The Hampton University Museum, the Nation's Oldest African American Museum, Reopens with Expanded Exhibits, Enhanced Visitor Experience

Re-Grand Opening Showcases New Exhibits, Collections Profiling Cultural Heritage, Artifacts from America, Africa, Beyond

HAMPTON, Va., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hampton University proudly announces the re-grand opening of the Hampton University Museum, the nation's oldest African American museum and the oldest museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia, after an extensive revitalization that introduces new exhibits and an enriched visitor experience. Established in 1868, the museum remains an unparalleled cultural treasure, housing one of the most comprehensive collections of African, African American, and Indigenous art in the United States.

The reopening unveils a dynamic expansion of the museum's galleries, showcasing newly acquired works alongside timeless pieces that define the institution's legacy. Visitors will experience an immersive journey through history, culture, and artistic expression with a refreshed layout designed to deepen engagement with the museum's extraordinary collections.

"For more than 150 years, the Hampton University Museum has been a national leader in preserving and celebrating African American and Indigenous art and culture," said Lt. Gen (retired) Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University. "This reopening marks a new chapter in our commitment to education, preservation, and community engagement."

New exhibits at the museum include a Veteran's display honoring notable Hampton alumni with impressive service to the Armed Forces, a display featuring costumes on long term loan by Oscar-winning designer Ruth E. Carter, and new additions to the African and Native American displays throughout the museum. 

The Hampton University Museum, which is free and open to the public, is composed of the world's first collection of African American fine art, which began with the 1894 acquisition of two paintings by Henry O. Tanner. One of these paintings, The Banjo Lesson, is acknowledged as the most admired work by an African American artist. With over 130 years of existence, the museum has been a guardian of artwork and artifacts spanning the entirety of the African American experience while also showcasing elements of Indigenous and Polynesian cultures as well.

Hampton was the recipient of a gift of hundreds of artworks from the Harmon Foundation in 1967, which includes representation of most of the important artists from the Harlem Renaissance into the early 1960s. The Museum also houses the Countee and Ida Cullen Art Collection; a group of 29 works of art acquired from the widow of the famed Harlem Renaissance poet. Among the most outstanding holdings are works by three important figures connected to the visual arts at Hampton: John T. Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, and Samella S. Lewis. In addition to the African American Fine Art Collection, the Museum features African, Native American, and the Hampton History Galleries as permanent exhibitions.

Advancing Art Through Adversity 

At the turn of the century, as Jim Crow laws and segregation spread across the South, the Hampton University Museum persevered through these societal challenges, providing a vital platform for African American artistry and expression.

Throughout the 20^th Century, African American art faced significant disregard and disrespect due to a combination of systemic racism, exclusion from mainstream art institutions, and deeply entrenched societal biases. African American artists were often denied access to prominent galleries and museums, which were the primary spaces for showcasing and legitimizing art. Few institutions considered Black art as part of the American cultural canon. Furthermore, depictions of African Americans in mainstream media included themes like 'blackface,' 'minstrels,' and other derogatory imagery that negatively impacted African American expression. 

When African American art was acknowledged, it was often viewed through a reductive lens, focusing on themes of poverty, oppression, or folklore rather than recognizing the full spectrum of artistic expression. Additionally, African American artwork has historically been criticized as "primitive" or "folk art," diminishing its complexity and innovation.

Despite these challenges, the Hampton University Museum champions the beauty and relevance of Black creativity. 

The Hampton University Museum is directed by Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward. Previously, she was Director of the York Bailey Museum, at Penn Center on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. Thaxton-Ward previously served on the board of Arts for Learning and the Virginia Association of Museums board and the Commission on African American History Education in the Commonwealth, appointed by Governor Ralph Northam. She is currently a Commissioner for the Virginia Arts Commission appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin and serves on the board of the Barrett-Peake Foundation.

As Director, she has secured funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Save America's Treasures, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Luce Foundation, Art Bridges Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in partnership with the Chrysler Museum of Art.

"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 Thaxton-Ward. "Our collections and exhibitions remind the world that Black art isn't peripheral but central to the broader narrative of American history."

An Experience of a Lifetime in One Afternoon 

From breathtaking African masks to contemporary masterpieces by artists like Jacob Lawrence and Samella Lewis, the museum's galleries are a vibrant Kaleidescope of cultures. Where else can you take a journey from 19th-century America to the African savannah, then hop over to the pacific islands of Hawaii —all in one afternoon? With over 9,000 works in its collection, every visit to the Hampton University Museum is a chance to uncover something new.

Artwork that tells the Story of America's Rich History 

Every piece in the museum tells a story. Museum goers can step into the lives of trailblazing artists like Henry Ossawa Tanner and John Biggers, whose works capture the beauty, struggle, and triumph of the Black experience. Furthermore, the Museum allows guests to explore Native American textiles, African artifacts, and even Asian ceramics that connect global histories in unexpected ways. This isn't just art—it's a conversation with the past, present, and future

Today, as conversations about racial equity and representation in the arts gain momentum, the Hampton University Museum continues to play a critical role in shaping these dialogues. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and partnerships, the museum seeks to inspire a new generation of artists and art lovers to celebrate and support African American artwork. 

About Hampton University

Hampton University, nestled along the scenic shores of Hampton, Virginia, is a dynamic historically Black institution with a storied legacy of academic excellence, pioneering research, and dedicated community service. Here, students discover an empowering environment that fuels their ambitions, nurtures their potential, and inspires them to rise, lead, and excel.

Founded in 1868, Hampton combines a robust liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on scientific and professional disciplines, offering a wide range of distinctive programs, including leading-edge degrees in STEM, business, arts, and health sciences. The University is at the forefront of research in areas such as atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity, driving innovation that impacts the world. Additionally, the newly launched School of Religion stands out as the first HBCU to offer a doctoral degree in theology, religious studies, and ministry. Contributing $530 million annually to both the regional and the Commonwealth of Virginia's economy, Hampton plays a vital role in regional development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.

Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the "Best Colleges in America" and honored by Coastal Virginia as the "Best Private College," Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators representing 44 states and 32 territories and nations. Committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, Hampton prepares its students to lead and thrive in an evolving world. For more information, visit www.hamptonu.edu.

SOURCE Hampton University