EXHIBITS
AAM EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
2025
Permanent Exhibits
FACING THE RISING SUN: FREEDMAN’S CEMETERY
Facing The Rising Sun presents the remnants of a once-thriving North Dallas Community. Facing the Rising Sun contains photographs, found objects, and historical documents that provide an insight into a community called Freedman’s Town and later known as short North Dallas and now known as Uptown. Interactive video kiosks allow visitors to see and hear from the people who knew Freedman’s Town first-hand.
The Sam & Ruth Bussey Art Gallery | Imagination and Materiality: The Power of Memory and Storytelling in Black Art
Reinstalled November 2023
The AAM, Dallas has one of the largest collections of African American folk art in the country. The Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection, named for a founding board member, has grown to include more than 500 objects. Dr. Warren and Sylvia Lowe of Lafayette, Louisiana, Sally Griffiths and Dr. Bobby Alexander of Dallas, Texas have been major contributors. Pieces from the collection are rotated, twice each year, in the Sam and Ruth Bussey Gallery. Artists include Clementine Hunter, Mose Tolliver, Reverend Johnnie Swearingen, David Butler, Sister Gertrude Morgan, and Isaac Smith to name a few.
The Decorative Arts Collection consists of objects as early as the late 18th century. Some items are an 1824 coverlet; five pieces crafted between 1840-1850 by the legendary North Carolina furniture maker, Thomas Day (1820-1860); an 1888 crazy quilt; an 1830 slave made desk from San Augustine, Texas; and ceramics by Carroll Harris Simms, Co-founder of the Texas Southern University Art Department and Sandy Besser African Basket Collection. Also included is a silver teaspoon made by Peter Bentzon (1783-1850).
Current Exhibits
FROM AFRICA TO THE BROADWAY STAGE: DISNEY’S ‘THE LION KING’ - January 31, 2025 – July 3, 2025
In celebration of the national tour of the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King coming to Dallas (at the Music Hall from June 4 – July 3) visit the African American Museum of Dallas (just across the parking lot from the Music Hall) to view the exhibit From Africa to the Broadway Stage: Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. The free exhibit features elements from the original Broadway production alongside a curated selection of African art and artifacts from the permanent collection of the museum.
The exhibit is available for viewing now through July 3. The museum will operate its regular business hours until The Lion King opens on June 4. At that time, the museum will be open as early as 2 hours before each performance of The Lion King time and will close 30 minutes before each performance of The Lion King, allow anyone coming to see the show to visit the exhibit at the museum before their performance.
CLAY GRASSES AND REEDS: Carroll Harris Simms Ceramic Collection - January 30, 2025 – March 8, 2025
Decorative and functional objects from the African American Museum’s Decorative Arts permanent Carroll Harris Simms Ceramic Collection and the Sandford “Sandy” Michael and Diane Pettit Besser African Basketry Collection. The exhibition focuses on ancient traditions, techniques and functions of African pottery and basketry and their influence on contemporary culture.
Big D Cotton: Without Us - April 4, 2025 – June 19, 2025
Step into history with Big D Cotton: Without Us, a powerful new exhibition that explores the untold story of cotton picking in Dallas and the vital role African Americans played in shaping the region’s economy and culture. Through historic artifacts, photographs, and personal narratives, this DEI-focused exhibition uncovers the labor, resilience, and legacy of a people whose contributions were foundational—but often overlooked.
Curator: Clarence Glover
Asst. Curator: Lakeem Wilson
28th Biennial Carroll Harris Simms, National Black Art Competition and Exhibition - January 31, 2025 – July 26, 2025
This new exhibit at the African American Museum-Dallas features Black artists from across the country who were selected among hundreds of entries for the Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Competition and Exhibition.
The art show began in 1976 when the African American Museum-Dallas started the Southwest Black Art Competition and Exhibition to grow the museum’s art collection and give space for Black artists to show their talents. Over time, the show expanded its boundaries and changed its name to the Carroll Harris Sims National Black Art Competition and Exhibition.