Statement from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Wright Museum Affirms Financial Stability and Provides Context on City Budget Request
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History remains fiscally sound and committed to its mission as a world-class cultural destination celebrating African American history and culture.
Recent reporting by the Detroit News and other local news outlets has prompted questions about the museum’s financial position. For the first time in several years, the Wright experienced an operating deficit in Fiscal Year 2025, driven primarily by decreased State funding and broader shifts in the funding environment affecting nonprofit cultural institutions nationwide.
Despite these challenges, the Wright has remained resilient maintaining staffing levels, debuting acclaimed exhibitions, and continuing its signature programming.
On March 13, 2026, The Wright Museum leadership appeared before Detroit City Council during budget hearings to request $11 million, including $3.3 million, equivalent to the amount previously allocated in FY24 by the City of Detroit, and $7.7 million which is our estimate of funding needed to compete capital improvements pursuant to the final phase of mechanical work at the museum which owned by the city of Detroit.
According to the museum’s FY 2025 audited financial statements, revenue totaled $12.5 million and expenses $13.9 million, with the $1.4 million gap responsibly covered through its operating reserves.
For more information, please reference our 2025 Annual Report our 2025 Financials.