International Slavery Museum, Liverpool

The International Slavery Museum in Liverpool offers an in-depth exploration of the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Located within the Merseyside Maritime Museum, it features three main galleries focusing on life in West Africa before enslavement, the brutal realities of the slave trade, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice. The museum also addresses modern-day slavery, racism, and discrimination, fostering dialogue on these pressing issues.

The museum evolved from the Transatlantic Slavery Gallery, established in 1994 as part of the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which highlighted Liverpool's role in the slave trade. Advocacy for a dedicated slavery museum gained momentum in 1992, led by activists like Dorothy Kuya. With international interest and high visitor numbers, a separate institution was conceived. The International Slavery Museum officially opened on 23 August 2007, coinciding with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and marking the bicentenary of the UK's 1807 Slave Trade Act.

The museum's expanded galleries explore cultural shifts from slavery, underdevelopment in Africa and the Caribbean, and ongoing racial discrimination. Highlights include West African life before the slave trade, modern legacies of slavery, and the East Gallery’s 400 annotated songs on the African diaspora. Personal narratives and a reflective shrine honor the experiences of the enslaved.

In 2018, the museum received £50,000 to restore the 1800 painting Am Not I A Man and a Brother, a key abolitionist image. Under the leadership of Michelle Charters, appointed in 2023, the museum continues its mission to illuminate history and inspire action.

Through its exhibits and programs, the International Slavery Museum invites visitors to confront the realities of the past while advocating for a more equitable future.

Why You Should Visit:
To add a one-of-a-kind experience to your Liverpool itinerary – the contents, history, facts, statements, and overall exhibition are impressive and shocking at the same time, even if you know the subject already.