Legacy Museum
A powerful exploration of slavery, racial inequality, and mass incarceration, offering a vital, unvarnished look at American history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Legacy Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful exploration of slavery, racial inequality, and mass incarceration, offering a vital, unvarnished look at American history.
"One of the best museums that I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting."
🎟️ Affordable Admission
Tickets are a steal at $5 and often include access to other EJI sites and a boat tour!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the outdoor memorials and sculpture park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
From Slavery to Mass Incarceration Exhibit
Main exhibition hall
A profound journey through America's history of racial injustice, from enslavement to modern-day mass incarceration.
Lynching Memorial
Outdoor memorial (connected to EJI)
A solemn space honoring victims of racial terror, featuring soil collected from lynching sites across the nation.
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
Adjacent to the museum
Outdoor sculptures that powerfully represent the African American experience and legacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
No Photos Allowed Inside
Emotional Impact & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Admission
Tickets are a steal at $5 and often include access to other EJI sites and a boat tour! +1
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the outdoor memorials and sculpture park.
📚 Purchase Books & Merch
Since photos aren't allowed, invest in books and souvenirs from the gift shop to remember your visit.
🤝 Engage with Staff
Museum guides and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can offer deeper insights into the exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Admission
Tickets are a steal at $5 and often include access to other EJI sites and a boat tour! +1
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the outdoor memorials and sculpture park.
📚 Purchase Books & Merch
Since photos aren't allowed, invest in books and souvenirs from the gift shop to remember your visit.
🤝 Engage with Staff
Museum guides and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can offer deeper insights into the exhibits.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
This is not a quick visit; plan for at least 2-3 hours to truly absorb the powerful content.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Legacy Museum as a profoundly impactful and essential experience, highlighting its educational value and emotional depth. While the no-photography policy is noted, most find it enhances the immersive nature of the exhibits. The affordability and the dedication of the staff are also frequently commended.
"One of the best museums that I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The staff at the museum are all very professional and friendly. The museum is immaculate and the price for admission is very reasonable. You are not allowed to take pictures in the museum which was fine because I was so impressed, I purchased 3 books, 3 tee shirts, a hoodie, ornaments and a magnet. We also had a wonderful tour guide Ann Clemons. The tour did get quite emotional for me at one point and I was glad that they have benches to sit. The art in the museum is breathtaking and the history behind the stories can get overwhelming at times, but I was comfortable at being uncomfortable. The pictures that I’ve posted are from the park across the street from the museum. The other pictures are from The National Museum for Peace and Justice. A very solemn visit but one that is a necessity. The visit to Freedom Monument Sculpture Park was breathtaking and beautiful. If you ever get a chance to go to Montgomery,AL please visit these and the other museums in and around Montgomery. I will go back again."
Renee Price
"What an eye-opening experience! I wanted to cry. We've all been lied to about the true history of our African American friends and neighbors. The museum is beautiful and full of information. Every school child in the United States needs to come here to learn the truth."
Ramona Moreland
"The Legacy Museum is a treasure chest of Black History! All of the museum guides were courteous and helpful! The Memorial Garden has both indigenous and African art. There was so much to see that it started raining and we couldn't see it all! That makes it so much easier to go back and finish the tour! The most fun part was the shuttle bus rider named Stan Washington! He was GOAT tour provider! Thanks again Stan!"
Queen Charlie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Legacy Museum is located in downtown Montgomery. Visitors often drive and utilize parking lots nearby, with shuttles available to transport you to various EJI sites.
Yes, parking is available, and often a shuttle service is provided to take you to the museum and other related sites.
While specific public transport routes may vary, many visitors opt for driving or ride-sharing services due to the museum's central location.
The museum and its grounds are reported to be very wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all visitors to experience the exhibits.
Many visitors find that utilizing the shuttle services provided by the Equal Justice Initiative is the most convenient way to navigate between The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are remarkably affordable, often costing around $5, and may include access to other EJI attractions. +1
While online booking options may be available, purchasing tickets upon arrival is also common. It's always best to check the official EJI website for the most current information.
The Legacy Museum typically has consistent operating hours, but it's advisable to check the official Equal Justice Initiative website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. [^EJI website]
The already low admission price makes it accessible for most. Check the EJI website for any potential group rates or special offers.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance can be a good idea, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure entry and avoid potential queues.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside The Legacy Museum to encourage full immersion in the exhibits.
The museum powerfully explores the history of slavery, racial inequality, and mass incarceration in America, using personal accounts, films, and art.
The museum deals with sensitive and mature themes. While educational, parents should consider the emotional impact on younger children.
To fully appreciate the depth of the exhibits, it's recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Both are projects of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and are located near each other, offering complementary perspectives on America's history of racial injustice.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase books, apparel, and other items related to the museum's themes.
The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant, but there are many dining options in the surrounding downtown Montgomery area. [^Montgomery dining]
The gift shop offers a range of items, including books on Black history and civil rights, apparel, and souvenirs that reflect the museum's mission.
Absolutely, the gift shop is a great place to find literature that complements the museum's exhibits and deepens your understanding of the topics presented.
Downtown Montgomery has a variety of cafes and eateries, and depending on the day, you might find food trucks operating in the vicinity. [^Montgomery dining]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with children, consider focusing on specific exhibits that might be more accessible or discussing the themes beforehand. The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park offers a more visually engaging outdoor experience that might resonate well. It's also beneficial to have conversations with your children about what they are seeing and feeling, providing context and support throughout the visit.
📚 History Buffs & Learners
Beyond the main exhibits, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park offer further layers of historical context and reflection. Engaging with the museum's staff and purchasing relevant books from the gift shop can further enhance your understanding and provide resources for continued learning.
⚖️ Social Justice Advocates
Visiting the museum can be a deeply validating and galvanizing experience for advocates, reinforcing the importance of truth-telling and remembrance. The Lynching Memorial and the stories of victims serve as potent reminders of the ongoing need for justice and systemic change.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of No Photography
Many visitors find this policy enhances their experience, allowing for a more profound and reflective engagement with the difficult truths presented. Instead of focusing on documenting, the emphasis shifts to understanding and empathizing. This commitment to an unmediated experience is a hallmark of the museum's mission to confront uncomfortable truths and promote healing.
Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative
Stevenson's vision for The Legacy Museum is to create a space for truth-telling and reconciliation. The museum's exhibits are meticulously researched and designed to confront the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on contemporary society. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, also created by EJI and located nearby, complements the museum by honoring victims of racial terror and lynching.
Visitors often express deep admiration for Stevenson's work and the profound impact of EJI's initiatives. The museum serves as a testament to his commitment to confronting historical injustices and advocating for a more equitable future.
Emotional Resonance and Reflection
+1This emotional impact is intentional. The museum aims to create a space where visitors can be uncomfortable, confront difficult truths, and begin to understand the historical context of ongoing racial inequality. The presence of benches throughout the museum offers opportunities for visitors to pause, reflect, and process the powerful stories being told.
While challenging, this emotional engagement is also seen as a crucial step towards healing and understanding. The museum's approach encourages empathy and a deeper connection to the struggles and resilience of African Americans throughout history.
Social
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