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Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 4pm

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center

Name: National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center
Address: 1350 Brush Row Road, PO Box 578, Wilberforce, OH, 45384, US
Telephone: +18007522603
Price range: $

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National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center

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We chronicle the rich & varied experiences of African Americans from their African origins to present

The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center educates the public about African American history and culture, from African origins to the present by collecting, preserving and interpreting material evidence of the black experience.

10/06/2026

This weekend marked a major milestone in preparing for our upcoming Art of Soul! exhibition, America 250: Our Story. Artists from across Ohio visited the museum to drop off their work, while others from outside the state, or those unable to attend Art Dropoff Day, shipped their pieces in advance.

Each artwork underwent a condition assessment and documentation process before being carefully placed in the Main Gallery for temporary storage. Over the coming weeks, exhibition curators will thoughtfully determine the placement of every piece to create a cohesive and engaging experience for visitors.

Beginning Saturday, October 24, guests will have the opportunity to explore America 250: Our Story in its fully realized form. The exhibition will remain on view through February 2027. Mark your calendars and stop by to check it out!

09/30/2026

Did you know that the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center's collection includes works from artists and traditions spanning the African Diaspora?

Our holdings include remarkable examples of modern African art, including two monumental Senegalese tapestries that will soon travel to the Baltimore Museum of Art for its upcoming exhibition, Woven Monuments: Tapestries from Senegal.

The exhibition will feature Belle femmes du Pays by Mouhamadou M'baye ZULU and Nuit de Sine by Badara Camara, two stunning works that showcase the rich artistic traditions of Senegal's renowned tapestry workshops. According to the exhibition organizers, these works help tell the story of how tapestry became a powerful expression of national identity, cultural diplomacy, and artistic innovation in post-independence Senegal.

Belle femmes du Pays also carries a unique connection to Ohio history and NAAMCC. The work was presented by Senegalese President Abdou Diouf to Ohio Governor Richard F. Celeste during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Museum in 1987 before eventually becoming part of the museum's collection.

As these extraordinary works travel to Baltimore, we're proud to share another example of how the NAAMCC's collection helps connect audiences to stories of African and African American history, culture, and artistic achievement. From powerful assemblages by internationally celebrated artists to monumental textiles from West Africa, our collection continues to inspire audiences both here at home and across the country.

Let us know what part of our collection you'd like to learn more about!

Images: Belle femmes du Pays and Nuit de Sine

09/29/2026

You may notice something different in our Main Gallery when you come to visit.

Following the successful run of Rhythm of Revolution, our team has been hard at work transforming the gallery space in preparation for something exciting. Behind the construction walls and busy activity is the beginning of our next chapter of our Art of Soul juried art exhibition. This year’s theme, “America 250: Our Story,” invited artists from across the United States to reflect on the nation’s journey through the lens of the African diaspora and African American history, culture and experience.

While Rhythm of Revolution may have left our galleries, its impact continues. The exhibition now joins our growing roster of traveling exhibits, allowing new audiences to experience the powerful stories it tells. Please reach out to us if you're interested in learning more about our traveling exhibit program.

In the meantime, we're reimagining the Main Gallery to showcase the incredible creativity, talent and vision that will be featured in Art of Soul. Every wall, light and display element is being carefully prepared to create an unforgettable experience for our visitors.

We can't wait to share what's coming next.

Make plans now to visit the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center between mid-October and February as we unveil a gallery filled with inspiring artwork and fresh perspectives. Trust us, it'll be worth the wait.

09/26/2026

Did you know the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is home to more than 650 linear feet of archival materials, nearly 10,000 artifacts and an extraordinary collection of African American art?

One remarkable example is Let Me Entertain You (1972) by renowned artist Betye Saar. This powerful work from our collection has been attracting attention from major museums across the United States and beyond. It was recently featured in the exhibition Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., before traveling to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and then to the Mississippi Museum of Art.

Now, this important work has been requested by The Hepworth Wakefield in England for Betye Saar: Revolutions, the artist's first major solo museum exhibition in the United Kingdom. The exhibition will also travel to M Leuven in Belgium, with additional European venues still being finalized.

As this artwork continues its international journey, we're proud to share that it began right here in the collection of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. Our collections preserve and share stories of African American history, culture and artistic achievement that resonate far beyond Ohio.

09/23/2026

While reflecting on the legacy of Dr. John Fleming, Lonnie Bunch also speaks to the values that have shaped his own work: fairness, opportunity and the belief that history belongs to all of us.

Throughout his career, Bunch has encouraged museums to tell more complete stories and engage wider communities. His leadership has helped transform the museum field and inspired institutions across the nation.

Thank you, Lonnie, for your vision, dedication and service.

09/19/2026

In this clip, Lonnie Bunch reflects on the legacy of our founder, Dr. John Fleming, and the importance of collaboration in the museum field.

Recorded as part of a tribute to Dr. Fleming last year, Bunch shares a belief that has guided his own career: museums are strongest when they work together rather than compete with one another.

As he prepares for retirement, we're grateful for the example he has set and the lasting impact he has made on museums and communities across the country.

09/17/2026

As Lonnie Bunch prepares to retire after an exceptional career of leadership and service, we want to express our gratitude for the impact he has had on museums across the nation. From founding the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture to leading the Smithsonian Institution, Bunch challenged museums to tell comprehensive stories and engage a wider community.

Because of leaders like Lonnie Bunch, the museum field is stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive today.

Thank you, Lonnie.

08/07/2026

Only a few days remain to experience Charles Young: From Beta Kappa Sigma to Brigadier General before it closes on August 15. Installed in conjunction with the recent Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Conclave, this special exhibit showcases unique archival treasures, many on public display for the very first time. Don't miss this rare opportunity at NAAMCC!

We're open Wednesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

07/02/2026

The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center will be closed July 3 - July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Address

1350 Brush Row Road, PO Box 578
Wilberforce, OH
45384

Opening Hours

Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18007522603

Website

https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/national-afro-american-museum

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