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

Explore 300 years of history in Mobile, Alabama, from its colonial roots to its vibrant modern culture.

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The History Museum of Mobile, housed in the historic Southern Market/Old City Hall, showcases over 300 years of Mobile's history. Exhibits explore the city's diverse past, from pre-colonial times to its role as a modern port, with artifacts and stories that bring history to life.

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 and upcoming special exhibitions.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Colonial Fort Condé and the Phoenix Fire Museum for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mobile Convention Center or downtown hotels, the History Museum of Mobile is easily accessible on foot. Walk south on Royal Street. The museum is on the left, a few blocks south of Government Street, across from Mardi Gras Park. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Mobile Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus service to the Central Business District. Several routes stop near Bienville Square, a short walk from the museum. From Bienville Square, walk south on Royal Street for two blocks. A single ride on MATS costs approximately $1.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. Request a ride to the History Museum of Mobile at 111 S Royal St. Fares from other points in downtown Mobile typically range from $8 to $15, depending on distance and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, take I-10 to Exit 26B for Water Street/Downtown. Turn left onto Government Street, then left again onto Royal Street. The museum will be on your left. Limited two-hour street parking is available for $1.00 per hour. Paid parking lots are also located nearby on the NW corner of Government & Royal Streets, the SW corner of Church and Royal, and in the parking garage at the Riverview Hotel on N. Royal Street, with hourly rates typically ranging from $2.50 to $3.00 and daily maximums around $21.00.

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Discover more about History Museum of Mobile

The History Museum of Mobile, situated in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama, offers a deep dive into the rich history of the Port City and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. Located within the Southern Market/Old City Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1857, the museum's building itself is a significant historical artifact. The museum's exhibits cover a broad range of topics, beginning with the area's earliest inhabitants in the "Mobile's First People" exhibit and continuing through Mobile's colonial periods under French and Spanish rule. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the city's vibrant cultural heritage, including its renowned Mardi Gras tradition, maritime history, and unique Creole cuisine. The museum is also responsible for preserving, safeguarding, and interpreting over 118,000 artifacts, though only a small percentage are on display at any given time. Exhibits include artifacts such as a cannon from the Civil War raider ship CSS Alabama and a baseball signed by Hank Aaron. The History Museum of Mobile also operates the Africatown Heritage House, which features the Clotilda Exhibition, telling the story of the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States.

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