The African American Museum of Dallas is set to reopen on May 1 following a temporary closure for facility upgrades aimed at improving the visitor experience.

The museum, located in Fair Park, closed in March to complete a series of renovations, including floor repairs, auditorium updates, fresh painting, and upgrades to electrical systems, HVAC, and technology infrastructure.

Facility Upgrades Prepare for Busy Season

Officials said the improvements were designed to modernize the space and enhance comfort for visitors ahead of an active summer schedule. The upgrades also support upcoming exhibitions expected to draw local and international audiences.

New Exhibition Highlights Sepia Magazine Legacy

The reopening will coincide with the launch of a major exhibition titled “People Who Make the World Go ‘Round: The Legacy of Sepia Magazine,” running from May 1 through August 11.

The exhibition draws from the museum’s Sepia photographic archive of more than 40,000 images, showcasing influential Black figures such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Maya Angelou, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Thurgood Marshall. Originally founded in 1946 as Negro Achievements in Fort Worth, the publication was later renamed Sepia in 1950 and remained in circulation until 1983. It became a significant voice in Black journalism, documenting cultural, political, and social developments across the United States.

Museum President and CEO Lisa Brown Ross described the magazine as more than a publication, noting it served as a platform that captured Black life “with depth, nuance and pride.”

Mandela Exhibition to Debut in June

A second major exhibition, “Mandela: The Official Exhibition,” will open on June 13, marking its debut in Texas.

The exhibition explores the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, focusing on his role in ending apartheid and his enduring influence as a global symbol of justice and reconciliation.

Organized in partnership with the City of Dallas, the exhibition aligns with FIFA World Cup-related events at Fair Park and the Cotton Bowl Stadium, highlighting Mandela’s connection to soccer as a unifying force.

Education Programs and Public Access

Museum officials also announced plans to expand educational programming beginning in January, aimed at introducing students to Mandela’s values of leadership, integrity, and service.

Both exhibitions will offer free admission, reinforcing the museum’s role as a cultural and educational hub for the region.

Visitor Information

Upon reopening, the museum will operate on the following schedule:

• Tuesday–Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free parking will be available in nearby lots, with extended summer hours expected to be announced later.