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Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

Learn about the museum’s expansion plans and how to get involved

Support the Museum’s Expansion—Ensure Its Mission, Exhibits, and Educational Programs Inspire Future Generations.

What milestones have you achieved?

We are currently in the pre-phase of our expansion project, which includes improving ADA-compliant accessibility in the Mansion
and demolishing the remaining row houses adjacent to the
main building (the firehouse).

Project Goals:

  • The expansion will enhance the museum's capacity to educate and inspire visitors, both locally and nationally, about the rich history and contributions of Black individuals.

  • With the expansion comes new projects aimed to engage the local community, fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents.

  • Constructing a 30,000 square foot addition which will provide nearly 20,000 square feet of additional exhibit space.

  • Greenspace will include a memorial garden, community gathering space, art/statue garden, and educational space.

  • The expansion timeline includes integrating technology into the museum experience and providing visitors with interactive and immersive learning opportunities.

  • With a significant interior renovation to the historic firehouse, where 90% of the museum’s current exhibits are housed, we’ll be able to create new exhibits featured in the expanded space, showcasing the diverse stories and achievements of Great Blacks in Wax.

Contribute to the future of the Museum—request project renderings to explore how your major gift or partnership can help bring this vision to life.

The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum Receives $2 Million of Earmark Funding from the Federal Government for FY23

The Museum is opening a new facility spanning an entire block of East Baltimore. Our multiphase, $76 million campaign will enable us to develop an even greater institution for the 21st century. In memory of our visionary Co-Founder, Dr. Elmer P. Martin.

Four Destinations, One Purpose: Wayfinding Signage in Baltimore

Baltimore National Heritage Area (BNHA) exists to preserve the stories told through Baltimore’s cultural, historic and natural resources. Four African American cultural heritage organizations within the area have been selected to get upgraded Trailblazer wayfinding signage to replace the old, deteriorated signs. The new system will be a unique, cohesive network of signs that better conveys the locations and represents each destination. Design needs call for minimizing the signage area subject to defacing while its fabrication should be of long-lasting, resistant materials requiring minimal maintenance. These signs also need to meet ADA requirements as well as adhere to all codes.

*brief provided by Ashton Design Group