Walking through the structures of an original slave market is chilling. Its small but very well done, narrated and kept by amazing staff,Considering how brutal and important Charleston was to slave trade, I expected larger museums, more narratives. But this small museum is amazing amd getting it started in itself wasnt easy as youll learn.

I absolutely loved this Museum. Previous reviews complained that their aren’t a lot of artifacts and it was a lot of posters to read, but I actually really liked how they set up the museum and presented the information. The museum was very educational and dealt with a sensitive topic really well. It gave insight into all the different parties that were involved in the slave trade such as merchants and traders, and showed how the enslaved resisted the process in both subtle and overt ways to maintain their human dignity in the most dehumanizing circumstances.

It was facinating and on the other hand very disturbing particularly that people could both own and buy and sell people and split up families as if they were dealing with cattle. Then to read that one of the past owners of the property acted as if the slave owners were being kind to their slaves or in some way helping them up the ladder so to speak. The museum did their best to paint the picture as it really was. The presentation was very detailed and almost all was reading, but our two 9 year old twins did understand the serious nature of slavery. Due to the fact that Ariel, one of the presenters at the museum, who took special interest in the girls and showed them a couple of extra things and talked with them, I think they will remember their visit to Charleston and the Old Slave Mart Museum. It was a highlight of our visit to Charleston.

A must stop while in Charleston! Trigger Warning!!! But if your in town and want to know about real history go and Visit! The Slave Mart Museum has been reduced to a small building but it was actually bigger than what you see. My children enjoyed learning things not taught in school!

Any trip to Charleston and seeing all of its beauty should be balanced with this historic look at how it got so pretty, or more accurately--because of whom. Chilling to stand in a show room, but important.

A sobering place, much smaller than I expected which adds to the interest of what happened there. Theyve done a good job with the exhibit there, its a lot of information smashed into a small location but it does a good job of highlighting the most pertinent points and I learned a few things when I thought I already knew all about it. Recommended, though its a difficult place to visit.

Short but worth it. Soul touching

Really cool to have a museum like this in this historic place, but they have few artifacts. Mostly just walls off text to read

Too many photo posters (not actual artifacts) which translates to plenty of reading so it seemed more like a gallery than a museum. For a $8 admission fee I was expecting to see more. The only saving grace is that (if you can summon your imagination) its located at the actual alley way and the front is cobbled road. Read up on articles of slavery trading history by yourself if youre strapped for time.

A moving and informative experience, very suprised to learn more slaves were sent to south america by far than anywhere else.

Havent been here but probably will never because Im seeing they charge. This should be free for African Americans. Just saying! With history, African Americans were not paid what they were worth! So you charge them to know about history at a museum exhibit?! No thanks.

Interesting, however it was very short. Thought I would have seen more of the building.

Great place, would have liked more interactive exhibitions as there was a lot of written information to absorb. But all in all a great place to learn about a very sad history

They do a fantastic job here. Everyone who visits Charleston should visit this museum. Takes about 30 min-1 hour.

No social distancing protocols. Took away from learning about the significance of this period of history

This place did a fantastic job at shining a light on the harsh reality of slavery. This is a self tour museum and involves some reading, but its worth it. We learned a lot here!

What a beautiful way to honor the slaves that built our country. Do not be fooled by the museum on top of the market. It is only a museum for Daughters of the Confederacy Museum has a higher rating.

Im glad to have seen this exhibit. History.

Good place for learning about the past. But it is tiny.

Lots of interesting things here, also lots of horrible human history.

Good museum, very informative even though its small. I put only 4 stars because they had loud discussions with some guests which were very disruptive and made other guests unable to read the exhibits or enjoy the experience. They should manage volume level better since it is a museum

Great tour guide for the dungeon! Cool to stand in a ballroom that Washington danced in.

Very informative. Its self guided. 2 stories of history. A bit creepy that it still exist. The whole building is not original except the walls and arch. Buy the combo tickets for both places. Its a very sad, malicious history to read and learn about. Americas history.

Pricey for such a small attraction, but such important history to learn that we might never forget those who suffered under slavery. Probably not suited for kids with no interactive displays, lots of reading and a difficult subject matter.

Great museum. Friendly people running this location. Not for younger children but they did allow us to use their small elevator for the stroller.

Compact but intense dose of reality. Everyone should check this place out!

No one should miss out on such an educational experience. It is self paced, so please take the time to actually read everything.

Very disappointed in this museum. While it was clean and informative, we left with no new knowledge than when we walked in. Other than a few artifacts and the outside of the building being original, there was much to be desired. The staff was not very friendly and seemed to be bothered by anyone coming in. Skip this tourist trap. If youre looking to be educated, you wont learn much here.

While limited by the size of the original auction house, and by the strict preservation laws of historic Charleston, this museum tried their best to depict the horror and inhumanity of the slave auction. The best feature of this educational resource was the voice recordings of former slaves who gave interviews in their older years - they were each over 90 years old. Hearing their wisdom and their stories as voices on a phone rather than as words on a plaque really hit hard. More of this type of creative and interactive presentation would enhance this museum.

Its not often you get to see history like this. Allowing me to educate myself in the sad history of slavery

Remarkable place. Very surreal to think what went on there. Great displays and tells the story very well.

A must see for anyone visiting Charleston. This museum houses a lot of the history of this beautiful city, and without it, Charleston would not be as rich and amazing as it is.

A+ experience. A very powerful reflection of the world during slavery in the US and Africa. The female guide at the desk who hails from Georgia (forgot her name) is magnificent. A real treasure in explaining Charlestons sad and central role in human bondage. Dont miss this ... give yourself an hour to learn so much of this regrettable history.

Historical building with little insight on the local history

A small, educational museum. They had a traveling exhibit on the second floor.

It was educational and interesting to see the original pieces used during slavery. It was heartwrenching to know slavery was a real life experience but the museum made me feel connected to my ancestors. The museum is well put together but unfortunately due to city laws, taking photos is not allowed. However, the attendant will hold up a picture of the original Slave Mart for you to photograph if youd like. I have the photo posted to my comment.

Profound experience!

Its a nice museum. There isnt much for artifacts from the building, if such a thing even ever existed. The museum was focused on the history of slavery as a whole. I guess i was expecting a more focused museum about the market and Charlestons history of slavery. Its a good museum, just not quite what i was expecting.

Well worth your time to learn about such an important part of American history! There is also an elevator for handicap accessibility.

Informative, good visuals to read, interesting artifacts, nicely laid out, updated facility. Very knowledgeable person at front desk. Sad history though.

Very small 2 story space on a beautiful cobblestone street... indescribable combinations of feelings... Surreal, somber, reflective, educational. Amazed to have stood in a place of such significant American history.

You cant take photos inside. This was amazing! A high point of our visit. This is a sensitive and thought provoking exhibit. Its emotionally intense and lovingly curated by an educated staff. My son and I were disturbed and saddened. But, we needed to see this part of our story. Is tastefully done and young children can come without being scared.

Very eye opening experience for what our country used to be

Truly amazing. Christine was extremely knowledgeable and the museum held so much information. Being able to hear Christine speak prior to entering was the highlight for me. It wasnt water down. It actually brought me to tears along with my family to feel structures that the enslaved build. That alone was powerful. While small, there is a ton of information to read but you wouldnt find this history in history classes and books. I would love to come back again!

It was informative. Alot of reading. No picturs beyond the front.

Very interesting to learn details about slavery I did not know. Do not expect a lot of exhibits. Most of the information you get will be from reading posters and placards but it is a worthwhile visit for a minimal cost.

Very informative. It was interesting learning the USA was responsible for 7% of the Western Hemisphere slave trade...shows how widespread the practice was unfortunately! I also noticed a box of tissues in the lobby. You may need it as you exit since a strong emotional reaction is understandable....

Great place to gain insight into history

It is a humbling and sobering piece of history. Although I do believe that slavery how human beings have treated other human beings for centuries and how did this affect our behavior for decades after that deserves a bigger space. The exposition is very well laid and the recordings of actual former slaves are indeed shocking. Someone definitely has to visit and get informed

Great place and soo much history here. You will do a lot of reading literally..The place is small and it can beomes crowded quick. It’s amazing how Charleston was built literally out of slavery. They have displays of shackles and objects used from the time period.

Eye opening visit. If the history books would have reported things accurately, it still wouldnt have compared to this visit.

Love walking thru looking at all the items for sale.

Somber and important history museum in downtown Charleston. Dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Take time to read through the displays and listen to actual recollections of former slaves, recorded in the 1940s.

Great history knowledge and visual images

The tour was well done so much history in Charleston.

This museum tells the story of a part of American History that we need to hear. Slavery is such a stain on the American history. We need to understand what it was about to fully understand the continued impact it has on our modern day experience. The first person narratives recorded years ago were particularly powerful.

This is one of the few museums I know, that specializes in the history of slavery. There are not that many artifacts. It has documents, books, instruments to torture/capture/imprison slaves. The museum building used to be a slave market, and it does explain the history of the slavery and the market in detail. If you are interested on the history of slavery, I would highly recommend this museum. You wont need more than 1-1:30 hour for this museum.There is another old exchange and provost dungeon few blocks from this museum. Exchange building is related with slave trading as well. If you are interested, you can buy a combo ticket to visit both of them.

I knew most of the information presented here from my grade school education, but it was interesting to see some authentic artifacts. I was disappointed to learn that the only thing from the period of this being a slave Mart are the walls as it was a dirt floored alleyway at that time.The reality is that slaves were traded for over a hundred years in the streets of Charleston, everywhere but on Market Street itself, which was government owned and where it was not allowed. Thus you are walking in a slave museum everywhere you go in the Historic part of Charleston.

Learned a lot about the cruel history. Friendly staffs!

Have nothing special. I recommend the museum next to it.

It looked great. Wished we had more time to take a tour. Cant wait to visit Charleston again to take in all of tge lovely sites and learn more about the area.

They really have a building like this? Disgusting.

A wonderful place to take in some knowledge and understanding of some of Americas history. George Washington actually stood in one of the rooms that you tour. A wonderful learning opportunity for young and old alike. Beautiful architecture though it is a bit pricey.

This museum is definitely worth visiting. Very interesting and informative, not to mention moving. Having said that, it is rather static, relying a lot on textual information, so dont forget your glasses!

Great reads just wish they had more artifacts

Very interesting and full of history. The history behind the slave trade is something we should always remember, and teach, so that we can know our history and respect those that had to live that way ( in the darkness)

This should be one of the very first places you see in Charleston. It gives depth and context to everything else youll see and a more honest look at slaverys history than the often sanitized versions youll be given elsewhere. Not scary or graphic, Id recommend it for ages 9 and up. I taught 25 years and would have taken my 4th and up classes. Its small but well done. Be sure and check out the books for sale.

TINY museum! Its CROWDED if theres 15 people in there. 90% of the museum is panels of different written word paragraphs with some facts and photos; and some actual shackles and period newspaper articles. Historically, a significant location, but only a 10 minute experience unless you read every last word......30 minutes.

Gorgeous features to the building.

A remarkable experience! To be on such sacred ground and to head of such horror- places like this museum are needed. We

If youre interested in African American history, this place is a must visit. Its packed w/lot of Slave history. I really enjoyed hearing the actual voice recordings of interviews w/previous slaves who were once victims of slave auctions right there in Charleston. If your easily moved by the mistreatment of others , carry your tissue because it can be very emotional for at times.

A small museum, with some really good original audio of ex slaves. Makes you think how recent it was relatively.My 14 year old enjoyed/ found it interesting. It was a bit too textual for my 12 year old. Not one for younger kids.

Mostly text exhibits. Good amount of history. Downstairs can be crowded with just a few people at times.

Good place for people unfamiliar to slave history, however there is nothing exceptional about this museum. I was expecting more artifacts or renovated rooms and furniture from that time, I was a bit disappointed.

Interesting place with lots of history. Everyone should visit the whole town of Charleston, South Carolina has a lot of history on how this country was started.

The exhibits were highly informative and well done, and this is a small museum so it doesnt take a long time to absorb the material. I would rate them a 4. My 1 rating is because an employee behaved so belligerently towards me when I politely asked a question he just didnt like.

If I did not do anything else on this trip the museum made the entire trip worth it. I was sad, angry and enlightened all at the same time. The gentleman who runs the place gave us so much insight and additional knowledge. The best part is my sons ️ learned a lot as well. The place is small but jam packed with a lot of stuff!

Small but very informative museum. Other than being in the location where slaves were sold you don’t really experience what the slave mart was like or looked like. Some amazing facts on display about the slave trade as well as some details of what the slaves experienced.

Dont waste time. Its gentrified.

Beautiful and serene gardens with great history. Restaurant on grounds also very nice

Highly recommend visiting this piece of history. Staff was kind and knowledgeable, especially Ms Mitchell. Pictures of exhibits are not allowed so you need to visit for yourself. You’ll be saddened and disturbed but for the right reasons. My 10 year-old son said “this place makes me sad”. I reminded him that we need to learn history, the good, bad, and horrible, to learn from it and hopefully never repeat it. #Lestweforget

Very well done with an excellent selection of niche hard-to-find books.

EXCELLENT MUSEUM!!!! The museum tells the story of the enslaved people in Charleston and gave our trip a richer, more complete history. We lucked out because we were able to hear the presentation behind the museum and see the fingerprints in the bricks. It was so fascinating!

Its like you dont even care. Lets just throw a few things together, write some stuff on the walls and call it a museum. Please do better to truthfully educate people. You have got to have the slave ship manifesto. What were some of the slaves names and ages etc? Who owned all those slave ships? Theres plenty more to be told.

What a great look at it past. Reading the displays, I learned a lot about things I didnt know, like there were free blacks that were slave owners, a lot of them buying relatives and friends in the slave trade. I found this extremely interesting. It was indeed a dark time in our countrys past, but this is a great way to never forget.

The Old Slave Mart will connect you to the slave era like no other. Blessed to have visited this museum with such cultural and historical significance. Well worth a visit.

An amazing and educational experience!

A must visit for anyone interested in the history of slavery and its afterlife. Its a difficult space to be in, it carries a lot of strong psychic/spiritual energy. May be overwhelming for some....but a definite stop if youre interested.

I have read much about slavery but still learned even more here. Very well displayed, easy to read for all ages, staff very helpful. Wish there was space.

This city is rich in history. Some of it isnt especially pleasant, but it happened.

Eye opening, moving, very well done, important information. A definite Charleston must! Give yourself plenty of time.

Well worth the price of admission. We need places like this so people of every generation can learn about this nations history both the good and the bad.

Very good information about history

Very moving and instructive. Small for a nice visit with a lot of information to grasp.

Incredible Period History Museum. Everyone, regardless of race, creed or color should be required to understand this unforgivable time in our history. When visiting please take plenty of time to listen, learn and forgive!

Small museum. Big history. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. We loved Christine Mitchell-King. She has worked there 20 years I believe. Hard to believe that slavery happened in our not too distant past. Fascinating stories at the museum including photos, artifacts, and voice accounts of events. Thank you for preserving and sharing this piece of history.

A great Old building, but only only a few artifacts, a bunch of print outs that you have to read. Save the $40 dollars and buy a book

Lots of information in a small space. Recordings of narratives from former slaves are the best.

Good place to take a moment and learn our history, which at times can be less than what we would hope for. Yet still enlightening.

Another wonderful place full of history great staff as well that was very informative