Reginald F. Lewis Museum

830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA

Address:	830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Phone:	+1 443-263-1800
Site:	lewismuseum.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 32

Richard Swanson

My companion and I went to the museum during the Christmas week, 2015, on a day when lots was happening. First, though, the Reginald Lewis is easy to get to, parking is readily available, admission is inexpensive, and its in a thriving part of Baltimores downtown. The museum is beautifully designed and constructed, and superbly maintained, with open galleries supported by smaller corridors, fitting the museums mission of being a place to explore and celebrate African-American history, and then aspects of its culture, including labor history, entertainment, and the arts. The historical and other displays are attractive, striking when first viewed, then absorbing in their supplementary detail. The museum is visually inviting, in other words, while providing meaningful materials that draw people into additional thoughtful meditation. A lot of African-American history, of course, involves the countrys horrific treatment of African-Americans, and the museum doesnt "make nice" with that tragic story. However, the museum also interweaves black labor history and cultural, and artistic development to portray African American resilience and tenacity into the Twentieth Century and the present. Also involved in this supporting material is a focus on the importance of community, not just in Maryland. All in all, this is a fine place to get yourself re-educated, or educated for the first time, about a lot of things you might have skimmed over in high school or college. You can easily spend an hour or two, here, doing that. On the day we were at the museum there was a lot going on, a Kwaanza celebration and an arts and crafts show, and the staff and participants/ volunteers were having a good time. Museum staff, by the way, are friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they do. In one of the galleries was an exhibition of work by Ruth Starr Rose, an artist whose reputation is growing nationally. Regular exhibitions like this are another asset of this place, I gather. Visiting from Madison, Wisconsin, this was our second trip to Baltimore, but the first one when we devoted time to checking out the citys offerings. The Reginald Lewis Museum is an outstanding attraction, one well be back to. Richard Swanson (and Fanny Aragno)

Esther-Abigail Rahab-Martha

A Groupon experience. The Musuem had a barrage of information on Afro-American history in MD. Provided history on slavery, integration, religion, inventions, agriculture, politics, music, art and the culture from past to present. Very educational for all ethnicities, young and old. They also have jazz artist on Thursdays. Check their website to see the performers. Walked away with some history I never knew existed in MD. One exhibit was interactive most are pictorial with display cards for reading. A must see. There is a cafeteria within the museum for entrées, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. The price of entry reasonable. Parking is hard to find and the garage is expensive. Plan on walking a distance or paying a lot to park. Make it a day trip, the garage is only $8 entry before 9am. I will be returning.

A Private User

By luck I heard about this museum on my last day in Baltimore (today) . . . Ive now been to the "African American" museums in Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago . . . and this is by far the best. Not even close. Interactive displays . . . mix of artifacts, photographs, art, multi-media, history . . . all in a top notch great lighting, clean and glossy museum which you might have to experience a poorer museum to appreciate . . . add a star if you are familiar with Maryland or Baltimore

CDyches -DHS- Baltimore City

The museum is just lovely. Such a wonderful space here in my city. VERY Disappointed that Reginald Lewis Museum did not take a bigger role in the City Lights Festival. Just to display some lights on that wonderful corner that you occupy would have been nice . Love your programming and wish that there was a greater presence in attendance.

Marquita Eady

I loved this place so much because I got to learn things that I never knew before about Reginald D. Lewis and also much more about my culture. Also I loved this place because this famous great man was born where I was also born at. Which is Baltimore Maryland. This man did a lot of good things that made such a great difference in the world.

Jennifer Miller

I had the opportunity to visit the museum while visiting my sister in MD. It was AMAZING. Very warm, welcoming and beautiful. Weve had the opportunity to visit the James Pate: Kin Killing Kin exhibition there and we were blown away. I hope to visit the museum again on my next visit to the area.

Donna Rae Pearson

This relatively new history and culture museum exceed my expectations. I learned so much about the history and culture of Black in Maryland in one trip. Set aside some time to get through it, the exhibit is bigger than it looks.

Shamal Addison

Extraordinaire celebration of life, love and unity... (50th anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration) Share in the majestic value of the prestigious Afurakan dynamic power!!! Asè #Ubuntu #Sankofa #Maafa #Diaspora

Warren Dugan

Friendly staff, full of things that you likely didnt know and offers some guided tours. Unfortunately the gift shop was under renovations and there was mention of LGBT African Americans in the museum.

Sheila Snowden

Wonderful exhibits of African Americam history. Love the pictures the atmosphere and the staff. Had the opportunity of attending the 10th anniversary gala. And it was amazing . Keep up the good work.

Veryne Lawrence

Very nice African American Museum in downtown Baltimore. The museum also is used to host a variety of social events such as jazz performances, comedy shows to black tie political fund raisers.

Jeffrey Holden

Great great great event I went to during the end of the year season. Love seeing so many beautiful people altogether to learn, sell&buy, promote, and be proud of black culture

Lobo X

There is a lot of local history displayed here-adding quality and dimension to the facts of the contributions and struggles of the people featured in the exhibits.

A Private User

saw story in the Washington Post about new show. Spent 90 minutes. nice mix of history and culture in galleries. price was ok, staff was friendly and helpful

Darryl Clark

This is a great place to visit. Its a beautiful facility and they have very interesting exhibits that really showcase African American art and history.

Lior Levy

They invested a lot of money here but I felt like it was boring. Only the last floor is interesting, I wouldnt pay the entrance fee again.

Henry Jordan

Had a very delightful experience in this environment could not stop wondering if I could of survive in that time wow!

A Private User

A huge landmark with hardly anything relevant going on. The least visited attraction in all downtown Baltimore.

Jim Bertolini

If you visit Baltimore, you need to go here. Important stories and a polished museum environment.

M Martin

A fantastic museum dedicated to the oft left-out contributors to our modern society.

Cicely G

They have a wonderful Kwanzaa event every year that serves all and a great museum