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Permanent Exhibition
This unique, long-term exhibition serves as the central experience of The Wright Museum. The 22,000 square-foot exhibition space contains more than 20 galleries that allow patrons to travel over time and across geographic boundaries. The journey begins in Africa, the cradle of human life. Witness several ancient and early modern civilizations that evolved on the continent. Cross the Atlantic Ocean, experience the tragedy of the middle passage and encounter those... Click here to read more »
July 23, 2017 - January 2, 2018
Say It Loud: Art, History, Rebellion, is an exhibition that commemorates the 1960s rebellions, observes the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Rebellion, and compares the uprisings of the past to the upheavals that shocked our nation in the 21st century. Outside, part one surveys the Detroit Rebellion. Inside, part two features 40 national artists, whose works illustrate tragedy and transformation when people rebel. The Wright Museum will also present 67 programs throughout the year... Click here to read more »
Permanent Exhibition
This comprehensive, high-tech exhibition highlights trailblazers, contemporaries and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. African Americans have contributed to the scientific and engineering output of the United States since the 17th century, and this history is brought to life through interactive computer kiosks, a touchscreen video wall, and hands-on activities and play areas teaching basic engineering concepts. Four disciplines of scientific advancement are explored: Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, and Technology & Engineering... Click here to read more »
October 18, 2016 - September 17, 2017
Leni Sinclair is a renowned visual historian, photographer, social and political activist. Beginning in the 1960s, she documented live performances of legendary American and world musicians, especially those that performed in Detroit, Michigan. Through her work she has amassed an amazing collection of images that reflect the superb talent and artistry found in live musical performances... Click here to read more »
January 14 - July 23, 2017
Transitions of Walter Bailey: An Artist's Retrospective features 50 years of Bailey's artwork from the 1950's to the present. Divided into four sections, the exhibition begins with early-childhood pencil drawings, his black expressionism work, "experimental era," and ends with his current "Art Ain't Flat No Mo" work. Bailey says, "My next transition will reflect (my) desire to explore new themes, styles, and genres for the next tumultuous decade"... Click here to read more »
Ongoing Exhibition
Twenty-six interactive stations make up a three-dimensional "dictionary" designed for children from pre-school through fourth grade in A is for Africa. Organized by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, this long-term installation introduces young visitors to an array of interesting persons, places, events, ideas, foods and objects important to understanding the histories and cultures of Africa. While focusing on young children, those who are older will certainly find this activity enjoyable... Click here to read more »
Ongoing Exhibition
Located on the floor of the Ford Freedom Rotunda, is Genealogy, a work designed by artist Hubert Massey. The creation depicts the struggles of African Americans in this country. Each figure is symbolic of an experience, from slavery to present day violence, the hunger for knowledge, the importance of spirituality and the upward mobility of African Americans. Surrounding this 37-foot floor are bronze nameplates of prominent African Americans in history. Each year new names are added to this Ring of Genealogy... Click here to read more »
Ongoing Exhibition
The works of art included in this long-term installation focus on three areas of African American culture and history. The Musicians celebrates everyday people who have exercised their right to interpret the world as they see it through songs and instruments. Dance and Dancers on the other hand, honors those artists who use their bodies as the medium to express non-verbal emotions, themes and ideas. And Freedom Advocates is dedicated to notable African Americans who fought and died to ensure dignity and freedom for themselves and their people... Click here to read more »
Ongoing Exhibition
The museum is pleased to present Detroit Performs!, a photomontage dedicated to those who gained national and often international prominence in the performing arts. Although a majority of these artists moved here from other regions, especially the south, they claimed Detroit as their own, usually crediting it as the place where they honed their skills. Many of these innovators, John Lee Hooker, Tommy Flanagan and Mattie Moss Clark among them, put unique spins on existing art forms such as blues, jazz and gospel... Click here to read more »