African American Museum in Philadelphia

Museum History Founded in 1976 in celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial, the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. Throughout its evolution, the museum has objectively interpreted and presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colo ... nial times to the current day. The museum is committed to telling the story of African Americans in all its permutations: family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law, and technology. The AAMP currently houses four galleries and an auditorium, each of which offers exhibitions anchored by one of our three dominant themes: the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative. Our Mission AAMP brings diverse communities together in a greater appreciation of the Black experience through the combined narrative of art, culture, and historical witness. Our Vision AAMP will be an integral asset of the Philadelphia cultural landscape that makes a meaningful impact on visitors’ lives as they experience the stories of people of African descent through art, history, and culture.