Bontemps African American Museum

Bontemps African American Museum is a house museum in Alexandria that marks the birthplace of an important African American writer and documents his life and work. The early twentieth-century wood-frame building holds photographs, artifacts, and literary pieces that place this personal story within a broader cultural context.

The museum was established to honor Arna Bontemps, a writer who came of age during the Harlem Renaissance and wrote extensively about African American life. His work shaped how African American stories were told and preserved during that transformative period.

The collection honors the literary legacy of Arna Bontemps and demonstrates how African American writers preserved their stories and identity through poetry and prose. Inside these rooms, visitors encounter works that shaped how communities understood and expressed themselves.

Visitors can explore the exhibits on their own or join guided tours that work for all ages and interests. The location is straightforward to find and the space is designed to be accessible for different types of learners.

Actor Louis Gossett Jr. recorded narration that guides visitors through the rooms and exhibits. This vocal presence brings an extra layer of connection to the stories and materials on display.

Location: Louisiana

GPS coordinates: 31.30990,-92.44230

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02