Slave History Museum (inside Marina Resort)

The signpost of the Slave History Museum inside Marina Resort, Calabr.

Slave History Museum (inside Marina Resort)

Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:4 hours 30 minutes
  • Travelers:5 guests
  • Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour, Private tour
  • Language:English
The Slave History Museum is a touching memorial and educational centre located within the Marina Resort in Calabar, Cross River State. Established in 2007 and officially commissioned in 2011, it sits on the site of a 15th-century slave-trading warehouse and former barracoon (holding cell). The museum was created to document Calabar's role as a major embarkation point for the transatlantic slave trade, where it is estimated that nearly 30% of enslaved people from the Bight of Biafra were shipped to the Americas.

Why You Should Visit

Visiting this museum offers an immersive journey into one of history's darkest chapters, moving beyond textbook facts to a deep emotional experience. Its use of life-sized sculptures, graphic simulations, and audio recordings—including the sounds of auctions and ocean waves—creates a powerful atmosphere that honours the resilience of ancestors while educating visitors on the impact of the trade. The museum serves as a vital heritage site for anyone looking to understand West African history and the global legacy of the "Point of No Return".
Read more

Highlights

  • Life-Sized Statues: Realistic, graphic sculptural representations show how captives were treated on farms and arranged in ships.
  • Shipment of Slaves Exhibit: An artistic impression detailing the cramped, horrific conditions of human cargo during the Middle Passage.
  • Slave Trade Currencies: Displays of original items used as currency, such as copper bars, bronze bells, guns, and brass flutes.
  • Esuk Mba Slave Market: An exhibit describing the hinterland market where captives were initially sold into the system.
  • Abolition Gallery: Chronicles the efforts of activists like William Wilberforce and the legal end of the trade in 1807.
  • Restraint Artefacts: A sombre collection of original chains, shackles, and other instruments of torture.

Includes/Excludes

  • Shared tour
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours?

The museum is generally open to the public every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, there is typically a small gate fee to enter the Marina Resort (around ₦200) and a separate fee for the museum tour (between ₦500 and ₦1000), though these prices are subject to change.

How long does it take to tour the museum?

A typical visit can take between 30 minutes to an hour.

What to bring

Cash or card.
Comfortable shoes and clothing.
A camera.
Willingness to learn.

You might also like...

Related Articles