History Museum of Mobile: A Journey Through Time
Explore 300 years of history in Mobile, from its colonial roots to its vibrant Mardi Gras traditions, at this landmark museum.
Discover 300 years of Mobile's captivating history at the History Museum of Mobile, situated in the heart of downtown. Housed within the Southern Market and Old City Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in Italianate style between 1855 and 1857, the museum building itself is a historical artifact. 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. Don't miss the children's discovery room, where families can explore a French ship, play African drums, and try on colonial clothing. The museum also features temporary and traveling exhibitions, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors. In addition to its 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.
Local tips
- Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the History Museum of Mobile and Colonial Fort Condé.
- Your admission ticket also grants you access to Colonial Fort Condé.
- Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibits and special events.
- Active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day.
A brief summary to History Museum of Mobile
- 111 S Royal St, Mobile, Central Business District, Alabama, 36602, US
- +1251-208-7569
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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 $8 to $20.
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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.
Attractions Nearby to History Museum of Mobile
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Mardi Gras Park
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Colonial Fort Condé
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Exploreum Science Center & Poarch Band of Creek Indians Digital Dome Theater
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Condé-Charlotte Museum
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Cooper Riverside Park
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The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
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GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
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Bienville Square
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Saenger Theatre Mobile
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The Mobile tunnel
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Phoenix Fire Museum
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Dauphin St
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Alabama Contemporary Art Center
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Cathedral Square
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Heavenly Metal
Landmarks nearby to History Museum of Mobile
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Ruins of the Second Fort Conde
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Christ Church Cathedral
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Mobile Historic Development
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Historic Mobile Bay
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Pincus Building
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Visit Mobile Alabama
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The Admiral
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Downtown Mobile
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Mobile Hidden Figures Historical Marker
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Philippi Mastin House
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Chighizola House
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The Temple Downtown
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The Pollock-Altmayer House
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Bettie Hunter House