Welcome to The Griot!
Welcome to The Griot Museum of Black History, the first cultural institution in St. Louis dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich stories of Black history and culture. Since 1997, The Griot has been a vital space for education, reflection, and celebration, showcasing life-size wax figures, historical artifacts, and immersive exhibits that bring to life the significant contributions of African Americans. From local history to national achievements, we invite you to explore the powerful narratives that have shaped our community and our nation.
Explore Our Exhibitions
Discover the stories told through our featured exhibitions.
Josephine Baker Exhibit
Martin Luther King Exhibit
What Visitors Are Saying
“The Griot Museum of Black History in St. Louis is a wonderful place to go and learn about Black History. This is a must see place when visiting St. Louis. One of the top Black History Museums in the United States.”
— Tim McCormick
“A deep dive into history that is hard to find anywhere else. The Griot is a gem and St. Louis is lucky to have it. Great for families or even date nights.”
— Mallory Nezam III
Visit Asaase III, the newest addition to The Griot Museum's collection.
Inspired by traditional Ghanaian architecture, this monumental public installation was commissioned for CounterPublic 2023 inspired by a traditional rammed earth technique. This outdoor sculpture is a continuation of David Adjaye’s reflections on black architecture and its relationship to the earth, and was created specifically with The Griot’s campus in mind, stretching the length of the Museum’s east side.
Built from locally sourced materials to be in conversation with the surrounding landscape, the sculpture primarily features crushed red brick, Missouri topsoil, and limestone.
Check back in for future earth ramming workshops to try and create your own Asaase!
Stop by our Motherland Museum Shop. You're sure to find something for your loved ones, or maybe even yourself, in our newest collection of handmade items brought back from a recent visit to Senegal!
Counterpublic Collaboration
Look back at the news of spectacular art collaboration, "Asaase III." A rendering of the design showcases curved sculptures resembling walls of varying heights positioned outside the museum's entrance at 2505 St. Louis Avenue.
The Griot Museum extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Taylor family, whose generous gift has made this ambitious project possible. The Griot Museum of Black History looks forward to continuing to share this remarkable project with the local community and beyond, and we believe that it can make a profound and lasting impact on the cultural landscape of St. Louis. The Griot Museum cannot wait to witness the transformative effect of this stunning piece of art on the wider community.
