More Than a Museum
For sixty years, this extraordinary institution has stood as a beacon of culture, education, and inspiration.
From its humble beginnings to its current stature as the world’s largest museum dedicated to the African American experience, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (known simply as The Wright) has remained steadfast in its mission: to preserve, celebrate, and illuminate the richness of Black history and culture.
More than just a museum, The Wright is a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of a community whose contributions have shaped — and continue to shape — our world. It safeguards more than 30,000 artifacts and archival materials, from African masks to civil rights documents to labor movement records, all telling powerful stories of struggle, triumph, and hope.
As we honor this milestone, we recognize not only the museum's past but its powerful future. The Wright stands as a sacred space — a keeper of our stories and a source of light for the generations still to come.
Explore 60th Anniversary Events
Special Events
- The Wright Gala
On October 11, 2025, we invite you to join us for a momentous occasion as we commemorate six decades of rich history, culture, and community impact at The Wright Gala.
This event will be the grand finale of our yearlong celebration marking the 60th Anniversary of The Wright. Together, we celebrate the past, present, and future of our museum. We look forward to seeing you there!
Order of Events
- 5:30 PM - VIP Reception
- 6:00 PM - Event Doors Open
- 6:30 PM - Dinner Service Begins
- 7:00 PM - 60th Anniversary Awards Program Begins
- 9:00 PM - Live Auction Begins
- 9:30 PM - Afterglow: Dancing & Live Music
Attire
On this evening, we encourage you to show up and show out! From the most intentional hairstyles to the royal, opulent, and elegant jewel-toned gowns and tuxedos, your attire should reflect the grandeur of the occasion.
Whether you choose a classic black tuxedo with a pop of color or a stunning gown that catches the light with every movement, let your style be a testament to the rich cultural heritage we celebrate.
- Wright Babies Search
Dr. Charles H. Wright delivered over 7,000 babies during his remarkable career, and we're on a mission to connect with as many of those Wright Babies as possible.
And it all starts right here with you. If Dr. Wright delivered you (or anyone in your family), we want to hear from you! Join in on this historic initiative to help us honor Dr. Wright's contributions to our community.
Fill out the form on the page linked below to get started.
- I, Charles H. Wright Exhibition
As we approach the 60th anniversary of The Wright, our exhibitions are looking back at our roots.
We've created an in-house exhibition centered on our founder, Charles Howard Wright, M.D. (1919-2002), that celebrates his life and achievements. This exhibition, presented as a first-person narrative by Dr. Wright, uses words, images, documents and objects to portray his extraordinary life and expansive legacy.
- Luminosity Exhibition
Experience Luminosity: A Detroit Arts Gathering, a dynamic exhibition celebrating 60 years of The Wright with over 60 artworks from present-day Detroit artists, long-departed masters, and the museum’s archive.
Spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and more, Luminosity illuminates the city’s creative spirit through shared histories, personal reflections, and bold artistic exploration.
Learn More About The Wright
- Museum Origins
The story of The Wright begins with one visionary: Dr. Charles H. Wright, a Detroit-based obstetrician and gynecologist.
After visiting a memorial to World War II heroes in Denmark, Dr. Wright returned home inspired to build a space that would honor African American history and ensure that future generations, especially young Black Americans, could take pride in their heritage. In 1965, he and 30 others founded the International Afro-American Museum on West Grand Boulevard.
As the collection and the community’s enthusiasm quickly outgrew the original building, the museum moved and expanded several times—first in 1987 to a 28,000-square-foot facility, and then, thanks to the support of Detroit voters, into the current 125,000-square-foot facility that opened in 1997 in Detroit’s Midtown Cultural Center. A year later, it was renamed in honor of its founder, becoming the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
- Our Impact
Each year, The Wright welcomes over half a million visitors, offering a space for reflection, learning, and unity.
Through more than 150 educational programs, exhibits, and cultural events annually, the museum fosters greater understanding and acceptance by telling the full, nuanced story of African American life.
And The Wright’s mission doesn’t stop at cultural preservation. The museum is also committed to environmental justice, working alongside local leaders to protect the natural world and advocate for climate equity.
Guided by five Strategic Goals and its mission to open minds and change lives, The Wright continues to be a pillar of the Detroit community and a national treasure. Its vision — a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspire understanding, acceptance, and unity — is more vital now than ever.
I was committed to what I defined as one of the most important tasks of our times: ensuring that generations, especially young African Americans, are made aware of and take pride in the history of their forebears and their remarkable struggle for freedom.
Become a member. Ensure the legacy of The Wright lives on.