International African American Museum welcomes first visitors in Charleston

A modern building surrounded by palm trees and greenery, the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum, which aims “to honor the untold stories of the African American Journey at one of our country’s most sacred sites,” is now open in Charleston, South Carolina. That “sacred site” is Gadsden’s Wharf, where around 45 percent of enslaved Africans entered the United States.

Galleries at the museum, which opened its doors at the end of last month, trace historical cultural roots in West Africa and document contemporary Gullah Geechee culture in South Carolina and Georgia, uncover connections across the Black Atlantic World and between notable South Carolinians and the wider world, incorporate art works of art in a range of media, and more.

Learn more about visiting or browse a handful of digital exhibitions.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) proudly supported the creation of the International African American Museum. SNF was also a Founding Donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.