Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle preserves the history, art, and culture of people of African descent, including roots in American slavery as well as African immigrants from Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, and other countries. NAAM especially highlights Pacific Northwest connections and the Black experiences in America through exhibitions, programs, and events.
History of NAAM
In 1981, the idea of an African American museum housed in the Colman School building was first proposed by the Community Exchange and a multi-racial coalition, to then Seattle Mayor Charles Royer. In 2003, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle purchases the Colman School building from the Seattle School District.
In 2008, the museum opened its doors to the public, the realization of a dream 27 years in the making.
Northwest African American Museum (former Colman School) photo by Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons (GNU license)
Visiting Northwest African American Museum
NAAM is housed in the 1909 Colman School building in the heart of Seattle’s historic Central District overlooking Jimi Hendrix park. There are also 36 apartments for affordable housing residents above the museum.
Location: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144
Parking: Free parking in the museum lot.
Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday, 10am to 5pm (first Thursday until 7pm).
Regular admission: $10 adult (19+). Free for children three and younger.
Discounts on admission:
- FREE First Thursday
- FREE Volunteer admission
- FREE Member admission (begins at $50/annual)
Website: Northwest African American Museum (naamnw.org)
Exhibits & Events at NAAM
The Museum’s exhibitions and programs feature the visual arts, music, crafts, literature, and history of African Americans in the Northwest. NAAM includes African Americans whose route to the new world was through slavery as well as recent immigrants arriving from places such as Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
January. King Day at NAAM honors the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King Day features music, movies, motivational speakers, special exhibits, and activities for the entire family.
May. Annual Malcolm X Day offers activities for the entire community including food, arts, crafts, and storytelling. El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X, was an American Muslim minister and human rights activist during the civil rights movement. He is best known as a powerful and controversial figure for his unwavering Black racial advocacy and vocal spokesperson of the Nation of Islam
June. Juneteenth Week is NAAM’s opportunity to bring the community together for a celebration of freedom and liberation. The curated week of programs advance justice, equity, and educational empowerment in recognition of Juneteenth National Independence Day.
In addition to these annual events, NAAM offers rotating exhibits throughout the year. Find these and other events on our calendar.
You might also like:
- How to get free and discount museum admission (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Ultimate guide to museums in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Calendar of museum and art gallery events
The following calendar list includes events at museums and art galleries around the Puget Sound region.
Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts Street, Seattle, WA 98144
