slave Mart Museum_Yelp_Sanju-11
    Sanjay G.

    The Old Slave Mart is located at 6 Chalmers Street and is a must-have on your itinerary, even if you visit Charleston for a short time. In the heart of the French Quarter, near the French Huguenot Church, One of the first African-American slave museums in the country, Old Slave Mart, is set inside the building where enslaved people were auctioned before the Civil War and is a somber, but important part of a Charleston trip focusing on history. The tour is self-guided, with signage explaining the history. There are also personal accounts from enslaved individuals, artifacts, and audio and visual exhibits. It is a small but deeply affecting museum that gives a sobering view of history. Here, you can listen to the recording of an interview with a former slave. Old Slave Mart was a real slave auction site in the 18th and 19th centuries. Slave auctions were held here till 1863.

    Stephen G.

    Very somber attraction with a lot of information and it gives a better insight into what they went through.

    Shirley N.

    Prior to arriving in Charleston I added this to my itinerary. I wasn't sure if I was going to visit or not. My mind was made up after our walking tour included a stop in front of it and background covered by our local tour guide. Although the museum is small it speaks volume. It provides a history lesson of slavery and the role Charleston played in it. It's the actual spot of the auction house where hundreds of thousands of American born slaves were sold off. The museum is open every day except Sunday. Hubby & I parked a block down in a parking lot. Allow one hour at the museum. We finished in about 45 minutes. No photos allowed.

    Deniece W.

    Possibly the only known building used as a slave auction site in SC still in existence. This is Charleston's oldest museum of African American history and the first museum on the history of slavery in the United States. Lots of information about Charleston's role in slave trade, plus slavery in the Americas. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you're in Charleston.

    Marlon T.

    This is a powerful museum where you can see a lot of history and actual items (like shackles) from the slave era. The low price to get in is worth it. The staff is very knowledgable and happy to discuss the facts of the past. For anyone visiting Charleston and is interested in learning about the slave trade, this is an absolute must-visit museum. When I was there, they had an exhibit of an actual newspaper that advertised slaves.

    Mari D.

    A small museum that packs a somber punch. Lots of reading and a few artefacts on show. Worth the visit for history buffs.

    Historical sign in front of slave mart
    Scott C.

    Stopped by the slave mart museum while in the market area of Charlestown. This is an important place for everyone visiting to go to understand the slave trade in Charlestown and the rest of US. It is well done and takes about an hour to go through. The staff are great and can answer all your questions and more. Is a for sure stop in Charleston.

    Ryan C.

    Arguably one of, if not the most depraved museums in South Carolina. Educational on slaves being sold and traded before the 13th amendment and the reunification of our country were to take place.

    Branding iron
    Ade B.

    As the first African American Slave museum, in a building that once housed an antebellum slave auction gallery, I was very excited to visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. After you buy your ticket a guide welcomes you to the museum and gives you a brief history of the building. It turns out the museum is only a small part of what was once a bigger building. The rest of the building is now a parking lot. This means that the museum is smaller than I anticipated. There is a lot of information to read, but because of the crowds in a small area during covid, I felt rushed to read through everything. I had a much better time on the 2nd floor. Not as many people go up there and there is more space. They also have artifacts up there like a small branding iron that was used to brand slaves. I had to snap a picture, despite the museum's no photos policy. The lack of space limits the exhibits they can have at the Old Slave Mart Museum. With more artifacts and some type of interactive exhibit this could be a 5 star destination. But as it is now it's still a place I'm glad to have visited. I went on the Saturday before the Martin Luther King Jr holiday. This museum was a good place to learn and reflect on the history of African Americans in this country and the legacy of Dr. King.

    Nita H.

    I couldn't keep my emotions together! The cold brick walls, small rooms, low ceilings and historic accounts documented there was all too much for me. I sobbed as I read and consumed the information. The museum is on sacred ground and I thank my ancestors for their resilience. HEAVY is the word! It's worth the visit!

    Prianka S.

    With so much history in this space, I was expecting so much more rather than just reading placards and posters of history that you can already find online. Personally, I don't think this museum does not do the horrors of the slave trade any justice in terms of properly educating visitors with any sorts of re-enactments or setups of an actual slave auction or even setting up the slave mart as how it would be set up in the 1800s and before. This place should close up and completely renovate the interior.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Corey H.
    576
    1026
    1395

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Abby W.
    2479
    1678
    1633

    2 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed S.
    63
    128
    127

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 2
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan C.
    2
    52
    95

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ade B.
    311
    689
    1566

    4 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 11

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Alex P.
    950
    1442
    4738

    5 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Richard R.
    4995
    1572
    25885

    4 years ago

    Helpful 122
    Thanks 1
    Love this 104
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S. T.
    1
    122
    89

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The experience was excellent! We visited while there on vacation and found it to be very interesting. It was very, very interesting!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Karen D.
    691
    1234
    5559

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Devaneé T.
    314
    524
    998

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Somber look into American History. Very informative museum and very affordable. Docents were full of great information and stories.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 25
    Thanks 1
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ben T.
    0
    39
    69

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leslie M.
    79
    117
    95

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Old Slave Mart Museum

    Review Highlights - Old Slave Mart Museum

    The displays are poignant, but most of it is reading about the slave trade with some artifacts throughout.

    Mentioned in 33 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Art Museums 2,059 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Gibbes Museum Of Art

    Gibbes Museum Of Art

    4.3(61 reviews)
    0.2 miFrench Quarter

    A visit to the Gibbes is a great way to get a taste of low country art!…read more They feature a mix of pieces from a variety of time periods. I especially enjoyed the exhibits focused on local artists and the fascinating historical pieces like mini portraits and slave tags. The sweetgrass basketry is a sight to behold. Love that they uplift artists/art that may have historically been overlooked by other museums. The building itself is beautiful on the inside - definitely check out the grand room with the domes! I'd say to give yourself about 3 hours to be able to enjoy the museum. This is a wonderful way to break up a day in Charleston (especially if the weather isn't ideal)! We were able to gain admission for free since we're members of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, and both museums are part of the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM).

    This museum is just the right size. Three floors, but not chock full or overflowing. The first…read morefloor is a local exhibit with works for sale. And a surprisingly good gift shop. I really was shocked at how good it was. Thoughtful, interesting books, games, and novelties that I took photos of to research and possibly buy later (I wasn't able to pick up extra cargo at the time). The second floor is a mix of classic permanent collection (think English art and furniture as well as Greek/sculpture pieces). There was also a contemporary section that I really enjoyed, a southern-focused mix that celebrated diversity. The third floor is for special rotating exhibits. This time I enjoyed learning about Harriet Tubman and the local rice fields. It really fleshed her out as a person and leader, while also educating us about the local Combahee River Raid in the rice fields. This exhibit taught me a lot, though it's inspired me to learn a lot more on my own. Cost was like 15 bucks. Close to all the Charleston attractions. Worthwhile stop with something for everyone. Plan for 1-3 hours depending on exhibit and how much you want to read (I glossed over the European stuff cus I've seen a ton).

    Photos
    Gibbes Museum Of Art
    Gibbes Museum Of Art
    Gibbes Museum Of Art

    See all

    Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - The screen was broken up throughout the space leaving gaps. Not immersive!

    Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

    3.7(6 reviews)
    0.5 miKing Street

    Tourist trap! Do not go! This is not immersive at all. They have white screens displayed in a…read morebroken up oval with projectors. In the middle are little children's stools. This is budget if I've ever seen it. When we went, the air conditioning was not working so they set up a bunch of fans. In Charleston, SC fans will not cut it. It was probably 85 degrees and humid inside. Next, they had the overhead lights on. This is comparable to having lights on in a movie theater. When I asked if this was normal they told me that the repair workers for the AC needed them on but they are usually off. We were there for about 15 min and left. Most people literally came and left. There was a lot of disappointment. We asked for our money back and was handed a business card with an inoperable number. We emailed and they responded with some generic message about no refunds. They did not provide the service advertised. We were so disappointed. We've had friends that loved this that attended in TN & FL. They said it was immersive with swings in the middle and other pieces. This one literally had children's stools and that was it. DO NOT GO. THIS IS A COMPLETE MONEY GRAB!

    AMAZING IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE! This is a must see event. A…read morenice Sunday afternoon stroll with the artist Van Gogh. They say every picture tells a story! Well they included interesting storyboards of his life which took you back in time to read about his struggles. It was very interesting. And the artwork OMG. It was a nice self-paced exhibit for those who don't like to walk much, you can take it slow and easy. I brought my Rollator just in case. It was nice to sit in front of the larger than life paintings. They did however have cushioned benches for a comfy perching area for people to sit and be AMAZED. The parking garage had plenty of handicap spaces with easy access to the exhibit. This is something you don't want to miss it's a once in a lifetime experience. I believe there's other showings to be around the US check on them you won't be sorry. GO GET IMMERSED WITH VAN GOGH.

    Photos
    Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - What they claim vs what's you see and that's us trying to make it look good

    What they claim vs what's you see and that's us trying to make it look good

    Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - Art

    Art

    Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

    See all

    The Charleston Museum - Various skeletons including walrus, giraffe, large turtle, etc

    The Charleston Museum

    4.1(112 reviews)
    0.9 miMazyck-Wraggborough

    What a fun little museum! This place packs a lot of information into a moderately sized space and…read morecovers much of South Carolina's history from the early indigenous days to the Revolution and Civil War. There is also a wonderful exhibit on Natural History, full of bones, skeletons, and various fossils that all tie back to the state. While we didn't have small children with us, we did stop in to check out the special kids exhibit (Kidstory) that features multiple hands-on mini exhibits. There were a variety of activities for children to do to get them interested in and involved with the history. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Admission to the museum Is priced well, and, if you're looking to knock a few places off your list in one day, you can purchase multi-site tickets and tour other affiliated properties for an even better deal. We purchased tickets online and the process was seamless. All we had to do was give our last name at the front desk to receive our tickets. Our tickets allowed us all day access so we could come and go if necessary. If parking in the museum lot (located behind the museum), be sure to have someone at the front desk validate your parking before leaving for the day. There is also parking located across the street from the museum at the visitors center -- this is important to note as the museum lot isn't large. There is a small gift shop located next to the front desk containing a variety of items. The space is handicap accessible with entrance ramps, elevators, and ADA accessible bathrooms.

    The employees are very helpful about the museum, the package tours, and the bus/trolley system…read more The museum is well organized and the lighting low. There is a lot of reading.

    Photos
    The Charleston Museum - Bank counter

    Bank counter

    The Charleston Museum
    The Charleston Museum

    See all

    International African American Museum

    International African American Museum

    4.7(70 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Wow! There's not much to say besides this experience was absolutely amazing!…read more Parking wasn't terrible, actually, and it's not too far from the aquarium. There's street parking and a few lots nearby. There's also a park across the street as well. The experience begins on the outside. From the half-statues to the imprints in the ground. Once through the security check, you go to the second floor. I learned it was elevated 13 ft off the ground to honor where grounds were like almost half of the nation's enslaved were brought to the US right in that very spot. It truly was so impactful standing in that spot reflecting on that. Once inside, the ticket counter is straight ahead, and there's a gift shop on the left and a coffee shop on the right. If you look closely or ask. They will tell you where to start. Also, they have maps as well. Every exhibit was absolutely beautiful and moving. I had chills for the majority of the experience, and to think how even though it feels like ancient history, it wasn't that long ago all of these things happened was just overwhelming. They have quiet rooms as well, which I thought was very thoughtful. On one side it's a set amount of exhibits, and on the other side it's like the American experience. It is one journey after another and truly could be broken up into a multiple-visit experience. They also have a room to explore family history and much more. The art was beautiful. I mean truly an incredible experience. My children enjoyed their time as well. They have coloring pages for the young kids, but that is all, but it's okay because I still enjoyed moving through that experience with them and introducing them to our history beyond books. I had a coffee and some chips for a snack. Everyone was so kind. The coffee was pretty good. I can't wait to go back. It is literally so much to take in, and that's in more ways than one. Some parts made me sad, but overall it made me so proud thinking and reading about the perseverance and determination, and through all the circumstances, the creativity, courage, commitment, wisdom, and culture throughout every journey. It is just so beautiful there. Connecting what they present with the stories that has been shared with me, I just cannot wait to return.

    The IAAM tells the story of African American history through the lens of the coastal south. The…read morehistory is relevant and accurate, and doesn't shy away from the atrocities Black American faced over the years. You'll find moments of wonder, joy, shock, and pain. You'll find moments can tell there was intention even in the architectural design of the building. This is a must visit when in the area.

    Photos
    International African American Museum
    International African American Museum
    International African American Museum

    See all

    Aiken-Rhett House Museum - The music room

    Aiken-Rhett House Museum

    4.3(92 reviews)
    1.0 miMazyck-Wraggborough

    This is an amazing testament to Charleston architecture and wealth circa 1820. It includes two…read morewhole un restored slave dependency buildings. Immaculate collection of antiques and the Aiken family treasures.. It's one of our local landmarks and well worth a visit.

    I absolutely loved this house and the three star rating has nothing to do with the preservation and…read moreI very much respect the opinion of others to leave the house as it was found but in MHO preservation also means to keep it in good repair as it was once kept in its original grandeur state or social importance. A few more years and the decay to the elements will bring this house to the ground. If you compare this house to the mansion in the Magnolia Plantation you can see what I mean, restoration doesn't necessarily mean modernizing the house with today's comforts like AC but actually preserve it so future generations can have an idea of how the house looked and functioned back in the years. It is not about the 16 dollar entrance fee but I would rather pay more to see what the house looked like in the splendor of the Chas boom rather than what it looked when the family moved out, moreover if the family was going through hard times and couldn't keep it up in good repair I am sure it was better than today and every day that goes by and for respect to the family the Charleston Museum owes some effort to make it look better not just show it as bad as it looks, just rain seeping through cracks and windows is little by little deteriorating it's appearance until some day it will be a parking lot. Our tour took almost two hours TMI

    Photos
    Aiken-Rhett House Museum
    Aiken-Rhett House Museum
    Aiken-Rhett House Museum

    See all

    The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon_Yelp_Sanju-5

    The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

    4.3(130 reviews)
    0.1 miFrench Quarter

    Visited: February 16, 2026…read more The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon was the perfect blend of history and hustle. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you feel the weight of Charleston's past. Inside, the immersion begins immediately -- postcards, patches, and meaningful souvenirs that make it easy to bring a little history home for friends and family. The highlight, though, was the tour. Our guide was a jolly local with razor-sharp, dry Southern wit -- the kind of storyteller who can pivot from Revolutionary War imprisonment to a perfectly timed sarcastic aside without missing a beat. Equal parts charm and "bless your heart," she made centuries-old history feel present and personal. Down in the Provost Dungeon, those brick walls carry gravity. British occupation. Prisoners of war. Pirates passing through. It's one of those rare spaces where you instinctively lower your voice. You don't just learn history -- you feel it. History hit different here. If you appreciate immersive storytelling, preserved architecture, and a tour that balances education with personality, this is absolutely worth your time.

    Barry was a fabulous tour guide --he really brought all the history alive. It's amazing all that…read morewent on in there. Easy to navigate as well. Love the military discount, too!

    Photos
    The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - Amazing brickwork throughout dungeon

    Amazing brickwork throughout dungeon

    The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - Dungeon time

    Dungeon time

    The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon_Yelp_Sanju-6

    See all

    Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon_Yelp_Sanju-6

    Old Slave Mart Museum - artmuseums - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...