The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists is dedicated to the visual arts heritage of people of African descent worldwide. Part of the broader National Center founded in 1968 by educator and arts leader Dr. Elma Lewis, the museum presents historical and contemporary exhibitions spanning painting, sculpture, graphics, photography, and decorative arts, with a longstanding commitment to Black artistic traditions across the diaspora.
The museum occupies Abbotsford, a handsome 19th-century mansion in Roxbury’s Highland Park area, lending its galleries a distinctive historic-house setting. It is among the few museums in the country devoted specifically to Black visual culture on a global scale. Its programming has included acclaimed installations and rotating exhibitions, making it a significant cultural anchor in Roxbury and an important stop for visitors interested in African American and African diaspora art and history.
Good to know
- Dedicated to Black visual arts heritage worldwide; founded as part of the National Center established in 1968
- Housed in the historic 19th-century Abbotsford mansion in Roxbury
- Open on limited days each week and often free or low-cost; confirm current hours and admission on the official site
- Group and guided tours are typically available by request
Getting there
- Address: 300 Walnut Avenue, Roxbury, Boston, MA 02119
- Neighborhood: Roxbury
- Nearest T: Roxbury Crossing (MBTA Orange Line) is among the nearest rapid-transit stations; several MBTA bus routes serve the area. Check mbta.com for the best routing.