Reviews of California African American Museum (Museum)

Tanaya Skinner

The Ernie barnes experience was amazing. The colors in his paintings are vibrant and full of life. The detail brings each piece to life. Barnes body of work narrate the beauty of the African American experience from the 70's through the 90's.

Alex Jackson

Small but with some very nice exhibits. A good stop if you're in the area but not really a destination

MIN MIN KYAW

Good place to visit.

Desiree Robertson

I love how they change exhibits

KimiRhochelle Porter

Great location for events .. ck us out @krprmedia

Honey Brown

This place was awesome. My family enjoyed the experience

Alina Ambrosino

Gorgeous and interesting art! The building could use an update, but the exhibits themselves are worth a visit.

al simms

Exhibits lacks info. about origin Africa, also lacks different customs and rituals practice by Africans, no mention of middle passage, no mention Egypt, no mention African societies and religious beliefs systems, no mention of building process, no mention of how African lived prior to slavery. This exhibit must have been done by a white fifth grader knowledge of Africa.

Mariah Jackson

As an African American I am very disappointed with this museum. I expected to see African art from the past. The most I seen was a whole exhibit of the history of African Americans and gospel. Another exhibit was more recent African art from upcoming artists. The last exhibit was a room with a big screen and a few benches, on the screen was video of a LA dance group of kids dancing in someones background. This whole museum was a discgrace. I expected way more. Do better please!!

Gary Standke

Just went to see the special exhibit on slavery in California. Nothing i ever learned in school. Great documentation, stories, artifacts, movies, etc to see how it was established and then finally ended. Other exhibits regarding the civil rights marches in the 1960's. Other halls with contemporary art exhibits. An amazing space.

Amber Sexton

I learned more about the art work of African Americans. Amazing to see and definitely worth checking out.

Ray Ivey

Amazing Ernie Barnes exhibit!

byron Rideaux

Very nice art

Stuart Bas

A must place to spend some time. Great staff. Nice exhibits

Yolande Beckles

Love this museum especially for my family and students. They have wonderful free workshops throughout the year just go to their website and sign up they email you reminders!! They change exhibitions every 3-4 months so dont miss any. They also hosted an event for a non profit Cadre which a parent based organization in South LA.

DeAndre Tucker

Very nice museum.

Michelle walker

Loved it I have my monitored visits in this place inside the park. All joy with my kids!

NEFrettiti M

Grew up taking Summer Art Workshops @ CAAM! Cartooning + Tie-dye + Batik + Calligraphy + African Dance! A neighborhood treasure!

Oscar H. Fajardo

My first time here. It was a pleasant experience lot of fascinating works displayed. Very friendly staff and plenty of clean restrooms to use. Oh and it’s free of charge so no excuses.

elroy jetson

Cool place took see new things

Taylor Foster

Inspiring art and exhibits

Denise Gordon

Appears to have 1 major exhibit and 2 other ones. The major exhibit was the History of Gospel Music in LA. Very informative. Has the pulpit where MLK preached a sermon that is surreal. Overall I was still expecting more. I wanted to spend the entire day there but there was not enough going on to allow me to do so.

Buttafly Jonez

Great experience, DJs, food trucks, a great opening for the new cross colors/ fashion exhibit.

David Parker

Great museum. Well curated exhibits. Just wish it were larger with more things ro see.

Timmy Luo

It's OK! Mostly a briefly introduction to the eaely history of the blacks in California and the artworks.

Solange Wall

Wonderful exhibits!!! You must experience it!

Anthony Fisch

A lot of interesting exhibits and a great way to spend two hours in the afternoon .

Mahiri Moody

Not your typical Museum. Mainly artwork (pictures). Visit is about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how in-depth you read each wall in each room. Impressive artwork.

Chudi Okafor

CAAM tells the American story through the negros' history. It is an exposé for anyone who wants to understand the reason we need to keep fighting for equality, and why we must never go back to where we are coming from.

Duane JACKSON

We having A BET Party Event Here So Lot Of People From All Over The World Can Come See The Art Of The Great Earnie Barnes

Lyric Joseph-Armstrong

The D.C. AA Museum is much more advanced. I would like more representation in this museum of medical and everyday advances contributed to society by African Americans. I would like less vulgarity through the Hip Hop display, I enjoy the historical content and push for 1st Amend Right. But, the display is glorification undefined which results in confusion

Mia Ginaé

I've always wanted to go here, and I had a great time. I loved the featured artists (Robert Pruitt and Adia Millett), and the space there is incredible.

Linda Pettigrew

Great place of history... They do change the rooms now and again. My favorite was the la 93 riot. I was like.. Omg??? I saw this on tv with my dad then. And they have a terrific exhibit for martin luther king. No cafeteria there, but the california science center has food vendors and the natural history museum has a cafeteria in the basement (?) They are a nearby walk if you can walk 10-20 minutes depending on your speed of walking. There is paid-parking there. Also street signs if you decide where you want to go. Enjoy!

Phillip Redden

Peaceful. Make sure you go see the Ernie Barnes collection ending on September 8th, 2019

Makresha Reneau

AFRICAN DANCE COMPETITION. VICTORY DANCERS WON 3RD PLACE AND IT WAS AWESOME..

Chaquita Johnson

Beautiful ❤️❣️

Malcolm Christmas

A nice place to go!

june williams

Awesome! A must go to venue.

RR DESTROYER

Great place to spend time with family and learn!

Ofoe Amevor

Thanks for sharing our culture. Some was hard to see and hear but it is history.

Brigham Yen

Nice art and history but the museum is super dated and needs money to remodel it.

Jason Smith

Love the learning experience created here

Reggie Bellamy

As someone who loves museums I must say the art here was dope. But the staff was trash. I was followed around and even followed by police/security. I would think a place like this would be a safe place but apparently not. I won't be returning. I rather pay money and be treated with respect. Than experience a free profiling session. If I want that I can just walk around my hood.

Charmardee Smith

It was nice experience. Seeing exhibits that African Americans did with metal and other materials you find in the environment Loved the museum

Gabrielle Garcia

You can really slow down here take it in. Beautiful art. Much needed historical truths. Very peaceful place and it's free. Exhibits change frequently. Parking is $12 but if you take the train it drops you off very close. Take a stroll is the rose gardens before or after make it a wonderful day.

Cornel Hunter

Another of my favorite museums. This retrospective featured the iconic master Ernie Barnes. You gotta really look at the subtle yet dramatic messaging and muscularity in his works. in that boxing scene, what’s the trainer saying to the corner manager. In thee lady walking, You can Sense the pride in both those shopping bags. And everyone knows the Marvin Gaye album cover - ok, everyone of that certain age.

Dylan Ris

Terrific exhibits in a beautifully designed building. Not crowded on weekdays.

Donna Hernandez

Hidden gem worth a visit. If you are going to Science Center, you should plan a quick visit.

Aja Courtney

I was very disappointed with changes in the museum. For me the museum should reflect African American history and culture and there was only one exhibit that even came close to that. I think in a day and age where so many African American youth have no connection with their culture, heritage, and know little about their lineage this museum should be that link for them and I can remember when it used to be that for me

Motique Alston

Deep exhibits that will educate you on African American history!

Taj Hollywood

Museum Party was Amazing 6/28/19 Time 7:P.M. to 11:P.M.

Ramon Campos Olivas

Small building with interesting AA art, worth the visit if you go to Exhibition Park

Omena El

OMG

Andre J

The longer I live in LA the more a learn about the migration to the west coast for free brown southerners was just like what was happening across the rest of America. Thank you CAAM for sharing that story which escapes the elementary, middle and high school classrooms across this nation.

John Jiao

I can't believe this museum is free! It's tucked away near museums that get a lot more traffic, which is a shame. It has one of the only exhibits I've ever seen dedicated to the history of black Americans settling in LA after the abolition of slavery. We visited during an installation by Adia Millett; the piece pictured below is called Expansion, and guests were allowed to step onto the dais and sit in the sofa, with calming noises piped in above

Jay Betts

What an experience! Some of the most insightful exhibits I've seen in any museum. I felt connected to each artist and their works

Aisha Francis-Samuels

Found this spot in between meetings on a work trip. It's a cultural oasis an there was an awesome exhibit up on Af-Am portrait artists. Definitely worth a visit!

Joe G

Free entrance. Excellent art galleries and historical exhibitions on the history of African American people in LA. Highly recommended. The space is really nice, they have kid activities. This museum deserves a visit if you are in Exposition Park.

David KinderTeacher

Always free to come and they have a donation box so you can support them. It's great to visit here on this special day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s day. Thank God for his dedication and sacrifice so all of us, regardless of the color of our skin, can enjoy the SAME rights as the White. God bless him and his family. Now the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., also has the same degree as his dad, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King.

L Blake

A lot of exhibits are specific to African American culture on the west coast. I am grateful for this in my neighborhood as it is changing and needs to be remembered.

BENITA HORN

Always elegant and educational. A treasure in the community. ☆

Imani Scott

I went one my last day in California for the end of my vacation. My family and I are very big on understanding and experience many different aspects of Black Culture and History. The exhibits we amazing the Adia Millett room was breath taking. Learning about The Liberators was inspiring. I just wish they had a gift shop of some sort. I will definitely be back on my next visit

Bukola Odomo

Beautiful history, beautiful art! Black is beautiful !

RAYMOND SMITH

Great art.

Ashlee Massai

Loads of information, with a few surprise elements. Took me 2 hours to get through all exhibits, but it can certainly be stretched out longer. I do wish there was more relevant info on exploring more ancient afro America art, so that's seriously lacking here. Beautiful atmosphere, all around. Just keep in mind that if you're driving to visit this museum you will have to pay a high price to park. This is definitely something I would have appreciated the museum notifying on their website.

Mark Evans

GREAT Ernie Barnes exhibit. Go see before its gone. Also a great interpretation of Charles White's wirk by other artists. This is a museum that should be visited on a regular basis.

Adriana Palma

The Africa American Museum is exciting some beautiful art work by Africa American artist.

JESSICA FLORES

Great place to visit! I recommend anyone coming here because it's close to the Museum of Natural History and other great places

Alfonzia L. Hollins, III

This was an excellent opportunity to find out about just how active Blacks were in the forming/forge California !

Tracy Burton

Spending my holiday vacation here in Ventura, Cal. My first experience riding the subway to get to the area. Loved the museum, interesting facts, pic & slave trade letters. Took some pics of slave instruments. I'm a big history buff, today's generation have no clue about any type of history. History is not taught in schools. I've been in the educational field for 19 years. It's so sad that many ethnic groups have no idea about there past roots & background history. Books are being taken away. Students now learn on computers/ laptops. That's a joke.

butler tribe

Love, love and more love. Great information and great individuals who are knowledgeable to answer any questions we had. Look forward to our next visit.... Thanks

Daniel Davis

Great place to take the family #culture #modernart

Willie Mae Meekie

It didn't have really anything

Jared Hardy

Important history presented by important people, who all deserve way more media attention.

debra moody

Lots of fun and interesting exhibits for all. Great family making memories time

Tiffany Anderson

Amazing museum, even though I think it should be called California African American art museum. I was expecting history and a lot of reading, but was pleasantly surprised with the talent artists and their pieces. Of course one large bonus is that it was free!

New Pixels 1

Beautiful work and displays

Erick Huerta

An amazing museum and community space. Visit 5heir website and follow them on social media to stay up to date with exhibits and community events.

James Hutchins

Good museum, bit had way more potential. Right now it's more of a showcase of contemporary art. I could have so much more.

Kerry Reston

I'd never been, so decided to traipse down to Exposition Park to visit this museum. The staff was lovely and greeted me so nicely as I entered. Only two galleries were open with two contemporary artist's work. I enjoyed checking them out. Nice high ceilings. Entrance is free, but parking is $12.00. On a nice day it is pleasant to walk around the park and maybe take a light lunch at the Science Museum or from a vendor selling snacks by that museum

Mr.Blonde66 Milkyway

Lots of history here. A lot of memrobilia and old planes parked right outside and on site. Great for a day out with friends and family, kids will love it. And everyone will learn something new.

MsValerie Troutt

This place was welcoming beautiful and full of amazing art I went for the Queens Festival and stayed for the free museum day. I'd definitely go again. there's so much to see and learn about

Mark Dabney

The Ernie barnes retrospective was very good. Dr. Cooks did a great job of making you feel at home in the CAAM

Chelsea Fox

Must see.... absolutely beautiful and moving

Antoine Perrin

Can't stop, won't stop is always a delight to go to. The smooth atmosphere, the people, the music and the vibe. Especially great when you are in the company of people you love.

LUIS DJKOOKANE MANZANARES

Is a great place

Mimi weatherspoon

So nice and beautiful and educational

Jasmine Eye

It's the same as every African American museum a big sob story.

Theo_Goodman

Beautiful artwork and wonderful staff. Right next to science center and NHM. Makes a great trip

gerald johns

The museum is free to enter and has a lot of nice art to see. It’s worth your time to visit and see some beautiful art and learn some African American history.

Pat Babers

It was really nice and had informative art and artifacts pertaining to African American history.

My Reviews

fun, beautiful, and educational. bathrooms were clean and the workers were friendly and welcoming.

Percy Johnson

Beautiful and clean,Great parking

Akm islam

Very nice Museum , history of African American,go there with little time you will dafenaptly injoy your day and gain some knowledge about Black American

Juan Pez

A great learning experience. Highly recommend.

Ree Squared

Great art as it was more art than history but it did cover CA African american history which was interesting. Loved the work of Ernie Barnes!

Carol McCoo

This Museum needs more support, not from just the state ! Bring back the curators who have knowledge,experience, and ability to raise funds !! This Museum was great before ten years ago and should have remained that way !

Mamuwalde Voudou Practitioner

This museum is beautiful and stylish! The art and history are astonishing. This place is a must visit!

Lucinda Coyne

What we saw was brilliant however there was only 2 rooms open for viewing due to conferences

The Herbie Herb Show

Loved it every exhibit was refreshing. Yes I would recommend a must come & see.

Andrei N

They had a gospel music exhibit that was amazing. It's a small place, but it's free and I can't complain about it at all. They put a lot of effort into curating the experience and getting good artists. My favorite part was actually the community events available. The yoga drum circle is awesome and they have a lot of opportunities for people to engage with artists and create something with them.

Ivan Caravantes

This place is $15 just to walk around or $40 for every, definitely worth going to at least the $15.00. Dinosaurs bones everywhere upstairs downstairs. The African animals that are stuffed are very nice looking. The American stuffed animals are very informative and interesting. They have a nice place for children to learn. Great food downstairs in the back open area. But expensive if you are not careful, but the food is or felt organic. Enjoy it and bring your wallet.

Kenneth Burt

I thoroughly enjoyed the music, the warm and inviting atmosphere and the beautiful, beautiful people.

Toni Joseph

The

Breaking Up With Obesity

Small but still a learning experience

Danielle Mathews

This is a nice museum. Great exhibits, featured exhibit Ernie Barnes is really nice also. Learned some things today.

Quiana Hall

Looking forward to the coming exhibits.

Mia Williams

Some very interesting pieces. I just wish there was more to it.

Cynthia Hudley

I enjoy the exhibits here. I would visit more often if they had more frequent events. Parking is convenient if pricey. Great learning experience.

Thank Good

I visited the Adia Millett exhibit today 4/9/19 at around 11am and unfortunately the experience was completely ruined by an employee of the museum who was on Instagram watching loud videos with no headphones on his cellphone. When I entered the room I assumed he was a visitor. As I moved throughout the exhibit I noticed he had a badge on. He kept sighing like he wanted me to leave. I would suggest you hire people that have more respect for artists and patrons. The installation is an incredibly touching immersive experience that includes audio. The loud music coming from his cellphone was distracting and disrespectful to this amazing artists work!

Arnetta Mack

So pleased with the programming and exhibits.

Ariel Don't Worry

I had a tremendous amount of fun here. The art was spectacular and the history and stories spread about the entire museum fed my soul. Thank you. I will make it an effort to visit monthly.

American Girl

The CAAM is alive and provides plenty of room to breathe freely. The building itself, the plaza, the whole exposition park is a sight to see.

Felecia Lenee Chief Compassionate Officer

Great place to learn and be inspired!

Olufunso Oresanya

Amazing collection of African American artefacts of historical value

Johara Dante Richardson

The exhibits are great, the staff is kind and knowledgeable, the art is inspiring

Timisha Wilson

This was a nice place to come see the exhibits on display. I love looking at art, trying to understand it, also the three screen videography was cool to watch. We also collected some great photos they had for the public to create their own collage. Lots of gems!

Henry Joseph

Great exhibits on the history of African Amercan people in California and execellent showcases of different arts forms fr0m Afircan American artists.

J.K. Lee

Cool place to visit. Great exhibits, interesting artists and expressions. When you are in the area stop by.

Kimberly Sizemore

Fantastic art,great building, lovely crowd.

Angel Hefflin

More people should go here

Eric Hudson

Wow there is so much African American history in Los Angeles. Museum does a great job highlighting it

Cruise Chick

So very informative, heart breaking & uplifting all at once! A must for everyone.

Ray Carter

Great space... Should be used more often

Barry Waite

Mainly an art museum, the collection is well done for sure. And it's even free!

Amber Morgan

Love this place very cultural, a little different from when I was a kid but overall still very educational & informational will visit again soon

Linda Dunston-Kelly

Mr. Randell was very helpful

Jac Adu

The exhibits of art were different. It was aldo well attended. I would differently recommend this show.

nigiriify

I definitely learned a lot here. This museum focuses most on the slave trade in California which we definitely dont learn much about in school. Its also a free exhibit.

Trudy Burnett

Informative and Rich in Culture!! No matter your race go visit for yourself!! Awesome!!!

ontoine lewis

Very informative

Marilynn Jones

Totally awesome experience; it was so rewarding to be immersed into our America History,African American History of LA and will recommend to others traveling to LA to visit the museum and learn of national contributions of our people!

Lola Madison

California African American Museum & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibit California African American Museum to explore the exhibition: LOS ANGELES FREEDOM RALLY, 1963, which tells the story of how on May 26, 1963, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed nearly 40,000 people at Wrigley Field in South Los Angeles. Black history Is Everywhere, Everything, Everyday!!! #blackexcellence #blackHistory

Virginia Mauriello

I thoroughly enjoyed this museum. Stopped by after a visit to the science center & IMAX theater. Although it is fairly small compared to the nearby museums, I thought the Spring 2019 exhibits were interesting and offered a little something for everyone (a good mix of history and contemporary art). Admission is free but parking is $12, so I recommend making a day of it (visit the surrounding museums, have lunch, take a walk through the rose gardens, etc.). Worth stopping by and checking out.

tamika johnson

My teenage children and I love the art exhibits

Valor

Searing in its authenticity, this art museum opens hearts and minds while speaking truth to power!

Alex Chan

Great place to learn up on history of the african- american community. There are also artworks in the different chambers. There should be more artifacts on display though

tbarela

I enjoyed the museum. Lot of historical American footage, pictures.

Jorge Mata

A gem in LA. Something for everyone. Great exhibits that will evoke thought and emotion. Also they host performances. The staff was If ultra friendly.

Ranjan Neera Pant

Nice to learn African American history...

HairFreek Barbers

It's smaller than the rest. It has captivating exhibits, beautiful artwork, and interesting stories. I just think more should be done to attract more people to walk through those doors. People from all walks of life should check it out.

juanita clark

This is one of many hidden gems that Los Angeles has in it's midst. This museum is by donation and brings many interesting, historical, creative, educational, and inspirational exhibits for the public to see & experience. They also have classes, a book club, show films, have speakers and try to engage the public in the experiences/contributions of the descendants of Africa from all over the world. It's located in Exposition Park.

Kim Taylor

Stopped in briefly, but what wonderful things I got a chance to see.

Shiawasenaneko

Excellent Museum. Don't ask the staff to have a political discussion though I nearly got kicked out LOL. Then again...I'm not African American.

Stephen Joyner Jr

The museum had a guest speaker today.

Norma Navas

Last exhibition are explendic about their culture.

pamilerin oyewo

Loved every moment of it will definitely go back

Angeles Workshop

Our school Angeles Workshop School goes on weekly field trips, and our students love visiting the California African American Museum at least once a year. The exhibits are always powerful, relevant, and engaging!

Kevin J. Small

You have the chance to visit please take your children the art and history here is unreal

Michael Walker

We had a great visit. It was about half art but there was a informative MLK exhibit and a VERY detailed exhibit on the history of slavery. It was powerful.

dado gersht

I would have hated it 5 stars if not the old and archaic way of presentation. But.. it is a super important museum. If only some exhibits become more modern and accessible to young people..

Christopher Eberhardt

Very insightful for black culture

LaRett McGown

CAAM is a great place for individuals or families of any ethnic background to visit. I recently attended the Cant Stop Wont Stop event and was very pleased with the friendly staff, variety of art, and gallery layout, To add, there were complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine to purchase, several food trucks stationed at the entrance and a live DJ. The event felt like a family reunion and celebration of art. I even saw families with young children, which is great to expose them to their culture through art at a young age. The museum is always FREE and they have many events every month. I will definitely visit again and Highly Recommend new visitors as well.

Julie loeb-robinson

Excellent museum, my favorite in Los Angeles. I learn something new every time I go. The exhibits are exciting and fresh. The people are friendly, facilities are clean and welcoming. My family, friends and new acquaintances I meet at events make visiting CAAM an unforgettable experience each time.

Mary Reed

The museum is free! The exhibits are very interesting and changed regularly. There is usually someone available to answer questions about the exhibits and the artists.

Didi Rod

Love the type of art display they have very cultural and unique and plus is donation based they have new exhibitions displayed almost every month definitely look into it

Evelyn Anzora

it was really interesting to see the MLK exhibit. I learned things that school wouldn't teach in such detail. it was absolutely amazing. Entrance is free and they have a new exhibit every month, it's really awesome. :)

Kedra Reed

Such beautiful art and history...