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Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums
315 E Warren AveDetroit, MI 48201
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Cultural Center
(313) 494-5808
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
12 reviews for Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
Review Highlights
"...exhibition includes And Still We Rise and Stories in..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...can rent this stunning facility for your next special event."
(in 4 reviews)
"From a recreation of slave trade ship (truly heartbreaking..."
(in 4 reviews)
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12 reviews in English
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Review from Orena P.
Dearborn, MI
8/14/2011
The museum is rich in American History as well as the African heritage. I recommend all walks of life to walk through the Still I Rise exhibit which captures most of the history behind African Americans. Individual memberships are only $35 and the family membership is only $65.
I guarantee you will not be disappointed in your small investment. -
Review from Annette J.
Dearborn Heights, MI
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
AAAHHHHMAZING.
A beautiful building housing some truly stunning exhibits. This museum takes you through African American history literally from the start of humanity (Lucy's skeleton) to current day (Obamaman!) with every wonderful and horrific detail in between. From a recreation of slave trade ship (truly heartbreaking especially when you head downstairs to the dark, cramped hull) to the hoppin' streets of Detroit in the 1960's with life sized models of music joints, barber shops, and record shops.
If you have the means to take a tour with one of the tour guides, please do so. It enriches your experience to have that guide explain some of the nuances of the exhibits while debunking some myths about African Americans in history and pop culture (why WAS Tarzan white?!). I can't recommend the guided tour enough.
The building itself is gorgeous. The domed ceiling is a sight and the lobby has a lovely floor with artwork that illustrates some key points in African American History. Around the perimeter of this mural are the circular tiles list the names of influential and important African Americans. Our guide shared the story of how Morgan Freeman visited and asked how he could get on the floor. "You have to be dead at least 5 years." our guide responded. "Okay, I'll wait." said Morgan Freeman. Great anecdotes like that = why you should take the guided tour!
Along with this permanent exhibit are a couple of rotating exhibitions which now include Heidelberg 25, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Heidelberg Project. Unfortunately I wasn't able to check it out this time around but I greatly look forward to going back there and spending more time.Listed in: Detroit Delights, Midtown Magic, Get Cultured!, History!, More Museums, Plz
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Review from Nikki C.
6/2/2011
This is a beautiful building inside and out.
There is so much rich history that every generation and culture should explore.
I love that the museum also has events such as hustle aerobics, dance classes, poetry events, music events and many other events.
I most recently went to "Pairing Great Brands" which was a wine tasting event showcasing African American vintners. It was sponsored by Mercedes Benz and Andiamo and there was a wine tasting class held by Chuck Jackson of Mahogany Tasters.
There was art display by the wonderful Tony Roko, as well as live entertainment by Straight Ahead.
I'd advise all to go visit this museum (heck, become a member and help save the museum!) and enjoy the culture and education right in our own city! -
Review from kevin j.
Detroit, MI
12/20/2011
I went here kind of on a lark the other day. I wanted to see the Heidelberg exhibit before work. I had a 3 hour window to achieve this, and as it turns out, that was nowhere near enough time.
The last time I was here the museum hadn't been open that long and they had an exhibit of Haitian voodoo. Don't remember a whole lot beyond that.
The museum's centerpiece, And Still We Rise, hadn't yet been completed. Well it is now, and I could have spent well over 3 hours in that part of the museum alone. Hell, I probably could've spent 3 hours in the minature movie theater that was nestled in the Paradise Valley/Black Bottom Old Streets of Detroit section of ASWR.
Didn't save myself much time at all to check out the Dance Theater of Harlem exhibit which was alright since as I suspected a lot of it was dudes prancing about in tights. It looked informative and was presented well, though, so if that's your thing, than knock yourself out. If not there's always And Still We Rise.
Hardly anybody was in this museum on the Thursday afternoon I spent in there plus the City might need to cut a rather large portion of their funding so I encourage you to pay a visit to this beautiful building. Learn some history. Even if you're a peckerwood like me. And watch Roots while you're at it. -
Review from Christine L.
Manhattan, NY
1/2/2011
This is a great museum. It's laid out in chronological order very nicely. It's definitely the best African American Museum I've been to. The museum captures an abundance of various aspects of African and African American history. Going to these types of museums that are as good as this.. I always lose my friends (if I'm with company) because I read everything and want to absorb everything.
There are various exhibits that try to bring history to life which is what makes or brakes a museum for me. There are the voice recordings of slave negotiations between the African Chiefs and the Europeans among various other exhibits. Oh yes... the slave ship... that was the most powerful exhibit for me -- specifically the bottom of the ship! Funny thing.. going down the slave ship ... I nearly had a heart attack because I was totally caught off guard with the darkness and the audio & visual aspects of this exhibit.. I thought it was real for a sec. Anywho.. a little old lady saw me and was like ... "baby, it's ok.. I'm here with you"... adorable!!
Anyway... regardless of your ethnic background... if you are in Detroit, I definitely recommend this museum to you... it will capture you. -
Review from Duke A.
Detroit, MI
1/10/2009
Truly a one-of-a-kind experience in Detroit.
I hadn't been there since 2003, and had no idea that they had completely revamped the permanent exhibition since the last time I visited, now called "And Still We Rise".
It's far better than the previous exhibit, and covers many aspects of African American History from prehistoric Africa to ancient African nations, slave trades, underground railroad, civil rights movement, etc. Walking through a replica of ship that carried millions of slaves from Africa allows you to feel what it was like for slaves to be captive, locked up and sold.
What I really liked about this exhibit was the wide coverage of Detroit history, including the music and entertainment scene at the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods in the 1950s, Gospel/religious institutions in Detroit, riots in 1943 and 1967, The Great March to Freedom in 1963 with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and profiles of notable Detroiters in African-American history.
It made an educational experience on a cold snowy day. -
Review from Torrie B.
5/24/2010
If the beautiful building doesn't draw you inside, the stunning interior will keep you there. There are magnificent exhibits from all over the world, and the museum is always neat, clean, and well maintained.
What's even better, you can rent this stunning facility for your next special event! -
Review from Royale M.
Farmington, MI
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is absolutely amazing. The largest museum of it's kind dedicated to our culture. There is something for everyone to do; something for everyone to learn and discover. They also host events. Earlier in the month, I visit for a Smart Money workshop and on Tuesday, I went to a Spoken Word/Open Mic event in honor of Cafe Mahogany. Definitely a place to see.
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Review from Lisa W.
Flint, MI
5/12/2008 3 photos
Honoring African American heritage and experience, the MAAH is the largest institution of its kind. What I especially love about this museum is the focus on the importance of stories and storytelling. I don't necessarily mean that you read a lot of text on plaques, but rather the museum does an excellent job of tying objects, art, and stories together.
The perfect example of this is the current exhibition called The Storytellers Hat, which features relics from Catherine C. Blackwell's life's journey and features handcrafted toys, clothing, and art. As a writer, I love anything that has to do with storytelling (especially oral histories). Their permanent exhibition includes And Still We Rise and Stories in Stained Glass, both of which I highly recommend seeing.
If you are looking for a beautiful space for an event, such as a wedding, try the Freedom Ford Rotunda. It is a gorgeous round room with ceiling windows and vibrant colors.
The MAAH is located near the Detroit Science Center and the Detroit Institute of Arts. It would be very easy to plan a day by yourself or with your children to explore this important area. -
Review from Sara A.
Detroit, MI
9/27/2008
This place certainly isn't just for school field trips. if you're looking for a fantastic, educational experience take a trip to Detroit's African-American History Museum.
Located on Warren Avenue, just a few blocks from I-75 this local museum is a must for anyone visiting Detroit. With great exhibits like "Still We Rise" a reminder and tribute of Africa- Americans and the slave trade, to a genealogy exhibit and more! in addition to permanent exhibits, the museum is always feature great special events and African-American themed temporary exhibits about artists, Egyptian kings and more!
The Charles Wright African-American museum also has a wonderful gift shop filled with music, books, t-shirts and art. So, even if you don't have time to stroll through the museum take a look at the great stuff in the gift shop. This museum throughout the years has progressively gotten better. So,pack up the family and get your education on! -
Review from Nikki W.
Detroit, MI
9/11/2008 5 photos
It has been quite a while since I had visited the museum. So when I was invited to witness the the photo gallery titled " Women of A New Tribe" I was thrilled. The museum was as I remembered, wonderful! Even though I didn't have the opportunity to explore the entire museum, I really enjoyed the evening.
The evening featured a display of black and white photo's of local Detroit area women from various backgrounds and professions. We were served dinner and finished the meal off with cream puffs.
The valet service was quick and the servers were patient. I enjoyed the evening so much I purchased a family membership. I'm going to love sharing this experience with my son! -
Review from Cherice J.
Detroit, MI
8/1/2008
I agree with Lisa, this Museum is definitely a must-see if you are in the Detroit area. It's been around since 1997, in fact I remember when it opened. It was such a huge ordeal and awesome attraction to the city, and they rolled out the red carpets. 10+ years later, I still wouldn't mind stopping here on a quiet day to check out the new exhibits and memorabilia. Of course you will see tidbits on the African Diaspora and Civil Rights Struggle, but you may also walk away with little known knowledge of influential figures during that time.
