Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History nets $1.8M for renovations
Jakkar AimeryDetroit ― The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is slated to receive nearly $2 million in federal funds for major renovations, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's office announced.
Some $1.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act dollars will go toward a $5 million redesign of the museum’s General Motors Theater, which will feature state-of-the-art technology and expanded capacity for theatre, spoken-word, film and performances including dance, city officials said in a statement Tuesday.
Officials added plans are underway for a newly designed stage that will bring the audience closer to the stage for a "more intimate setting, often desired by artists, presenters and speakers."
"The Charles Wright Museum of African American History is a gem not only in Detroit, but nationally," Duggan said. "We’re thrilled to help the museum move forward with a major facility improvement to help it remain competitive, thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act."
The renovation project, which aims to maintain improvements and upgrade technology, is expected to be completed in early spring 2024, officials said.
Much of the museum's original systems and equipment date back to its opening in 1997, they added.
Scott Benson, Detroit City Councilman for District 3 and a museum board member, led advocacy for the renovations, according to the release. Allocating the funds "will get us closer to funding the millions of dollars in deferred maintenance and long-term capital needs of the museum," he said.
"The Charles H. Wright Museum lives in an iconic facility that welcomes thousands of visitors through our doors each year" said Neil Barclay, president and CEO of the museum. "Support from the city is truly critical in helping us ensure that we can maintain capital improvements while also upgrading our technology on behalf of the institution and community we serve."
Founded in 1965, the museum houses over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials, and offers more than 300 public programs and events annually, officials said. It is located at 315 E. Warren Ave. near Brush Street.
"Detroit is ― and always has been ― a leader in so many ways," said Rochelle Riley, director of arts and culture in Detroit's Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship. "It is fitting that the city with the nation’s best art museum and the nation’s best riverfront and one of the nation’s best creative workforces also continue to expand one of the nation’s best history museums."
The museum effort is among several arts and cultural investments Detroit is making with its ARPA funds, officials said.
Other projects include redeveloping neighborhood alleys into unique community gathering spaces and activity centers in neighborhoods, including Jefferson Chalmers, McDougall-Hunt, southwest Detroit and Old Redford.
More information on ARPA programs and spending can be found at www.detroitmi.gov/ARPA
jaimery@detroitnews.com