African Burial Ground National Monument

The basics

There’s an indoor and outdoor component to the African Burial Ground National Monument. The outdoor memorial is on Duane Street, while the indoor Visitor Center is around the corner on Broadway. Inside, exhibits and installations delve deeper into the site's history. You can book a free ranger-led tour online or visit the monument as part of an Underground Railroad or Black History walking tour. It’s also often featured on downtown Manhattan tours.

Things to know before you go

• There are several signs at the monument with information about the excavation of the former cemetery.
• Even though the monument is mostly outdoors, eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited.
• The monument serves as a poignant place of remembrance, so maintain a respectful silence when you visit.

How to get there

Chambers St. subway station is a brief walk from the African Burial Ground National Monument; the J and Z subway lines service it. There’s also an M22 bus stop outside the station. You can rent Citi Bikes on the edge of Foley Square, near the monument.

When to get there

The African Burial Ground National Monument and the affiliated Visitor Center are open from Tuesday through Saturday year-round, except for major public holidays. It typically opens mid-morning and closes in the late afternoon. It’s an outdoor attraction, so wrap up if you visit in fall or winter.

Events at the African Burial Ground National Monument

Throughout the year, the African Burial Ground National Monument celebrates events pertinent to Black History. Some of the best times to visit include Juneteenth, which celebrates the abolition of slavery; Black History Month in February; and Kwanzaa in late January and early February, which pays homage to African cultural traditions.