The African Art Museum of Maryland (AAM) is an educational, nonprofit art museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting African art. Founded in 2001, the AAM today houses more than 40,000 objects from across Africa and the Americas. The AAMM, founded in 1980, is a distinguished cultural institution located in Fulton, MD. It is one of only three museums in the United States dedicated exclusively to African art.
The museum not only showcases donated treasures but also engages the community with events and educational opportunities. With a focus on celebrating the diversity of African art forms and ideas, the AAM features rotating exhibits and programs, including its monthly Short Talks series that highlights unique museum objects. The museum has been a true labor of love for Ligon, who is still involved with it at the age of 88. She says her one hope for guests who come to the museum is they walk out learning something they didn't know when they came in.
"Its exciting to me if I learn something. And then what good is it learning it at this age, or any age, if I can’t share it?"
The Museum's Collection
The center’s permanent collection comprises more than 6,000 works dating from the Stone Age up until contemporary art at the present time. The museum’s rich collection spans ancient civilizations from Egypt to Zimbabwe; traditional arts of various cultures such as Swahili architecture and Igbo beadwork; plus modern developments including high-tech digital photography and sculpture. Tapestries, masks, statues, books, clothes and jewelry are just a few of the items on display. You can explore it all at the AAM.
Ligon said they have at least 3,000 pieces in the collection, representing the 55 countries in Africa. One of the more unique pieces at the museum, donated by Faulkner, is a mask that almost stretches from the floor to ceiling. It is from Malawi called a Kasiyamaliro. "It is sort of an antelope-based figure, that is basically the guide to the spirit world," he said. "It is one of the largest masks in Africa and it is unique because there are a lot of masks that are only on the head or the upper body, this one you are basically in the body."
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Jacqueline Kakembo is another long-time board member and world traveler. She said one area the museum focuses on is textiles, from the traditional like silk, to dresses made of tree bark. "In the early, early days in East Africa, particularly Uganda, the fabric was well cared for, well treated. Shedding was done by traditional means from the bark of the tree, properly treated and then it was used as a royal garment," she said.
That's exactly what Doris Ligon did nearly 45 years ago, when she and her late husband, Dr. Claude Ligon, started what would become the African Art Museum of Maryland. "If I can learn all I can learn about other people’s cultures, I want to share it," she said. The Ligons began their journey of sharing African art by taking pieces to schools. Doris says they were not museum-worthy, rather something you would find in a store or marketplace. "But they came from Africa so we taught the concept of African art," she said.
Eventually they collected enough museum-quality pieces to open a brick-and-mortar museum in Howard County. They moved to their current location at the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia in 2020. One of the more unique pieces at the museum, donated by Faulkner, is a mask that almost stretches from the floor to ceiling. It is from Malawi called a Kasiyamaliro.
Sandy Spring Slave & African Art Museum Maryland Upclose Detailed
Visiting the Museum
Plan your visit to the African Art Museum of Maryland. Here is some essential information.
- Location: The AAM is located at 708 S. Clinton Street in Columbia MD.
- Hours of operation: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Admission Costs
- Adults: $8
- Students: $7
- Children (3-12): $4
- Children under 3: Free
- Membership (1 year): $50 (includes free admission for one adult and one child)
Group rates are available for larger groups. Please contact the museum at 410-820-6180 for more information.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
Tips for Your Visit
- The museum is located at the corner of South Clinton and Seventeenth streets.
- Take a map of the African Art Museum of Maryland and see where each exhibit is located with an interactive map.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The African Art Museum of Maryland is quite the walk.
- Plan to spend some time at the museum. You’ll want to spend at least 60-90 minutes here, possibly longer.
- If you are visiting the African Art Museum of Maryland with a small child, take a pair of toddler shoes to help you both get around.
Special Exhibitions
Every year, the African Art Museum of Maryland hosts a variety of art exhibitions.
- The African Art Museum of Maryland hosts a special exhibition every year that showcases contemporary art.
- From February to May, the African Art Museum of Maryland hosts an exhibition of African art.
- In December, the museum hosts an exhibition of paintings by African artists.
- The African Art Museum of Maryland hosts a number of other special exhibitions throughout the year.
Other Attractions in Columbia, MD
For a fun way to spend the day in Columbia MD, consider visiting these other attractions:
- National Aquarium: The aquarium has dozens of interactive and educational exhibits, including a shark tunnel, a touch tank with species from around the world, and a seaQuest Theater that hosts family-friendly shows.
- USS Constellation: Once a navy ship, the USS Constellation has been transformed into a maritime museum. Many visitors to the city take a trip to the Constellation to learn more about the city’s maritime history.
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards: In addition to the great game experience, you can explore the stadium and get to know the city’s culture and history through interactive programs, displays, and exhibits.
- The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: The zoo is open 365 days a year and offers a great blend of adventure and learning for people of all ages.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
