Craig Wilkins’ award-winning exhibition chronicling the saga of Black architects and the Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture opened January 25 at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Wilkins, associate professor of architecture at Taubman College, previously received a prestigious Graham Foundation award for the project.
The exhibition is titled “If history were told as stories, it’d never be forgotten … Tales of Black architects and the Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture.” The ambitious exhibition:
- Follows the evolution of the Smithsonian African American Museum from an idea held by a few to one embraced by millions.
- Tells the untold saga of Black architects in the United States — a 400-year odyssey of resilience, creativity, and innovation.
- Offers a window into the state of this journey, presenting a snapshot of the progress and presence of Black architects currently.
- Narrows the focus to Detroit, celebrating the vision and impact of a handful of Black architects who have helped shape the identity of the city and its residents.
- Presents a unique reimagining of spaces, places, and cities intentionally rooted in Black culture and Hip Hop Architecture.
The Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can reserve tickets in advance or purchase tickets at the door.
