RICHMOND: The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia will officially open its doors at its new location the Leigh Street Armory, 122 West Leigh Street, Tuesday, May 10. The public is invited to tour the museum Thursday at a VIP cocktail reception, tickets are $100; Friday free admission and live poetry during First Fridays from 7pm-9pm, and Saturday free open house 10am -5pm with performances by Culture Queen.
The museum features more than 12,000 square feet, The first floor permanent exhibits feature the African-American experience during Emancipation, Reconstruction and the Civil Rights eras. Each first floor gallery contains “Children’s Zones” interactive exhibits, there is also a community space for rent on the first floor. The second floor features nationally recognized traveling exhibitions, for the opening the “Funky Turns 40: Black Character Revolution” exhibition showcases more than 50 vibrant pieces of 1970's animation art. The exhibition will run from May-August. A traveling Romare Bearden exhibition, “Vision to Activism,” will be featured in September replacing Funky Turns 40. To get more information on the museum, regular hours and membership visit http://blackhistorymuseum.org/.
