Hampton University Museum

Hampton University Museum is an art museum on the university campus and houses over twelve thousand objects from Africa, Native America, and African-American artists. The collection spans multiple exhibition spaces and displays artworks from different periods and cultures.

The museum was founded in 1868 and began with an African art collection from William H. Shepperd. It became the first institutional museum focused on African-American artists.

The museum displays works from artists of the Harlem Renaissance movement and showcases pieces that document African-American creativity during this period. Visitors can see how Black artists expressed their identity and history through their creative work.

The museum is located in the Huntington Building on the university campus and maintains regular visiting hours throughout the week. Check opening times before your visit as hours vary between weekdays and weekends.

The museum is the oldest art museum dedicated to African-American artists in the United States and has maintained this significant position since its founding. This long history makes it a special place to trace the development of African-American art across more than a century.

Location: Hampton

Operator: Hampton University

Address: Frissell Avenue

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00; Saturday 12:00-16:00

Phone: +17577275308

Email: museum@hamptonu.edu

Website: https://home.hamptonu.edu/msm

GPS coordinates: 37.02119,-76.33947

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:47