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The Legacy Museum: Confronting American Injustice

An immersive and unforgettable journey through the history of racial injustice in America, from slavery to mass incarceration, located in Montgomery, AL.

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The Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, offers a sobering and immersive journey through the history of racial inequality in America, from slavery to mass incarceration. Located on the site of a former slave warehouse, the museum uses interactive exhibits, first-person narratives, and powerful visuals to confront visitors with the harsh realities of the past and its continuing impact on society today.

A brief summary to The Legacy Museum

  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, as a limited number of same-day tickets are available.
  • Plan to spend at least 3-5 hours at the museum to fully experience the exhibits.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service to visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, as admission to all three sites is included with one ticket.
  • Utilize the free parking available at the Legacy Pavilion, which also houses a welcome center, ticket office, gift shop, and restaurant.
  • Consider starting your visit at the Legacy Museum and then taking the free shuttle to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, followed by the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, to experience the full narrative arc.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Montgomery locations like the Rosa Parks Museum or the Civil Rights Memorial, the Legacy Museum is an easy 10-15 minute walk. Head north on N Court Street. The museum will be on your left, look for the Legacy Pavilion, which houses the welcome center, ticket office, and free parking. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Montgomery Airport (MGM), take the line 6 bus to the Fairview Transfer Center. Then, transfer to the line 12 bus to the Intermodal Transfer Center. From there, the Legacy Museum is a short walk away. The total cost for the bus is approximately $4 ($2 per ride).

  • Taxi

    From Montgomery Airport (MGM), a taxi to The Legacy Museum takes approximately 12 minutes and costs between $23 and $29. Taxi services like On Time Taxi are available.

  • Driving

    If driving, use GPS to navigate to 400 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104. From I-85, take exit 172 for Court Street and follow the signs. Free parking is available at the Legacy Pavilion. Note that parking can fill up quickly during peak hours. There are no toll roads on the immediate final approach.

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Discover more about The Legacy Museum

The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration, located in Montgomery, Alabama, provides a powerful and unflinching look at the history of racial injustice in the United States. Situated on the site of a former cotton warehouse where enslaved Black people were forced to labor, the museum uses interactive media, first-person accounts, and data-rich exhibits to immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of the slave trade, racial terrorism, the Jim Crow South, and the modern prison system. The museum, founded by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), explores the legacy of slavery, segregation, and mass incarceration through immersive exhibits and videos. Visitors encounter replicas of slave pens and experience the harrowing conditions endured by enslaved people awaiting auction. The museum also presents extensive research on lynchings and the dehumanizing effects of Jim Crow laws, connecting historical injustices to contemporary issues such as police violence. In 2021, the Legacy Museum expanded to a new, larger location, offering a deeper exploration of American history through displays, artwork, and interactive elements. The museum serves as a companion to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which is dedicated to the memory of lynching victims. Together, these sites provide an unforgettable and transformative experience, prompting reflection and inspiring hope for a more equitable future.

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