Activity Overview
The groundwork for the collection was begun in 1974 when the Bishop College collection was moved here from their Texas campus. But the history goes further back, to five months in 1936 when the Texas Centennial Exposition opened the Hall of Negro Life as part of their World’s Fair.
Although that hall no longer exists, today’s visitors can view the Bishop College collections of African and African American art plus artifacts that illuminate black history in Texas (and far beyond) all near the original site of the exposition hall at Fair Park.
The African American folk art collection here in one of the largest in the United States, with pieces by David Butler, Johnny Banks, Bessie Harvey, Clementine Hunter, Willard Watson and George White. There are four galleries and a research library, a small collection of African masks, sculptures and textiles.
The cross-shaped limestone building has windows based on art from Mali, West Africa and a two-level rotunda with winding staircase.
Things to See & Do
- Entertaining and educational programs are offered, such as the Music Under the Dome series, held the first Friday of each month from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Refreshments are included.
- Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair and Arts Festival Tulisoma, Swahili for "we read," is held in late August.
- The fine art collection has paintings ranging from the 1800’s to the present. It includes works by Larry D. Alexander, Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, Arthello Beck, John T. Biggers, Sam Gilliam and more.
African American Museum Insider Tips
- Closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays
- Docent tours are available for a nominal fee
