Current Exhibitions
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Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin
-James Baldwin is a traveling exhibition by Detroit-based creative, Sabrina Nelson. The exhibition consists of unique works birthed from Nelson’s meditation on James Baldwin and is co-curated by Ashara Ekundayo and Omo Misha.
Upcoming Exhibitions
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I, Charles H. Wright
Opening Date:As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, our exhibitions are looking back at our roots. We have created an in-house exhibition centered on our founder, Charles Howard Wright, M.D. (1919-2002), that celebrates his life and achievements.
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Gems from the Wright Museum
Opening Date:Opening Date: December 14th
Members Only Preview: December 14th 9am-12pm
Open to the public after 1pmThis exhibition highlights the cherished heirlooms, family traditions, and stories passed down by Black Detroiters. Divided into 6 sections, our collection spans multiple countries and decades, preserves American history, documents important people and places, and captures everyday life.
Permanent Exhibitions
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And Still We Rise
Permanent ExhibitionFrom the tragedy of the Middle Passage to the heroism of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, And Still We Rise offers a comprehensive look at the history of African-American resilience.
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Ring of Genealogy
Permanent ExhibitionMaster muralist Hubert Massey lent his creative talent to The Wright to produce this floor-sized installation for the Ford Freedom Rotunda.
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Stories in Stained Glass
Permanent ExhibitionMusicians, dancers, freedom advocates: for stained glass artist Samuel A. Hodge, these figures are beacons of hope and transformation in African-American history and culture.
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Honoring the Life and Legacy of Judge Damon J. Keith
Permanent ExhibitionWe are proud to open our newest gallery in our And Still We Rise permanent exhibition.
Past Exhibitions
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Double ID
-From April to October of 2024, The Wright hosted the visual art exhibition Double ID, which featured dozens of works from the collection of acclaimed actor CCH Pounder-Koné.
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Adreinne Waheed: The Audacity to Thrive
-The first museum exhibition of Waheed’s work, The Audacity to Thrive explores the boldness of African-descended peoples, who thrive in the face of challenges.
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John E. Dowell: Paths to Freedom
-Paths to Freedom presents photographs, an immersive installation, and new video work by Philadelphia-based artist John E. Dowell.
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Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
-This new exhibition features over 60 of the Two-Time Academy Award winning costumer designer’s original designs from iconic films such as Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, and more.
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Being Seen
-Being Seen is a contemporary art exhibition featuring four Detroit-based artists, Joyce Jeffrey, Tia Nichols, April Anue Shipp, and Cara Marie Young.
Visit the exhibition in Gallery B
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d. Tree Studio: The Past, Present, and Future of Detroit Trees
-d.Tree Studio: The Past, Present, and Future of Detroit Trees is a special exhibition in partnership with the College for Creative Studies. Describing a five-year journey of building a new relationship with the city's trees.
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Derrick Adams: Sanctuary
-Derrick Adams: Sanctuary is an exhibition inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, an annual guidebook for Black American road-trippers published by Victor Hugo Green during the Jim Crow era in America.
Visit the exhibition in the AT&T Gallery.
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Mapping the Michigan Green Book
-Inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, this exhibition explores the way Black Detroiters vacationed with a specific focus on Michigan.
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Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues
-Detroit Jazz: The Legacy Continues highlights Detroit Jazz Musicians who also made an impact on the local, national, and international Jazz Scene.
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Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection
-Jazz Greats: Classic Photographs from the Bank of America Collection celebrates the legacy of singers, musicians, audiences, and artists who contributed to the cultural footprint of jazz.
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To Whom Much is Given
-To Whom Much is Given is an exhibition and a complimentary suite of programs about the lives and careers of Dell Pryor and Josephine Love.
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44: Portraits of a President
-44: Portraits of a President is a collective sculptural show created to recognize and celebrate the historical significance of the first African American President of the United States, Barack Obama.
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Posters on Politics
-This exhibition reminds us that others view the United States as a model for democracy. Yet, some of the artists remain nameless. Could they be afraid of retribution for creating art that critiques governance in America?
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Detroit Performs!
-Detroit Performs! celebrates the luminaries of theater, dance, and music that transformed the Motor City's performing arts scene, and with it, the American pop culture landscape.