Black Culture Museum Moves to New Home

The Museum of African-American Life and Culture opened in 1974 in a room of a predominantly black college’s library in South Dallas. Its director, however, had visions of a more majestic home.

After years of struggle to fulfill that vision, Harry Robinson is opening the $6-million, 38,000-square-foot museum in Fair Park today.

“There was a need expressed in our community for doing something to preserve our heritage,” Robinson said.

The museum was founded as a part of Bishop College. Its limited collection was housed in a small room on the second floor of the school’s library.

In 1979, it separated from the college and began operating as the nonprofit Foundation for African-American Art. While Robinson tried to raise money for a permanent home, the museum’s pieces were exhibited in various studios throughout the city.

Dallas voters in 1985 approved a $1.2-million bond package for a building. And after raising $5 million more through private foundations, individuals and black churches and organizations, construction began in July, 1991.