I visited this museum this past Saturday afternoon while I was visiting the Houston area. Because of the COVID-19 the museum is operating on limited capacity, and visits are by appointments only. Which I was unaware of when I dropped in, but the young lady that was working was super friendly and helpful. She informed me that they wasnt busy and if I could go online with my cellphone....that she could get me in for the 3pm appointment. The museum itself is very beautiful and not to large, so all I needed was maybe a hour. All the artwork was very nice and Im sure that I would visit them again to see any new pieces. Their elevator was not working during my visit, and since it was 2 floors....its not currently handicapped accessible.Note.....The museum has its own parking lot on the side, so there is no issues with parking.
Has excellent events. The staff is very helpful. Great gift shop with reasonable prices.
Houstons Museum of African American Culture is the sister institution to the African American Library, located in the historic Freedmans Town. The Museum boasts a beautifully renovated facility that houses two floors of gallery space and classrooms. Socially engaged exhibitions bring to the fore relevant conversations about African American history and politics, with a keen eye on Houstons specific African American heritage. Come to view the featured Houston artists in the Bert Long Gallery or to participate in the many offerings the museum hosts. Dont forget to sign up for the newsletter and donate to support the institution as much of its funding is dependent on community support.
Small but very nice experience.
Stopped in while visiting Houston and was definitely impressed. it’s a small museum, with a little parking lot out back, build into some kind of an old building with exquisite and unique architecture. I’d say looking through everything shouldn’t take much longer than an hour or so. but an hour well spent! the Afro-futurism exhibit available when I visited was enchanting, but all of the exhibits just displayed such talent and skill going into pieces with haunting commentary or emotive expressions of the hope and dreams of a community. the museum doesn’t charge necessarily for entry, but asks a $5 donation per person, and for sign-ins, and that donation is more than deserved. my only complaint is that the building itself wasn’t easy to navigate for those with disabilities, but all things considered it was a worthwhile visit- I certainly am taking home some names of artists I’d love to see more from!
There were two exhibits when I visited. The Robert Hodge one was amazing! So glad I caught it on the last day. Highly recommend to check out his work. The Ann ‘Sole Sister’ Johnson exhibit was also amazing!
Museum can trace the evolution of Afro American community and their significant contributions to development of the US. Celebrities in AA community can be highlighted. Could be a lot more interactive.
An overlooked gem in the city. Host to many great local events, art exhibits and artist lectures, as well as community engagements. The staff are very friendly amd helpful. Perfect place to take a small group of art enthusiasts, young and older. We took our senior citizen group. There is an elevator for those who physically challenged.
Absolutely, AMAZING!!! There were 3 different displays plus a gift shop with more artwork, books, and other items for sale. My only suggestion is to have the title available of displayed art for sale. I wouldve made a purchase, but no one could tell me the name. I look forward to returning for the next exhibit and seminar. Its a perfect venue for community forums!
Beautiful, Should check it out
I love going here because I always feel like I’m stepping into such an enriching atmosphere. I love art and my people. Plus they’re always introducing new things and touching topics that matter through art and film.
Great place, nice staff, I was slightly disappointed that there were only two exhibits. Ive been traveling to differents states/cities checking out African American museums exploring my heritage. I drove 10 hours to get to Houston. I was hoping that this museum would be on par with the Griot (St.louis) or the Odell S. Williams (baton rouge). Especially since I discovered that Houston is about 25% black. Anyway, I will try to donate, they seem to lack funding.
Very polite and they had some great exhibitions going on. Featured artist when I went was @everydaystrangers Alanzo Williams and Cedric Ingram Awesome!!!
Such a hidden treasure with monthly exhibits this museum highlights our culture, they just added a gift shop so you can take something amazing home
When we went there werent many pieces of art on display however everyone there was incredibly friendly I love the gift shop which is filled with African themed clothing including scrubs a lot of the artwork took an incredible amount of work and talent to accomplish I dont remember the name of all the artist but they had embroidered art they had artwork involving neon colors involving textured paintings involving photographs taken in West Africa and there was one particular piece of artwork which had depth to it as an actual depth perception illusion and involve Driftwood pieces of broken glass and some of the brown paint actually Incorporated the artist own blood and honestly I was really impressed I was impressed with the overall piece with the message of it which was about the spiritual journey and with a Shear technique that was involved also I really appreciate Dominique who worked Museum and spend some time discussing yard work with me and what he knew about the artist and everything for the more I just really enjoyed the space it looks like an amazing space to have a grand opening or a party in so you know Im just really happy that they have such a museum here in Houston for people to visit and to visit for free thats out of just wish I had a little more content inside of it and thats really it but I really do appreciate the space and would support it any time
Very informative art & artists.
Ive seen some wonderful programming and exhibits here over the years!
Small museum that captures the essence of black culture. Free admission with optional donation so I dont mind contributing to an establishment that offers insight for those who seek it.
Wonderful cultural place to visit. Enjoyed the exhibit for Aesha Lee. Parking was easy on street surrounding museum. Staff was friendly and helpful with questions.
It was more art gallery than museum but it was definitely worth the visit.
Beautiful work, several mixed media artists exposed today.
Very nice. 2 stories allowed separate dancing and eating. Converse and eat downstairs and party upstairs.
Galveston Texas StJohn Missionary BAPTIST Church Pastor SIMPSON visited today and we had an awesome time. Education is the key for AFRICAN AMERICAN. PLEASE LEARN WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU BELONG. GOD BLESS!!
Its a very small museum. I was expecting alot more. What they do have is very nice though and admission is free.
Really cool place to visit, see and touch actual history. Hearing all about the original black cowboys. I loved it!
It was ok. The customer service rep was great and informative. I enjoyed the documentary about the afro Mexican heritage. I was only able to see one part of art exhibit because of the other part being closed at that time. Hopefully I can see more the next time I go. The gift shop had some really nice items in there.
Ever-changing exhibits.....take a short tour and enjoy
Beautiful. They also sell books.
Learned how to play the African drum! Amazing experience
This is was my first time my wife and I came to this museum and we enjoyed it. I was greeted with a smile by their friendly staff. The art exhibit they had was amazing and very insightful. I plan to come back soon.
Stand strong even if you cant see whats coming next.
Very accommodating. I LOVED THE LOVE ROOM!!! ...and my job bought me this lovely walking stick (I added a lil fabric, to lend a touch of me to it)
Beautiful exhibits. Knowledgeable tour director. Inspiring movie.
Great artwork my family loves this place
I was expecting more for Black History Month. It toke my group over an hour to get to the museum. The lady at the front desk was very unfriendly almost rude. It toke us 30 minutes and they wanted a $50 donation for a private tour which wasnt private at all. The young man was helpful and the art was nice. Not sure if Id return in that capacity again.
Sadly, it was smaller than expected and showcases more art than artifacts. I will sipport it of course but hope it will expand its focus
What a beautiful experience. Any culture can appreciate the diverse perspectives of the Art presented. Dominic was professional, nice and informative. Please take yourself, your family and your village.
This place is amazing. I attended the Afro Future conference where I had the opportunity to meet local artist, authors, drummers, dancers and stroll the art gallery and library. I am definitely going back. You must visit.
Nice museum.Wonderful art.
Always celebrate local culture.
The exhibit was amazing but it was disappointingly small. It only took 30 minutes to take everything in, including the video presentations More time driving than culture. The quality is there but it definitely needs to expand.The staff was professional and helpful There is nothing charged, only a reasonable recommended donation of $5 which I happily paid.
My wife and I really enjoyed it
Current installation is magnificent. I really enjoyed and wouldnt mind seeing the exhibit again
I went to an event here. Very nice facility!!
An important institution featuring artists and community programs without another platform in Houston. Inconsistent communication and exhibitions are challenging to its rep. Check out Blck Market every first Friday—it’s a fantastic array of black artisans and artists selling unique, handmade stuff, from art to soap to desserts to cocktails to clothing to social progress literature.
The word Museum should be used loosely when referred here. This space has some great featured art for the month. I really enjoyed the pieces. And there happened to be are really good speaker, (famous and everything) on the afternoon that we visited. But I was highly disappointed as I was expecting to see artifacts and historical pieces and more featured artists. You know, a real museum. But I bought a indifferent shirt to support the exhibit they have on display upstairs.
HMAAC keeps refreshing progressive line ups conversation, panel discussions, book signings, and contemporary art which highlights hidden treasures. Thank Mr. Dominic Clay and Mr. John Guess for their hard work and dedication.
Great experience here while visiting Houston. Bought a Sandra Bland t-shirt (Sandy Still Speaks), watched a documentary on her life, and also viewed a video about natural hair (Transitions). The whole place is lovely and welcoming. The young lady at the front desk was so sweet. The video (The Talk) was very sad but necessary). It is our reality. Having 2 teenage sons who will be driving soon, it really hit home. I wish we had more time there, but I will surely visit again the next time were in Houston.
They highlight artist monthly. The museum itself is free, but you are welcomed to give a donation.its an art museum, not historical information about African culture.
I went when they had Sandra Bland exhibit on the top floor (February, her birthday month). Parts of the exhibit I couldn’t bring myself to watch because it was too painful. They did a great job painting a picture of Ms. Bland’s life. They had furniture from her home, her obituary, flowers that were from her home going service, videos of her speaking about injustice, and the actual video of the day she was pulled over by a cop. It was a lot to take in. The museum did a wonderful job with this display.
They only thing that I dont like is how small it is. I feel like it could be bigger but overall had a fun and educational experience.
Nestled in 3rd Ward, this museum is amazing. I visited for three reasons; there was a black business showcase and shop going on, there was a live photography exhibit taking place, and there was vegan gumbo for sale in the parking lot! Check their calendar for upcoming events, you wont be disappointed!
They did not hav the air conditioner on when we had a party there. It was a packed house full of people n everybody was hot. It was so hot that the floor was slippery n people were slipping on the floor including me.
The art was awesome. The lady in the front was so unhappy to be there. She looked like she would rather be anywhere else in the world.
Interesting never thought Texas would have a museum that would inform about such heritage
Ive visited before for an expo type affair during the Christmas holidays one year. It was awesome! But I recently visited to see the Sandra Bland exhibit. It was a wonderful tribute and was also thought-provoking.
Not much of a museum. More a venue. It host really great and fun events but Ill never call it a museum. I have seen better museums about African-American History & Culture
Wonderful to visit
Enjoyed an academic event. Will definitely come again
Love this place! My son and I frequent here and a very Great atmosphere for R&R and Rsearch, Black history & Culture!
A real gem in Houstons museum district. There were 3 exhibits. All different and showing real talent and African American art. Proud presentations celebrating African-American culture. Emphasis is on culture.
A small but worthy little museum. The current collections of art and the Sandra Bland exhibit are so important and moving. If you’ve just got an hour or so in this part of town, it’s an excellent place to stop.
Thought provoking art work
A great visual
Beautiful space, friendly staff, and an educational experience! This contemporary museum was well worth the visit during my trip to Houston, and I cant wait to bring my whole family to the museum in the future.
We were very disappointed and nothing about this place showcase African American museum. This was the worst experience and wasted time . What are the board members doing with the money?
I called before I went & wasnt informed that they only had 1 exhibit open. The building is already small, so the size of the exhibit was the size of a small bedroom. Spent 30 min to get there just to spend 10 min there. It was very different, just wish they had more open.
What a gem. Dominic gives an excellent tour. He is welcoming, warm, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. And most of all, he is genuine - he really listens to YOU, answers your questions, and respects you.The art exhibits were great because they showcased local, Houston artists.And as a bonus, its free admission!
Not exactly in the museum district but worth the extra effort. Nice vibe. Love that their are rotating exhibits. love getting to know the new artist in the Community.
Good pictures and information of the past
Had a really good time here. Quiet and not crowded so one had enough time to enjoy the exhibition.The staff is very helpful too. Free parking!!!
Amazing artwork.
This place is so much more than a museum. Its a place where serious intellectual discourse takes place around issues both cultural and civic. You can fill your heart with art and your mind with knowledge!
Good place to go to connect with local AAs. Lots of productive and meaningful African Americans in this area. Had a very good time at this place.
This museum was really cool. I like a lot of the stuff on the bottom floor, which I think is where the rotating exhibits are. The second floor has a bunch of sports memorabilia which some people might be interested in. There is also a video about how African Americans used to, and still do, have a history of horseback riding.
Nice place me and my husband enjoyed it! Loved the art makes you think..great artists! Will be back
HMAAC is a wonderful slice of culture for everyone. This is not AA culture, toys is American culture and I really enjoy the exhibits from local Houston artists. Ive gone here for a poetry event and the level of professionalism from the staff and the vendors who took part was amazing. I met the director who was genuine and very passionate about the space. I would recommend everyone take a little time out to enjoy the history that this place showcases all for FREE.
Eye opening on the educational aspect but not very up to date
Very informative and the art was a nice. The people that was there answered questions with no hesitation and was very nice.
Interesting museum there were many thought provoking exhibits.
Really cool place, especially in the summer.Nice amanaties.
Too Hot to experience....
I enjoyed myself, the artist were present and very friendly. The setup seems to be designed to facilitate socializing with other art connosiures rather than than voyaging from one display to the next. I highly recommend it going.
Just awesome. The artist were so talented. Beautiful work.
It is a good start yet it leaves a lot to be desired!
This museum was amazing and Dominique was so helpful and kind. My husband and I really enjoyed Ted Ellis work. We definitely will be coming back.
Art by locals with a great vibe.. Just need more art rooms...
Its a well hidden Houston treasure. My daughter and I enjoyed the experience.
I went for a salsa class that was advertised on Facebook events. Facebook stated start time of 6pm, while there website stated 6:30pm. Upon arrival, I was told the event would begin @6:45pm and encouraged to have a look around. Their installation at that time was the life and subsequent death of Sandra Bland, it was chilling. The venue is okay (in need of more funding-for repairs). It reminds me of a smaller Dusable Museum.
Wonderful neighborhood gem. Several thought/feeling invoking installations.
This place was awesome my kids thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits, and its free, they do accept donations.
Very interesting museum, saw good art and learned more about relevant cultural issues, worth visiting
Great history of African American culture and contributions to society
Very informative place hidden in the Museum District . Always something going on and you never know who you may run into. Its FREE every day!