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Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

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

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.

About the Museum’s Plan for Expansion

The Museum's mission is to stimulate an interest in African American history by revealing the little-known, often neglected facts of history; use great leaders as role models for youth; improve race relations by dispelling myths of racial inferiority and superiority support and work with community groups, schools, and other organizations to provide opportunities for youth to pursue careers in the museum industry; and promote economic development in the East North Avenue corridor.

Because it is a wax museum committed solely to studying and preserving African American history, it is among the United States’ most dynamic cultural and educational institutions.

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 about 150 figures of people from the past- like Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks and from the present-like President Barack Obama.

A slave ship replica stands first and foremost in the Museum.  Within it, a life-size re-creation of the dark belly of a 19th century slave ship shows figures in the dank ship’s hold, their bodies crushed, but not their spirits.

Also recorded in wax are all the noble ways African Americans have participated in the building of this country, from soldiers in the Civil War to members of the Freemasons.  From the Western frontier to polar exploration to the space race, African Americans are highlighted for their contributions.  The wax figures that find their place in The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum capture for posterity the emotions and strength that inspired us to establish the Museum: Hope for a community and for the future.

Milestones Looking to Achieve

  • 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 our expansion with a donation

The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum celebrated our 40th Anniversary at the end of 2023. Join us as we continue this journey in celebrating 40 Years of Uncompromising Truth.

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