Discovering Charleston’s International African American Museum: A Two-Decade Journey

Black history and Charleston are intertwined, from the Gullah-Geechee culinary traditions like okra soup and red rice to the city’s very infrastructure, largely constructed by enslaved individuals. It’s estimated that about 90 percent of Black Americans can trace at least one ancestor who passed through Charleston’s ports.

“As a museum dedicated to the African American experience, we have both the freedom and the duty to present history and culture in a way that provides a fresh outlook and revitalizes narratives often told as singular,” states Malika N. Pryor, the museum’s chief learning and engagement officer.

Nearly two decades in the making, this $100 million, 40,000-square-foot establishment features nine unique galleries that narrate the impact of enslaved and free Africans on American history, located just steps from Gadsden’s Wharf, where nearly half of enslaved Africans arrived under dire circumstances almost 250 years ago. The International African American Museum today presents an inspiring tale of transformation from tragedy to triumph. Designed by the late architect Henry N. Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners (who also created Boston’s John Hancock Tower), the museum’s architecture deliberately highlights the ocean as a central element, elevated 13 feet above ground on pillars to serve as a floating memorial.

One of the galleries is titled the Transatlantic Experience, serving as the museum’s entry point and showcasing a video journey through over 100 years of diasporic history and cultural traditions, from the Middle Passage to significant American migrations.

“No matter the circumstances in the wider world, it’s crucial to provide insight into both American and global histories. Being able to discuss these topics with nuance, sensitivity, and honesty, especially when many choose to avoid them, is a remarkable gift and an opportunity—even if it comes with its own set of challenges,” remarks Pryor.

Additional gallery spaces include the Atlantic Worlds Gallery, the South Carolina Connections Gallery, the American Journeys Gallery, the Carolina Gold Gallery, the African Roots Gallery, the Theater, the Special Exhibitions Gallery, and the Gullah Geechee Gallery, which features a multimedia ‘praise house’ showcasing the rich sounds of gospel music.

Currently on view until December 3 is Fletcher Williams III’s exhibit, When It Rains It Shines, an immersive experience that encourages visitors to reflect on Southern existence through a tapestry of personal memories and rituals. The museum's first traveling exhibition, Follow the North Star, will debut next spring, exploring the various ways African Americans have overcome their circumstances to forge new lives for themselves and future generations.

Notably, the IAAM houses the Center for Family History, an exceptional genealogy and ancestry resource that allows visitors to delve into their family histories through a wealth of historical documents, digital archives, photographs, and personalized virtual sessions. The museum also features the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, which highlights the historical importance of Gadsden’s Wharf through artistic installations and accessible site objects, including a large water feature that flows with dancing silhouettes, honoring the Atlantic Passage.

“We often describe the African American narrative as one that resides at the crossroads of trauma and triumph, profound loss and immense joy,” says Pryor. “Contextualized by local, national, and international references, our guests are introduced to the African American experience in a way they might not have encountered before. While the subjects can be heavy and the themes challenging, the space remains bright and hopeful. The energy and design of the museum are crafted to guide you through the journey—lifting visitors through hardship and celebrating the joy of remarkable achievements.”

Plan your visit to the IAAM

• Buy tickets: iaamuseum.org; tickets can also be purchased by calling 843-872-5352.

IAAM is open every day from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Timed-entry tickets are necessary, with the last reservation at 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. General admission is $20, while tickets for youth (ages 6–16), seniors (62+), and military personnel are $10. For more details on planning your visit, purchasing tickets, or becoming a museum member, check out IAAM’s website.

For accommodations, the 155-room Dewberry Charleston boasts a prime location in the city center, featuring luxurious soaking tubs and canopy beds, along with the James Beard–nominated Citrus Club bar located on the ground floor. When you're ready to eat, visit the barbecue favorite Rodney Scott’s or indulge in fine dining that highlights the region’s Lowcountry cuisine at Fig.