◷ Open Thursday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future
Plan your visit to
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Easter Sunday
We remain OPEN on the following holidays: Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, and Easter Sunday.
Photo: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Charles A. Harris and Beatrice Harris in memory of Charles "Teenie" Harris, © Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles "Teenie" Harris Archive
Welcome to the only museum of its kind, The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum!
Since its opening, the Museum has become a prominent, nationally recognized institution. It has also evolved into a powerful compendium of wax figures. The Museum houses approximately 150 figures of people from the past, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and from the present, like President Barack Obama.
Visitor Info
Admission Rates
Adults
Seniors 55 and over
College Students (with ID)
Mid-level Students 12–17
Children 5–11
Children 4 and under
Members
$18
$17
$17
$17
$15
FREE
FREE
Thursday–Saturday
Sunday
Hours of Operation
10 A.M.–5 P.M.
12 P.M.–5 P.M.
WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY EVERYDAY!
Video: PoWerFTP, recorded at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
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Here, creativity meets opportunity. Whatever you're building, we're here to help you take the first step with confidence. Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.
“Voices of History'' Street Fair–June 27th
A Celebration of Community Arts, Culture & Health in Baltimore
The “Voices of History'' Street Fair is a free summer public event hosted by The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum. The event began in 2015 as a culmination of the Growing Griots Literacy Learning Program, of which The Museum remains a long-time supporter. It has since expanded to an annual celebration of community arts, culture and health, coinciding with both the Juneteenth holiday and The Museum’s anniversary.
If you are interested in vending please send your inquiry to doralee.fakunle@greatblacksinwax.org
The Joyful Noise Gospel Brunch–May 16th
The A.U.R.A Foundation Presents: The Joyful Noise Gospel Brunch
Get ready to uplift your spirits with The A.U.R.A. Foundation at The Joyful Noise Gospel Brunch!
Join us in person for an amazing time filled with soul-stirring gospel tunes, good vibes, and delicious brunch bites. It’s the perfect way to gather with friends, sing your heart out, dine and enjoy crafted beverages while feasting on a lavish brunch spread. Also peruse and bid on the beautiful offerings at the Silent Auction (tickets sold separately).
Don’t miss out on this joyous celebration—come hungry for music, food, and fun! Proceeds will be donated to The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum & Sisters of the East, a non-profit charitable organization based in the DMV area.
The Museum expansion takes visitors on a journey from early human origins in Africa to the global African diaspora, celebrating resilience, courage, and new destinies. With 12,000 sq. ft. of new galleries, community and educational spaces, a Memorial Garden storytelling commons, museum store, café, and the largest green space in Oliver/Broadway East/Cecil Kirk, the expansion highlights Black excellence and the legacies of trailblazers inspiring future generations. This project needs your support!
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is Recruiting Volunteer Docents!
Are you passionate about history, education, and community engagement?
Join our docent team and help bring African American history to life!
Beyond the Walls: Traveling Exhibits
Learn about traveling exhibits and opportunities to see the wax figures outside of the museum
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is bringing history to life beyond the museum walls and throughout the nation. “These exhibits are more than just displays—they are living history, reminding us of the past and inspiring the future,” says Dr. Joanne Martin, Co-Founder of NGBIWM. Check out the current traveling exhibits.
Newest Wax Figure
Henrietta Lacks
Did you know that a Black woman from Baltimore changed the course of medical history? Henrietta Lacks’ cells—taken without her consent—became the first “immortal” human cells and have been used in everything from cancer research to the development of the polio vaccine. At The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, we honor her legacy and educate our community about her profound, and often overlooked, impact on science and humanity. Her story is our story—come learn why it matters.
Planning a Large Group Trip to Maryland?
We provide our exhibits with self-guided, guided, individual, audio, and group tours. We invite you to consider our Extended Tour option, where you will discover Baltimore’s hidden African American treasures. Through these four-hour motorized tours, we put Education in Adventure and Adventure in Education. The Tour Guides are local historians who are well-versed and knowledgeable.
Celebrating 40 Years and Counting
A Story of Uncompromising Truth
Reservations
We offer self-guided, individual, audio, and group tours of our exhibits. While visitors are welcome without reservations, advanced reservations are required for parties of 10 or more.
Expansion
As we celebrate 40 years, our plans for the museum expand beyond our walls and into the community. Learn about our mural project, plans for expansion, and how to get involed.
Support
Help us cross the finish line. We’re nearing our fundraising goal to prepare for construction—we’re almost there. Your support today brings us one step closer to building a lasting legacy. We are an established 501(c)3, and your donation is tax-deductible.
Visitor Info
Admission Rates
Adults
Seniors 55 and over
College Students (with ID)
Mid-level Students 12–17
Children 5–11
Children 4 and under
Members
$18
$17
$17
$17
$15
FREE
FREE
Thursday–Saturday
Sunday
Hours of Operation
10 A.M.–5 P.M.
12 P.M.–5 P.M.
We are closed during the following holidays. We remain open during Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, and Easter Sunday.
Holidays Closed
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
“I’ve never understood the appeal of wax museums, but this homespun educational gem had my number the minute I walked in.”
—Jada Yuan
The New York Times
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