Apex Museum

Did you know??? So much of history is not taught in grade school. it’s worth a visit to explore the journey back centuries to African history and the ugly truth about western enslavement of Africans. Learn about Georgia’s own Black Codes, and how the resilient African American people survived and made numerous contributions to American society and economy. From pharmacists to surgeons to inventors and scholars, you will leave the APEX knowing more than you ever imagined.

An excellent Black history presentation where we were shown a movie and a short and interesting lecture

I really enjoyed visiting the Apex Museum. What a great reminder of how brilliance and vibrant people we are. Atlanta is truly a historical place.

Upon arriving, the door was locked as if they weren’t expecting visitors; according to the website they’d been open for appx 2 hrs.
Once the young lady, who was our tour guide, apprehensively let us in, she introduced herself. it seemed as if it took her a moment to warm up to us, but all in all it was an enlightening experience. The museum is small, but chock full of knowledge. I was appreciative that she always told me when she was leading into graphic territory; at one point I walked my 8 year old twins away bc the knowledge was a bit gory, but well needed for us to know.
All in all, this is a very well needed exhibit. Our story seems to become more watered down as time goes by, but Ahnika (our guide) kept our attention & kept the experience very real. I at one point had to walk away to not become emotional. Will definetly bring my brother & mother back.

I haven’t actually entered the museum, but I went there and arrived at 4:40. I was fully aware that we wouldn’t see much, but I thought we could take a quick 20 minutes tour. Apparently they had already completely shut down. I think a 5 closing time is already ridiculously early in a large city like this, but to actually shut down before closing time is completely unprofessional.

I’m always torn about how to go about reviewing places like this.
I also have to take into consideration that even though slavery and Black history are touched upon in schools, the lesson plans are inadequate and leave a lot to be desired for those that have a genuine interest in the subject matter.
That being said, I just… l don’t know. I was so disappointed. This is literally one big room where you walk around in a circle to the various wall displays. I can appreciate what they’re trying to do here, and I suppose this is a good «beginner» tour for children but I just felt like the basics were covered just as they are in your average classroom.
I did enjoy the Drug Store exhibit. There were so many ORIGINAL products from the store dating back to the 1920s and we were even allowed to hold them (I probably wouldn’t allow people and their greasy hands to handle these pieces of history, but I don’t run anything in the place). That’s really the only aspect that really intrigued me.
This place could do so much more with the history of slavery if they really wanted to. I’m glad I went and experienced it, but unfortunately I probably won’t be back.

I came here this past weekend to redeem a groupon I purchased last year as part of the Apex Museum’s 35^th Anniversary. The museum is located behind the Southern Education Foundation and the entry is located in a self-​pay parking lot. On arrival, my friend went to inquire about parking validation and was told they didn’t validate parking and offered no discount so we had to pay. However, once we left the museum we were told by other patrons that wasn’t true and Apex did offer free parking if you put a flyer in your window. Maybe they do it after a certain time… yea I wasn’t amused. Anyway onto the museum experience.
The museum is on the smaller side and in honor of Black History Month they were offering an exhibit on slavery and the years following emancipation. Overall I enjoyed the exhibit but found many of the facts and artifacts to be nothing I didn’t know or hadn’t seen. The movies shown were outdated if I recall one of them was made in 1987. This may be due to funding. I would highly suggest Apex to families with children and youth groups. There are tour guides to make it more interactive or you have the option of self touring. Right now groupon is offering another deal for admission for two for $ 6.50 and several membership packages. If you can’t grab the deal admission for adults is $ 6. Plan a trip to visit soon if you can.

This was my first time visiting Apex and I’m really glad I finally made it. I’m glad that there is such a museum to give a panoramic view of black history starting from past (as far back as Egypt/​Kmt) working all the way up to present. I am even happier that expansion into a larger more modern facility is currently in the works because the current space left much to be desired. The space was a lot smaller than I thought it would be. For the huge timespan covered in the exhibits (dating from B.C. to A.D.) it seemed like each station only touched the surface of a deeper story behind what was available at the museum. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed myself and I would recommend it to others looking for a quick synopsis of Black History with additional focus on the history and significance of Sweet Auburn Ave. but I would describe the current Apex as «cute»; a good attempt to pull together bits and pieces from a complex and overwhelming history to create something small and palatable. It is great for kids but still informative for adults. In contrast, the King Historic Site mostly focuses on one period in particular, namely the Civil Rights Era, and it is MUCH bigger and more modern than Apex, even though Apex covers a larger time period so I expect the new Apex facility to be at least as informative as the King Historic site in regards to the level of detail to which the exhibits convey information.
Now, in order to really appreciate what I am saying one must also understand that the humble beginnings of Apex are also due to the need for more funding. So in addition to acknowledging what I felt was missing it is only fair that I also acknowledge that all the way from the staff person who greeted us when we walked in, on to the detail of the exhibits, you can tell that the staff and founder (s) take pride in creating a warm and inviting environment for learning and appreciation of black history despite the funding restraints. I sensed that about halfway through my visit as I looked at the types of artifacts in each of the exhibits. Some of the things I had never seen, heard, or read about in my history books.
All in all, Apex not only taught me a few black history details that I did not know but it also made me reflect on the fact that if black people want others to see, read, and talk more about, and appreciate black history, we as black people need to take a more active role in supporting our black cultural centers. That means making a greater effort to donate, promote, attend functions, volunteer, or whatever we can do to show our support. Every little bit helps. How can we ask of others what we are not willing to do for ourselves?

I like this place! It only costs $ 11 for 2 people if one of you have a student ID. The set up is nice! They have a lot of stuff in there! I was suprised! Their slavery stuff is on point! You can go in here somewhat ignorant and come out not-​so ignorant! I liked the videos that they play too! Overall, this place is definitely a good look for a Saturday afternoon. 2 thumbs up!

I enjoy this museum but not necessarily for the memorabilia and artifacts found in it.
There is an organization called Sankofa Spirit that specializes in providing cultural and educational experiences that focus on Africa and the African Diaspora. I used to attend a monthly short film event– Movies with a Mission– which focused on countering the myths and negative images of people of African descent so often promoted by Hollywood which was sponsored by this organization at held at the Apex.
I also have attended some non-​related events at the museum to include the recreation of a slave ship.
I guess my fondest memories of this museum would involve the organization mentioned above, as well as, the people I was fortunate to meet at this venue due to the organization and ethnic persons who believed education and unity of the people were a good cause.
I believe the museum itself can contain much Much more but it is a great place for like-​minds to mingle and grow.

Being that I’ve been to specialized museums like this before I can say that I wasn’t overly disappointed in the size, information and or design of the interior. I get that as you enter the building it’s supposed to be a representation of Africans diaspora into Europe, Asia and the America’s. I think the site is just too small to really convey that message. There is a plethora of information within these walls. I just think the space needs more planning and well um… SPACE. The way you experience the tour takes away the emotional aspects of feeling the impact of slavery. But, the museum is ripe with local business history and facts. Seeing and learning that Black people were more responsible for the economic and commercial growth of the deep South makes you feel proud in knowing that we do plenty of great things when we are focused.
As for the museum itself, I think they need more funding to properly display the meaning, impact and messages of how slavery changed the course of humanity. You are whisked through the displays and exhibits sometimes running right into one another. The diorama like reenactments of life on slave ships coupled with the mixed media supplementing the information really holds your attention. It’s important the visiting public supports a place like this. With no major sponsors or grants this little piece of history will not survive.

Went today. $ 4 entry for adults, and $ 3 for students. My daughter had to visit the musuem for a homework assignment.
I was a little disappointed in the layout, and really think that going to this type of museum on an early Saturday morning on an empty stomach just isnt the way to view this museum.
I called it a «slave musuem» becasue I think that 75% of the musuem has slave memorbabila, and other artifacts and the other 25% covers inventions and patents received by other African Americans.
One thing that botherd me was the «wall of fame». I was surprised to see certain individuals on the wall… namely police chief Beverly Harvard… wasnt she fired under speculation of emblezzement from the APD?
Sad how a place that is suppose to uplift African Americans would overlook a thing like that.
I guess that its just a part of history that for every person that tries to uplift their race, theres always going to be one or two that are in it for the money.
Nice visit, some artifacts are really touching, and theres about a 20 minute film that traces the slave journey from Africa and the history of Auburn Ave.
Was it worth $ 7…only if you consider that the money goes towards a worthy cause.