Conde-Charlotte Museum
Conde-Charlotte Museum
4.5
About
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Conde-Charlotte Museum is the Gateway to Mobile’s History. Built in 1822, the museum house was Mobile's first jail. A portion of the jail foundation and jail doors can still be seen in the house. In 1849, the building was purchased by Jonathan Kirkbride and converted into his family residence. The Conde-Charlotte Museum is now furnished with period antiques reflecting Mobile’s history under five flags: French, English, Spanish, Confederate and American. The variety and authenticity of the furnishings make the house a charming museum, with two confederate parlors, an American Federal dining room, a British Commandant’s room, a French sitting room and bedroom, and two American bedrooms. A walled Spanish garden of the late 18th century design and a kitchen filled with late 19th and early 20th century equipment complement the house.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
189 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
24
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Msol C
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Mar 2023
When you go to a large museum, and rush through reading panels, you really miss a lot. Going to the Conde-Charlotte Museum, upheld and stewarded by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), for a tour with Misses Marie and Kim made our day in Mobile memorable and brought Alabama and Mobile history alive.
Charming, they were visibly pleased that our family of 5, with 3 boys ranging in ages from 10-20, actually wanted to visit the house and had not confused it with Fort Conde (we'd already been). Their eyes lit up when we said "No, we are here to see the Conde House", and they were delighted to be able to give us a custom tour long enough but short enough to allow us to get to Oakleigh for their final tour that afternoon.
Miss Kim started us outside with the history and styles of the architecture of the house, the different occupations by imperial nations - Spanish, French, English, American- and then we were handed to Miss Marie who swept us through 2 periods, telling us great stories about the period, the antiques in the room and the people who passed through the house.
Miss Kim did the upstairs for the last 2 periods, with great stories and knowledge of the furniture, methods and materials of those times. She provided a delicious peek at the beautiful French-Spanish styled gardens out back, and the back end of the house, and its transformations during the ages.
Our boys were attentive, a testament to the beguiling stories and manner in which Misses Marie and Kim shared them, no small feat with our kids...We left feeling buoyed by their gracious manners, and enriched by our time with them.
Charming, they were visibly pleased that our family of 5, with 3 boys ranging in ages from 10-20, actually wanted to visit the house and had not confused it with Fort Conde (we'd already been). Their eyes lit up when we said "No, we are here to see the Conde House", and they were delighted to be able to give us a custom tour long enough but short enough to allow us to get to Oakleigh for their final tour that afternoon.
Miss Kim started us outside with the history and styles of the architecture of the house, the different occupations by imperial nations - Spanish, French, English, American- and then we were handed to Miss Marie who swept us through 2 periods, telling us great stories about the period, the antiques in the room and the people who passed through the house.
Miss Kim did the upstairs for the last 2 periods, with great stories and knowledge of the furniture, methods and materials of those times. She provided a delicious peek at the beautiful French-Spanish styled gardens out back, and the back end of the house, and its transformations during the ages.
Our boys were attentive, a testament to the beguiling stories and manner in which Misses Marie and Kim shared them, no small feat with our kids...We left feeling buoyed by their gracious manners, and enriched by our time with them.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Footprints819948
10 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
What a charming museum. Excellent guides who gave a lot of interesting information. Well worth a visit.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
77shannona
San Antonio, TX5 contributions
Feb 2023
We really enjoyed hearing about the history of the house, from its first use as a jail for the nearby fort to its renovation to a house. Each room has furnishings used by the various people who settled in Mobile: Spanish, French, English, Confederate, Union. The two ladies who served as docents were delightful - entertaining and knowledgeable. They made hearing about history fun.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
M L Radcliffe
Mobile, AL21 contributions
Jan 2023
The museum is very interesting, the staff is wonderful & very welcoming. They discussed the history of the building & grounds, the various rooms as well as former occupants. The back kitchen is a must see as is the garden
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John J Payne Jr
Metairie, LA3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This is a must do experience .The ladies who run the place are amazing ! They are filled with information. They made the history of this place fun and adventurous . I went on a date with my wife but, I can’t wait to bring our kids. The house is beautiful and the garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. We loved it.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Greg
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The museum was amazing. Each room had different period furniture. The docents were friendly and knowledgable (respect for English teachers). It was a truly enlightening experience to see and hear about mobiles history. The Spanish garden outside was beautiful and an added touch that made this museum experience even more memorable that we expected. Be prepared to spend at least an hour learning about Mobile’s history through furniture and architecture: highly recommended.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
melissa s
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Solo
The ladies providing the tour were well prepared in the rich history of this beautiful home. You can tell it is their passion and it was contagious! It exceeded my expectations and would highly recommend it
Written 10 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melanie H
Newton, AL2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Miss Lucille was an awesome tour guide. Very informative, answered all questions and over all great experience. Husband and I Loved it!
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura T
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Family
From the greeting at the door to the peaceful Spanish garden, the tour was engaging for a family with teens. We had two very knowledgeable, pleasant, and entertaining docents that answered all questions that we asked. The tour was very educational, and the docents knew facts about the different time periods represented in the house, including how things were made. Our teens enjoyed the museum and thought it was well worth the visit!
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nate
Silver Spring, MD12 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
I enjoyed today's tour of the Conde Charlotte house. They have antique representative furniture and decor from various periods in Mobile's history including French, Spanish, British, Antebellum, etc. and Civil war era. Great location near the fort. with complimentary parking. Best part was the lovely Spanish-style patio area. Would have loved to hear more about African Americans role in this furniture development and well keeping
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mst1015
Jackson, MS14 contributions
how far is it from the Battle House Hotel?
CondeCharlotte
Mobile, AL2 contributions
It is an easy three-block walk from the Battle House Hotel.
What age children are allowed into the museum?
CondeCharlotte
Mobile, AL2 contributions
Henry C
Children of all ages are welcome to the Conde-Charlotte Museum. We have an ISpy game to help them get the most out of their learning experience. Our docents can easily adjust the tour to accommodate children of all ages.
CONDE-CHARLOTTE MUSEUM (Mobile) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Conde-Charlotte Museum
- Conde-Charlotte Museum is open:
- Thu - Sat 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- We recommend booking Conde-Charlotte Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Conde-Charlotte Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Conde-Charlotte Museum:
- (0.11 km) Fort Conde Inn
- (0.28 km) Hampton Inn & Stes Mobile-Dtwn Hist Dist
- (0.30 km) The Admiral Hotel
- (0.28 km) Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
- (0.55 km) Hilton Garden Inn Mobile Downtown
- Restaurants near Conde-Charlotte Museum:
- (0.24 km) The Royal Scam
- (0.37 km) Serda's Coffee Co
- (0.43 km) The Noble South
- (0.26 km) Veet's
- (0.28 km) Jimmy John's