At the intersection of history, justice, art, and education, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and Justice Learning Center is evolving into a vibrant campus and community catalyst. Its mission is to engage, inspire, and serve the public. Anchored by the historic Firehouse and the 1893 Bauernschmidt Mansion, the museum is expanding with a new 21,000-square-foot facility. 

The Museum Expansion will:

​

Take visitors on a powerful historic journey—from early human origins in Africa over 200,000 years ago to the global African diaspora—highlighting resilience, courage, and the creation of new destinies.

​

Expand the Museum’s capacity with 12,000 square feet of new galleries and additional community, educational, multipurpose, and exhibit spaces that celebrate Black excellence across generations.

​

Illuminate the stories of entrepreneurs, educators, abolitionists, artists, and champions of allyship whose achievements and advocacy shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.

​

Feature a Memorial Garden storytelling commons, museum store, café, and the largest green space in the Oliver/Broadway East/Cecil Kirk area—offering new opportunities for reflection, programs, and outdoor events.