◷ Open Thursday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future
Plan your visit to
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Welcome to the only museum of its kind, The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum!
Since its opening, the Museum has become a prominent, nationally recognized institution. It has also evolved into a powerful compendium of wax figures. The Museum houses approximately 150 figures of people from the past, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and from the present, like President Barack Obama.
Visitor Info
Admission Rates
Adults
Seniors 55 and over
College Students (with ID)
Mid-level Students 12–17
Children 5–11
Children 4 and under
Members
$18
$17
$17
$17
$15
FREE
FREE
Thursday–Saturday
Sunday
Hours of Operation
10 A.M.–5 P.M.
12 P.M.–5 P.M.
What to Expect
Our annual Kwanzaa celebration is a collaboration between The Men & Families Center and the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, two community pillars dedicated to ensuring that our children have opportunities to “let their light shine and hear the applause.”
Guests can look forward to a lively, family-centered program featuring the Premiere Performance of the Voices of History Youth Ensemble, a T.E.A.C.H. initiative directed by Marcia Sellers of PoWerFTP. Additional confirmed performances include The Community of Academic Scholars and Keur Khaleyi Kids.
As part of the festivities, Culture Queen will teach the crowd the Kwanzaa Slide, a joyful community dance celebrating unity, culture, and shared purpose. Children are encouraged to “Read to Be Free” and will receive complimentary books as part of the museum’s literacy initiative.
Families can also enjoy:
Raffles & Gift Bags
Wax Figure Displays
Fruit & Light Refreshments
Vendors & Community Resource Tables
Cultural Arts & Drumming
Special Wax Museum Presentation
Doors open to the public at 5:45 PM.
Presented in partnership with The Men and Families Center and supported by sponsors DiscoverMe/RecoverMe and T.E.A.C.H., this beloved tradition continues to cultivate family engagement, cultural pride, and community togetherness.
WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY EVERYDAY!
Video: PoWerFTP, recorded at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
The Museum expansion takes visitors on a journey from early human origins in Africa to the global African diaspora, celebrating resilience, courage, and new destinies. With 12,000 sq. ft. of new galleries, community and educational spaces, a Memorial Garden storytelling commons, museum store, café, and the largest green space in Oliver/Broadway East/Cecil Kirk, the expansion highlights Black excellence and the legacies of trailblazers inspiring future generations. This project needs your support!
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is Recruiting Volunteer Docents!
Are you passionate about history, education, and community engagement?
Join our docent team and help bring African American history to life!
Beyond the Walls: Traveling Exhibits
Learn about traveling exhibits and opportunities to see the wax figures outside of the museum
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is bringing history to life beyond the museum walls and throughout the nation. “These exhibits are more than just displays—they are living history, reminding us of the past and inspiring the future,” says Dr. Joanne Martin, Co-Founder of NGBIWM. Check out the current traveling exhibits.
Newest Wax Figure
Henrietta Lacks
Did you know that a Black woman from Baltimore changed the course of medical history? Henrietta Lacks’ cells—taken without her consent—became the first “immortal” human cells and have been used in everything from cancer research to the development of the polio vaccine. At The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, we honor her legacy and educate our community about her profound, and often overlooked, impact on science and humanity. Her story is our story—come learn why it matters.
Planning a Trip to Maryland?
We've curated a list of must-visit organizations and experiences that highlight Maryland’s rich culture and history. Whether you're looking to explore powerful storytelling, uncover Black history, or engage with the arts, these destinations will make your visit unforgettable!
Celebrating 40 Years and Counting
A Story of Uncompromising Truth
Reservations
We offer self-guided, individual, audio, and group tours of our exhibits. While visitors are welcome without reservations, advanced reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.
Expansion
As we celebrate 40 years, our plans for the museum expand beyond our walls and into the community. Learn about our mural project, plans for expansion, and how to get involed.
Support
Help us cross the finish line. We’re nearing our fundraising goal to prepare for construction—we’re almost there. Your support today brings us one step closer to building a lasting legacy. We are an established 501(c)3, and your donation is tax-deductible.
Visitor Info
Admission Rates
Adults
Seniors 55 and over
College Students (with ID)
Mid-level Students 12–17
Children 5–11
Children 4 and under
Members
$18
$17
$17
$17
$15
FREE
FREE
Thursday–Saturday
Sunday
Hours of Operation
10 A.M.–5 P.M.
12 P.M.–5 P.M.
We are closed during the following holidays. We remain open during Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, and Easter Sunday.
Holidays Closed
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
“I’ve never understood the appeal of wax museums, but this homespun educational gem had my number the minute I walked in.”
—Jada Yuan
The New York Times
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