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History Museum of Mobile: Unveiling the Port City's Past

Explore 300 years of history in Mobile's historic Southern Market building. Discover artifacts, stories, and interactive exhibits for all ages.

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Delve into 300 years of Mobile's captivating history at the History Museum of Mobile. Located in the historic Southern Market building, a National Historic Landmark, the museum showcases over 90,000 artifacts, interactive exhibits, and compelling stories from pre-colonial times to the modern Port City.

A brief summary to History Museum of Mobile

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the History Museum of Mobile and Colonial Fort Condé.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current temporary exhibits and special events.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Colonial Fort Condé and Phoenix Fire Museum to further enhance your historical exploration of Mobile.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mobile Convention Center or many downtown hotels, the History Museum of Mobile is within easy walking distance. Head south on Royal Street. The museum is located on the left side of Royal Street, a few blocks south of Government Street, across from Mardi Gras Park.

  • Public Transport

    The Mobile Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus service to the Central Business District. Several bus routes stop near the History Museum of Mobile. From the MATS City Hall Trolley Stop, walk south on Royal Street for one block. The fare for a bus ride is typically $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. Simply enter 'History Museum of Mobile' or the address '111 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602' as your destination. Fares from other points in downtown Mobile typically range from $10 to $20.

  • Driving

    If driving, take I-10 to exit 26B for Water Street/Downtown. Turn left at the first traffic light onto Government Street. Turn left at the next traffic light onto S. Royal Street. The History Museum of Mobile is on the left. Two-hour street parking or paid lot parking is available in the immediate area. Parking lots include the NW corner of Government & Royal Streets, the SW corner of Church and Royal, and the parking garage at the Riverview Hotel on N. Royal Street. Parking rates vary, typically costing $2.50 per hour or $20 daily.

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Discover more about History Museum of Mobile

The History Museum of Mobile offers a deep dive into the rich and diverse history of Mobile and the Gulf Coast region. Housed in the Southern Market, a National Historic Landmark built in the Italianate style between 1855 and 1857, the museum building itself is a historical artifact, having served as a marketplace and city government offices. The museum's exhibits cover a broad range of topics, beginning with the area's first inhabitants and progressing through Mobile's colonial eras under French and Spanish rule. Visitors can explore the complex history of slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement, gaining insights into Mobile's role in these pivotal moments in American history. The museum also celebrates Mobile's unique cultural heritage, including its vibrant Mardi Gras tradition, maritime history, and Creole cuisine. Key exhibits include "Old Ways New Days," which traces Mobile's story from Native American beginnings to modern times. The museum also features temporary and traveling exhibitions, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors. Don't miss the children's discovery room, where families can explore a French ship, play African drums, and try on colonial clothing. In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibits, the History Museum of Mobile also operates the Africatown Heritage House, which features the exhibition "Clotilda: The Exhibition," telling the story of the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States and the community founded by its survivors.

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