13 Must-See Black History Month Events and Exhibits You Can Visit This February

Mary Elizabeth Andriotis
·3 min read
Photo credit: The Washington Post - Getty Images
Photo credit: The Washington Post - Getty Images
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Today marks the start of Black History Month, and with it comes numerous opportunities to learn about notable Black figures in American history, through a variety of events, exhibits, and tours. For design and architecture lovers, there are no shortage of inspiring and informative offerings to celebrate the month: From tours of the former residences-turned-museums of icons like Louis Armstrong and Frederick Douglass to a reimagined period room at one of New York City's most celebrated museums, there's something for every design enthusiast to learn from throughout this month (and beyond). Below, explore our list of 13 exhibits and tours that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in Black history.

Virtual Program: Ethel Earley-Clark—Unearthing the History of African American Garden Clubs in America at the Garden Conservancy

On February 24th at 2pm EST, the Garden Conservancy is hosting a virtual program led by Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum curator Shaun Spencer-Hester, horticulturist and landscape designer Wambui Ippolito, and horticulturist and floriculture historian Abra Lee about "how their individual interests led them to each other and to unearthing African American garden club histories, including the Negro Garden Club of Virginia."

Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York (Ongoing)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's latest period room—which opened this past November—is a reimagining of a dwelling located in Manhattan's former Seneca Village, which was home to a large population of African American property owners. It was later razed to make room for what has since become Central Park. Now, the room is filled with an Afrofuturist-inspired ed mix of artifacts and decor across various eras, including items sourced from a 2011 excavation of what was once Seneca Village, in a wide-spanning exhibition designed by the set designer of Black Panther.


Black History Historic Houses Tour, Houston, Texas (Ongoing)

For only $15, Houston's Heritage Society holds tours of the Kellum-Noble House, the Yates House, and the Fourth Ward Cottage throughout Black History Month. The tours focus on slavery in Houston—including a look into the lives of the men, women, and children who lived and worked at the Kellum-Noble House—and what life was like after Emanicipation.

Building a Legacy of More Inclusive Cities, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (February 21, 2022 - March 25, 2022)

Moody Nolan—the largest African American-owned architecture firm in the United States—is hosting an exhibit titled Building a Legacy of More Inclusive Cities at The Ohio State University from February 21st through March 25th. This exhibit will showcase examples of the firm's creations in communities and neighborhoods that are in need of social and economic investment.

Black Creativity: Architecture, The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois (Ongoing)

This past October, Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry opened its Black Creativity: Architecture exhibit, which explores the past, present, and future of the architectural accomplishments of African Americans. Throughout two galleries, this exhibit highlights a range of structures, including everything from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers.

Historic House Museum Tours, Various Locations (Ongoing)

History and design buffs can pay a visit to numerous historic house museums that were once the residences of notable figures in Black history, all of which are open for tours throughout the year, including:

Have an activity you think should be added to this list? Email us at editor@housebeautiful.com.

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