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The Hampton University Museum has reopened following a major revitalisation, with the museum now featuring expanded galleries, new exhibits, and an updated collection that highlights African American, African, and Indigenous art
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Feb 2025
The museum has undergone a transformation to better display its collection Credit: Hampton University
The Hampton University Museum has officially reopened following an extensive revitalisation, with the updated experience offering visitors a chance to better explore the museum’s vast collection of African American, African, and Indigenous art.
Established in 1868, the museum is the oldest African American museum in the US, as well as the oldest museum in the state of Virginia. For over 150 years, the museum has played a key role in preserving and showcasing artwork from the African American and Indigenous cultures, with the recent renovations expanding the institution’s galleries and introducing new exhibits.
The reopening features newly acquired pieces alongside long-standing works that reflect the museum’s extensive collection, which spans a broad range of artistic expression and historical periods.
Among the new exhibits is a display honouring Hampton alumni who have served in the US Armed Forces, as well as a collection of costumes on long-term loan from Oscar-winning designer Ruth E. Carter. Other additions include new pieces in the museum’s African and Native American galleries.
“The Hampton University Museum is not just a repository of art; it's a living testament to the resilience of Black artists and the power of storytelling through art,” said Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, the museum's director.
“Our collections and exhibitions remind the world that Black art isn't peripheral but central to the broader narrative of American history.”
The museum says that its reopening not only marks a new phase in its history but also underscores its ongoing role in fostering discussions about racial equity and representation in the arts. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the museum aims to inspire new generations of artists, art lovers, and scholars to engage with and support African American art.
Museums and galleries
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