Black Museums, Art Galleries And Tours

You’re in London, and you want to find out more about Black history and culture in Britain. Google results return the Museum of London, the British History Museum, and other establishments with looted artifacts, claimed under grounds of British “exploration.” Sure, the Museum of London does display the skeleton of a Black African dating back to the Roman period, but much of the history that has shaped London and the UK today isn’t typically found in the museums included in your hop-on/hop-off bus ticket deal. Here is a short list of some of the most interesting museums and displays for Black art and history in London.

Black Cultural Archives

The Black Cultural Archives, in Windrush Square, Brixton, is the “only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain.” During the ’70s and ’80s, Black British people were subject to many failings of the police and negative stereotypes were at their height. The museum was founded as a place where the Black community could come to learn their history in Britain – for free. The Black Cultural Archives is home to over 2000 records, spanning across five centuries. Visiting would enrich your knowledge and understanding of the history of the African diaspora in Britain tenfold. As we are in the Covid era, they offer digital displays online too.

The Africa Centre

The Africa Centre, found on Great Suffolk Street, was first established in 1964, as a meeting place, exhibition and conference hall, and even as a bar and dancery. At the entrance, you are welcomed by a Corten steel sculpture by Sokari Douglas Camp CBE, a Nigerian-British Artist. Check their calendar for upcoming events – they host a plethora of talks, workshops and exhibitions centering around experiences of the diaspora, including film screenings, art discussions and even games nights.

INIVA, Stuart Hall Library

On John Islip Street, you will find the Institute of International Visual Arts (INIVA), a hub that works with British African and British Asian creative artists to cultivate their artistic flair. Their aim is to establish an ever-growing knowledge bank which continues to change the landscape for artistry in the UK. Founded by Jamaican born cultural theorist Professor Stuart Hall, INIVA has been integral to the development of globally recognised influential figures today, such as Sir Steve McQueen CBE, and Yinka Shobinare CBE. You should register for free membership online before visiting, to access their collection of records.

Hackney Museum

With Hackney’s sizeable Black African population, the Hackney Museum, which focuses largely on stories of immigration in London, has dedicated an exhibition to Being African in Hackney: 1960s-2020s. The exhibition hosts many different tools of storytelling to bring you to an understanding of Hackney’s diverse make-up today. The Museum is free to enter, though avoid going on a Thursday, as this is school-visiting day!

Addis Fine Art

Breaking down boundaries for Black artists when it comes to fine art, Masai Haileleul and Rakeb Sile founded Addis Fine Art, located in one of London’s most upmarket neighbourhoods, Fitzrovia. The gallery initially showcased artistry from Ethiopia, but has since grown to become a platform for artists from much of North-Eastern Africa. Their exhibitions are ever-changing, highlighting many themes or singular artists, so chance their website to see what’s on!

House of African Art (HAART)

In 2019, Maryam Lawal set up the House of African Art, which is committed to displaying and selling modern African art. HAART have co-ordinated a range of exhibitions and events across the city, in conjunction with different companies, to showcase emerging African artistry. They update their upcoming exhibitions and events on their website and instagram page, so be sure to take a look before your visit!

 Peckham Portraits

The Peckham Portraits, found at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, are a series of large photographs of iconic Black British actors, including Idris Elba, David Oyelowo, Rudolph Walker and Adjoa Ando. Free for the public to view, this is a particularly inspirational display, with motivational words from each actor accompanying their image.