Old Slave Mart Museum, Charleston: Photos, Reviews & Location

Displays in this former slave auction building tell the story of the slave trade in Charleston.

At a glance

#19 of 20 Tourist attractions in Charleston #7 of 7 Museums in Charleston

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.40

0.4 km from the center of Charleston

Rating breakdown

5 ★63%
4 ★22%
3 ★10%
2 ★3%
1 ★3%

6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

theoldslavemartmuseum.org

+1 843-958-6467

Photos of Old Slave Mart Museum (48)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Old Slave Mart Museum?: Old Slave Mart Museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 2,167 reviews.
How does Old Slave Mart Museum rank in Charleston?: Old Slave Mart Museum is #19 of 20 Tourist attractions in Charleston by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Old Slave Mart Museum located?: 6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States — 0.4 km from the center of Charleston.
How can I contact Old Slave Mart Museum?: Phone: +1 843-958-6467 · Website: theoldslavemartmuseum.org

Reviews (8)

Brody Helms 2025 Jan 06

Overall the museum has a solid foundation of slavery and also the role of it in Charleston. There are 2 floors split up from broad to specific. You start upstairs and then come back downstairs. There are some neat artifacts included with primary documents. There was not as many interactive elements that other museums have. Most of it is just pictures and readings on the wall. I would say that this is a one and done thing in Charleston.

Jay Hugee 2024 Dec 31

So, I visited the “Old Slave Museum” in Charleston while vacationing in South Carolina. I was informed by one of the guides that there were 47 different auction sites, within a 4-block radius! 😡

He said that the “Mart” processed and sold “conservatively” 10,000 Africans, and that’s just this one site alone. Keep in mind that this is ONLY in Charleston, not counting other towns and States in this country, and this went on for 200+ years.

So, I asked him my “litmus test” question: “with everything that you shared with me and all that you know about this history, what are your thoughts on “reparations”?

In front of a half-dozen or so tourist, he began to stutter, and trip over his words ultimately saying it is a complex question and that he doesn’t think it’s fair to be punished for the sins of the forefathers.

I responded by saying that his answer was disappointing and should have been a resounding YES! He humbly agreed. 🫤

Talk about avoiding accountability…with all of the unimaginable details that he is keenly aware of, unlike a typical unaware “shielded from history” American, he still cannot acknowledge the need for “repair” from the enormous damage inflicted on Gods chosen people. ❤️🖤💚

Joe LaMartina 2024 Dec 31

Was not as complex as we believed ot would be but in any case a important part of history that must be told. Take time to explore there is alot of reading and they offer many books on the history of Slavery that are must reads.

Gordon Shaffer 2024 Nov 07

Historic Charleston prospered like no other city during the times of slave trading. Slaves were off loaded at the wharfs and taken to a short distance to be auctioned to traders and to parts further south. The Old Slave Mart Museum on Chalmers St is housed in the same building that was constructed for the purpose of jailing and selling slaves while remaining out of sight. The Mart was the most renown and busiest of the slave trading businesses in town. The museum has two floors of exhibits. The top tells the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The bottom or first floor portrays the activities of domestic slave trading in SC and at the Mart specifically. Admission is very reasonable; under $10.

Sandra 2024 Sep 01

This museum offers a profound and sobering exploration of America's history of slavery.

On my way out, I’ve picked up an excellent book(Complicity: How the North Promoted, Prolonged, and Profited from Slavery) that reveals extensive involvement of northern states in this grim history.

The banks, insurance agencies, and cotton mills in the North were complicit in the exploitation of enslaved individuals.

While the experience at The Old Slave Mart Museum can be heavy and challenging, it is crucial for fostering a more comprehensive understanding of American history.

The exhibits significantly deepened my understanding of ongoing impact of slavery on contemporary society and how institutions beyond the southern plantations were integral to the mechanics of slavery.

DJ Pistol (Pete) 2024 Sep 01

A very historical place to learn about the slave trade and progression through time. Priced reasonable for how small the museum is. Would recommend if in the area and want to learn more about how slavery shaped the area and our country.

Cheryl Aversano 2024 Jul 28

History is very rarely just the roses, it’s the thorny stems also, and here is a testament to the thorny part of US history…slavery. Yes people were actually sold in this building. Their lives stolen from them, their families stolen from them…as you walk and read and see the inhuman treatment of fellow humans, depicted in this building,may it help you understand what truly happened and how to never repeat such atrocities again.

erika irvin 2024 Jul 10

If you think you know what slaves went through, you're probably wrong. But this place will open your eyes to what you didn't know. I recommend doing both museums ( slave mart and dungeon ). You won't regret it, if you like history.