After an extensive revitalization, the nation’s oldest African American museum, the Hampton University Museum, has reopened its doors, inviting visitors to experience a newly enhanced journey through African and Indigenous art.
Established in 1868 and recognized as the oldest museum in Virginia, the Hampton University Museum proudly showcases one of the most comprehensive collections of African American, African, and Indigenous art in the United States. The recent reopening marks a significant milestone in the museum’s history. It now features expanded galleries with new exhibits highlighting contemporary and classic works.
“For more than 150 years, the Hampton University Museum has been a national leader in preserving and celebrating African American and Indigenous art and culture,” said Lt. Gen. (retired) Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University. “This reopening marks a new chapter in our commitment to education, preservation, and community engagement.”
New Exhibits and Collections
Among the new displays is a Veterans exhibit honoring notable alumni who have served in the Armed Forces. The exhibit also features a collection of costumes on long-term loan from Oscar-winning designer Ruth E. Carter. The museum has also enriched its African and Native American galleries, adding depth to its already diverse offerings.
The museum’s foundation is its African American fine art collection, which began with acquiring two paintings by Henry O. Tanner in 1894. One piece, “The Banjo Lesson,” has garnered admiration as the most acclaimed work by an African American artist. Over its 130-plus years, the museum has captured artwork from the African American experience and presented artifacts from Indigenous and Polynesian cultures.
In 1967, the museum received a substantial gift from the Harmon Foundation, enhancing its representation of pivotal artists from the Harlem Renaissance through the early 1960s. Notable holdings include John T. Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, and Samella S. Lewis pieces.
Commitment to Education and Culture
As the museum enters its next chapter, it continues to combat historical challenges faced by African American artists. Throughout the 20th century, systemic racism marginalized Black artistry, often relegating it to stereotypes and limiting its representation in mainstream art institutions. The Hampton University Museum has steadfastly provided a platform for authentic expression, celebrating the resilience and relevance of Black creativity.
“The Hampton University Museum is not just a repository of art; it’s a living testament to the resilience of Black artists and the power of storytelling through art,” said Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, the museum’s director. “Our collections and exhibitions remind the world that Black art isn’t peripheral but central to the broader narrative of American history.”
With over 9,000 works in its collection, Hampton University Museum offers visitors an immersive experience that spans centuries and cultures. The museum is free and open to the public.