Campos Philly Cheesesteaks loves the African American museum

So much to see and not enough time. This museum needs to be taken in at stages. Have patience. It is worth reading as much as you can that is displayed! Love that it is chronological history from the basement up to the third floor.There is a visual arts gallery on the top floor. Explore it!

Amazing experience. It is a beautiful experience to walk through the builiding and know better the history. They have a great staff and are very helpfull. The common area and equipment are in great conditions. It is a very nice place. It is a great opportunity to go with your family and/or friends. It is very educational, you better be open to learn and feel the history. It is needed to pay and get into a line to get in. Very well located, there are many signs to help you to find the builiding. Choose days out of great crowds so you can enjoy it better. There are buses stop close to the place and where to park around the quarter too.

Wonderful exhibits! The interactive exhibits were nice too. They were fun and very informative. The layout and flow of the exhibits were good. We enjoyed being able to reflect and discuss the art which was split between different levels of the museum. We only wished for more exhibits to see during our visit.

Honest review here: I visited today and was greeted by the visitors clerk, who was nice. There are some parts of the museum that are in need of sprucing up for sure. The display shelves for the museum shop are very dusty. Looks like they have not been tended to in a while. The exhibits are fair (but basic) on the 1st 2 levels, the 3rd level that housed the Sonya Clark exhibit was good, but kinda on the dark side with the lighting. The 4th floor where the Do or Die exhibit was showed well and I enjoyed that. Overall it is a decent museum. I hope to see more interesting and modern exhibits added in the future.

Great place! There are 3 floors. I went the first time when my kids were young. They had a husband and wife teaching African dance. This time we just walked the exhibits. Loved it!

Its not open during Covid shut down but when it is open there are fabulous events and installations to see. When you attend events youll meet fun and interesting folks.

This was a pre-Covid visit. I was extremely underwhelmed and disappointed. Upon entry there were a lot of homeless people in front of the museum. While I don’t have a problem with homeless people, you don’t see them standing directly in front of any other Philadelphia museum. As I walked through everything seemed very dated and there was nothing modern about it. I didn’t expect it to live up to the museum in D.C., but I think that they have a lot of improving that needs to be done.

Very interactive. Small but worth the money. I love how technologically advance its exhibit is. So you push buttons and hear the history rather than having to read everything individually. Very nice. Loved it.

Its a good museum with photography, Art and even little screen with reenactors it is pretty small it takes at most an hour to get through but it is very enjoyable

I came here during my trip to Philly. Its nice to see the history of Black people living in and around Philly during the late 1700s through the 1800s.The museum seems to be going through a renovation as only three exhibits were open when I arrived. However, there is plenty of information to read and view.On the day I went, I met a couple of the actors who recorded videos portraying the individuals written about in the museum. That was a treat!

There really wasnt a large space here, there also werent many exhibits - I was really interested to see all this history but there wasnt much here . The two big installs were on the ground floor and were interesting but otherwise the rest of it was hit if miss. Really disappointed especially in a city like Philly and in downtown . There are other African American history museums specifically in Boston or NYC which look much more promising. Unfortunately for me this museum is a pass, really wish the expanded and had more exhibits.

The museum is very interactive. It took my husband and I are roughly an hour to an hour and a half to get to the whole thing. We literally stopped at every button and screen to read and listen. The place is not very informative. The first floor add I formative of people behind the scenes of the famously known people which I liked. But the museum did not harp on the positive achievements of African Americans or even the hardships. The tip two floors were paintings which are beautiful but did not discuss enough of the history. Another downfall is that there was no one really walking around to provide any extra information that are not in the captions under the pictures are on the walls.

I love everything about this museum. It was fun and educational. Love the interactive videos and the exhibits on the upper floors.

Unfortunately its quite small, but definitely worth a visit and bring the kids.

Its a great family outing. Many emerging African American artists artwork. Historic figures telling their stories. All around great spot.

I took my son to this museum for a family fun day event. I learned so much about our rich culture and history. Even my 17 month old son had fun making a collage with some of the volunteers that were present. We will be visiting again very soon.

My family went there on 12/25/2017 and we had a great time. My aunt wanted the entire family to understand and appreciate what sacrifice were made so that we could enjoy what we have now. We also got to participate in a private interactive African dance session...the entire experience was beautiful and we had a wonderful time.

I hope they get more funding.. Its a very short museum experience. There really isnt that much to look at, and we really took our time. However, it was still a nice experience and their rotating exhibitions are great.

Two floors were under renovation at the time of our visit but I highly recommend this stop along the tour bus route. Outstanding exhibits.

Very disappointed. No focus on current history or people. Some good historical info that stopped at 1929 and nothing further. Two of four galleries had some interesting photographs but no other artwork. Lastly, the videos were too loud and drowned each other out. Maybe they need more funding.

A must stop if you are in Philly. Great for kids of all ages.

Wonderful history. Of the two exhibits, one is sparse and the narratives accompanying the pieces could be in larger font. The front staff could be more personable and OFFER information vs. Patrons HAVING to inquire; I was visiting after all. Also, IF the is a discount for military/veterans I was not made aware of that. I truly enjoyed the live presentations (video).

My expectations of this museum was not what I expected at all. Exihibits 1 & 2 were ok. Mostly consist of pictures of modern days blacks. Being in Philadelphia with so much history I would expect to at least see artifacts and something more captivating.

Great features exhibit. Wonderful space. Great place for the whole family to enjoy.

The Cotton exhibit was amazing. A must see by everyone. We must never forget how cotton fueled the economic system of America!

A nice little find. A good opportunity to have an insight into African American history and their struggles but also the monumental achievements and accomplishments that theyve made to the US.

We had to come here to support and we loved the John Dowell cotton exhibit.

Only the first 2 floors were open which was disappointing but understandable because this is a odd time to go for museum season. The floors were very informative and taught me a lot about history and facts I didnt know about.

I enjoyed this museum. its not the biggest or most comprehensive but is well designed and offers a lot for the time youll spend there. the best feature was the 19th century persona (in full character and persona) ready and able to discuss affairs of that time in a compelling way. I tried to get him to break from his persona but he was very good. Time well spent!

My heart is broken. I wanted it to be better. I’ve been to the African-American Museum in Washington DC and this is like 0.01 percent as good. There were two spaces. One room where they played a video and then put the light on different pictures as the video played and then upstairs there was was a strange booth like thing with video taped period dressed actors recounting there experiences during slavery. The other two floors were closed.I don’t think it was lack of heart for the work, but lack of funding.

Blown away by the recent exhibits of Betty Leacroft, her quilts are phenomenal!

I loved the interactive exhibits on the lower floors. Theyre great learning tools for all ages. The Do or Die exhibit they are currently running (in Gallery 4) was so beautiful and heartfelt it brought me to tears. Its a small museum (in comparison to others) but its a must-visit if youre in Philly.

Loved the current Sonya Clark installment!! There is quite a bit to learn about the roles and responsibilities of Black folks in Philly. This museum does a good job highlighting those important contributions. To note, there is a student discount; unfortunately, no military discount.

This is a relatively modest museum in both size and vision, but I enjoyed it and am sorry that it took so long for me to get there. The exhibits were informative and worthwhile.

The choirs on Community Day were great!

A great place to begin exploring AA history

Black art at its finest. A tour must see or anyone whos interested in black art and history.

I enjoyed two out of four exhibits but its not worth paying fourteen dollars per adult.

Had a great time. Beautiful exhibits. They have a military discount. Youll probably need a solid two hours to see everything. Great Staff

Visit. You have to. Its too much information for you to just look it up online. Go! Live in the moment!

The exhibit on cotton was nice and informative. The overall museum is a bit small but theres a lot of space that could be filled up. It needed more artifacts and history but its a nice start before visiting the bigger one in DC.

I liked the information presented. Also the exhibits, especially the one on hair! There was another exhibit where the art was very profound. The paintings were vivid and expressive. I took one point away because I wish it was bigger.

The exhibits were interactive and very informative. The galleries upstairs showcased artwork of Philadelphia natives and Celebrity images. Would definitely go back again.

The museum was amazing. There was so much history. I totally recommend going.

I want to like this museum being African-American and all but I never really cared for this one. I went with a summer camp and the kids were so bored. Personally think they need to create a better experince for visitors. I did enjoy the artist who had his work displayed on the third level.

Love to visit with family

We were very impressed. The renactment of Bessie Colman,s life was fabulous. It was like she was there. She proved that you can be any body you want to be.

I looked forward to visiting this museum, and the main reason why I didn’t give it four stars is because they were in between exhibits so I was only able to view two out of the four galleries. However, the galleries were good. What I liked was that the museum had information that was a little different than the usual that you tend to get at some black history museums that seem to regurgitate the same facts. This museum picked out important Black historical figures who all too often do not receive nearly as much attention such as David Bustil-Bowser and Francis Ellen Watkins-Harper.

Small but strikes very deeply culturally and artistically

Beautiful photography and art work I left feeling I learned a lot through the eyes of another I can only hope for an expansion of this museum!

There are so many different areas of Culture..in our experience and travels over many lands and peoples..I visited this museum many times..but I really appreciated the historical teaching..Ivan van Sertima..gave there regarding blacks in many areas in these Americas .it is worth our while too revisit the many books and lectures .this professor and teacher gave .we could open a new window of knowledge. About Blacks in innovation and scientific culture.that would change our mode of understanding..having a museum..heritage tool.21first century ..Art and science.. legacy...a very profound game.. spreaded throughout Americas... Olmec beginnings of high civilization and foundations. Of other culture wonders..the impact of knowledge and technical skills.. associated with science and Art..

I was expecting current icons and achievers like Obama, Diana Ross ECT... They mostly have icons from the 1700s and 1800s displayed. Got through the whole museum quickly. That early era is and was very important but we need not forget current years also

Always something wonderful, poignant, and/or fun. I love this museum!

Awesome MLK Day of volunteer service! Great line up of events!

Was there for a Holiday Party. Great venue. You get to experience the exhibits while there.

It was an amazing place to visit. It truly is a pleasant place to see the entrance to the museum deplicit special things that some of us never expected to encounter. It is a place that I will remember for the rest of my life. Thanks to you and your family.

Very impressive! The interactive videos in Gallery 2 were mesmerizing. Gallery 1 intro was very well thought out. Highly recommended.

Great to learn about our great #AfricanAmerican #History! Also, a great place that I have photographed so many great events furthering politics, music media... an of course Art! #Philadelphia

Have to give props to my past voice coach who performed there, and because she and her fellow vocalists and musicians...well they were phenomenal! Especially Ms. Bethlehem. Together they were inspirational and moving. Kudos to Ruth Naomi Floyd and her performance, and to the curator who had the sensational Idea! Thank you!

Always something educational going on try to get there for Black Histoty Month

Ashamed to say I stumbled upon this museum and didnt know about it already. So glad I did! The Cotton exhibit was moving and thought provoking.

The displays they have are very informative. It needs expanding to tell more stories beyond slavery though.

I ENJOYED VIEWING THE ENTIRE MUSEUM & THE EVENT (ENGAGEMENT/SURPRISE PARTY) ALL IN ONE! THANKS

Wonderful place to take your children and get a great learning experience

The best museum I ever went to and very educational.

This is NOT a museum. Its overpriced. Its should be free for what they offer. Come again Philadelphia. This building is wasted space.

I wouldnt exactly call this a museum!! Mabye a photo gallery ...not 1 artifact to be seen, very disappointed.

History would be nothing without the contributions of the individuals that are featured here.

A lot of these reviews I find hard to believe are sincere. Regardless of the topic, this is not an interesting museum. As others elude to, the single display on the ground level was actually good.... after that: nope. Not worth that admission $, or realistically scheduling more than 15 minutes of your time. I cannot in good conscience recommend. Lets hope more can be honest with their reviews

Visited this museum yesterday w| my sisters & we really enjoyed ourselves. My sister is a history major & talked about going here for a few months & we were not disappointed. Refreshing to hear new names that we weren’t taught in school.

Very good experience. I like it, great interactive displays.

I was very disappointed with the visitor this museum. Although, in a good location and the staff was friendly; barely any interaction. For a museum like this the cost should definitely be less. Many of the exhibits didnt explain much of the history or background behind it. I took pictures, but took pictures with things that I have no idea what hey were. Normally when you go to a museum you get. a caption or summer of what it is you are looking at. This museum failed to do so. I would not recommend this museum. I thought my experience would be better than expected.

The museums shows particular exhibitions and has a kids area that is well done. It is rather small, and not overloaded, which I appreciated. When I was there they showed a contemporary photography exhibition about slavery in the cotton industry (Cotton by John Dowell) which was one of the best political photography referring to both history and its present influence that I have ever seen. Aesthetically interesting and emotional at the same time. As a European not knowing too much about African American history, I understood - in a sense of feeling - much more through these photographs than I could have ever just through reading facts.

It wasnt what I thought it would be, the historical information was great but I didnt see any artifacts. It seemed to be more like an art exhibit. The staff was great.

Good place to visit. Very informative for adults and children

This visit was my 40th high school reunion and we enjoyed this facility

The exhibitions are always new and educational. Great for visitors of all ages

I always enjoy the exhibits and Im always learning new things and its a Wonderful Family museum and they have interactive exhibits that make it fun for the Children also.Fun for the whole family

Awesome place 2 go & learn about our culture.

There was a lovely special art exhibit that was the only reason I attended, and to catch up with some old friends I had not seen in a long time. The museum in general seems stuck in the 70s. Its very past-oriented. Nothing much contemporary. The building seems in fine condition, but it needs total renovation and new exhibits because it feels outdated. I know that will take millions of dollars, and I know such funds are hard to come by these days, but I fear it will shut its doors within the next decade or so if something isnt done.

Nice experiencs. Small. Expect one hour tops.

While this Museum was not the largest African American Museum Ive been to, In fact it was quite small, I love the video interactive displays that they have. It was very informative and my seven-year-old was entertained as we went through the exhibits. This museum is a little pricey for the amount of material they offer.

I was very excited to go to Philadelphia so that I can experience the culture, food and many African American museums, history ect. This is okay needs a lot of updates and more things to represent African American History, some virtue slides, voice narrative guides, not a lot of important life changing information to bring awareness, not easy to follow. There are 3 levels some walls are bare as you walk from floor to floor, 1 and half -entire floor dedicated to cotton with pictures on the wall that had no significance. I think the main problem is funding, if funded properly it would be a nice place to visit. Philadelphia has a rich History with African American foundation and it should be displayed and this museum did not display it. I will say its something to do and I think that people should visit this place just to help increase revenue or just donate so that the powers that be, can improve this museum to make it a great attraction to visit.

Very informative and well maintained museum. Great family outing spot.If you are buying City Pass/Philadelphia Pass, this museum is included in one of the attractions.

The building is beautiful. The gift shop has great items for sale. The programs are awesome. The Love Lady️

I was very impressed with the presentations and life like videos.

Was not impressed with the exhibits here, so glad I didnt pay 28.00 for 2 adults, would have been so upsetBut we as people of color need to donate more cash to farther our own institutions. I will be putting a check in the mail.

Just photos! Thought it would have more historical information

The Museum is a staple in the downtown area and one that I think should be visited at least once in a lifetime...With that being said, the exhibits on level 1 and 2 are informative and give a good overview of African American history in Philadelphia specifically, but could definitely use some sprucing up and more engaging elements for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the only changing exhibit (on level 3) was closed during my visit which was a disappointment...

It is a wonderful place to see Black art work in photopothy of everyday life styles of African americans.you can read or, listen to Black history from time past on how laws and how many things has changed in philadelphila .

I thought it would be larger. Took us about 40 minutes to go through. I thought there would be historical artifacts and more “museum” type stuff, but only interactive screens and things to read. They did have an art exhibit upstairs which was good. this museum is a great idea and much needed in the city of Philadelphia, but sadly it falls flat due to lack of funding.

Hope they expand, its alot of potential for the venue.

Nicely set-up, really enjoyed the individual stories. The artwork & the artifacts were terrific

It really lacked content and there wasnt much to see. I was hoping for so much more.

All around wonderful experience.The Cotton exhibit was well done and very informative. I would definitely recommend. You will not be disappointed.

KWANZAA I LOVE BLACK PEOPLE

Very good place to visit really in joy myself

AAMP is a treasure trove of Culture and History! There are myriads of programs there to enjoy with our families. One loses track of time while engaging with the exhibitions and live programs presented.

Small building but rich with history and beautifully displayed items to enrich your mind.