The International Slavery Museum opened today (23 August) in Liverpool.

The site, owned by National Museums Liverpool and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, features displays that tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade and addresses the historic and contemporary legacy of the slave trade.

Prime minister Gordon Brown said: “The trade in human beings is one of the most barbaric practices in human history. The notion that one human being could hold more value than another appalls us now, yet 200 years ago it was widely accepted. Slavery and the slave trade have left some painful legacies. We are still trying to come to terms with many of those today.

“This year people across the UK have visited many of the thought-provoking exhibitions in our museums, galleries and archives marking the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. Through that process of exploration and discovery we have seen a more informed debate emerge around the issue of slavery. It is a debate that has in turn raised awareness of the continuing problem of practices such as human trafficking in the modern world.

“I am delighted to support the International Slavery Museum at the very beginning of what will be an extraordinary journey, building on the successes of 2007 and moving the story of slavery from an often avoided subplot into the mainstream of our cultural and historical understanding.”

James Purnell, secretary of state for culture, media and sport added: "The International Slavery Museum will be the first of its kind outside North America, a truly remarkable addition to the long list of world class museums this country can boast. Its opening could not be more timely, as we mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

“This new institution will give us the opportunity to explore a hugely significant part of our history, to re-examine our heritage and to shape our future. It will help us to understand both where we have come from, and where we are going.”

The launch coincides with Slavery Remembrance Day, which commemorates the uprising of enslaved Africans on the island of St Domingo (modern Haiti and the Dominican Republic) in 1791.