African American Museum Los Angeles

The Museum of African American Art (MAAA) was founded in 1975 by noted artist and art historian Dr. Samella Lewis and a group of academic, artistic, business, and community leaders. Their goal was to increase public awareness of and support for the artistic expression of African Americans and other African descendant people.

Located inside a fully operational Macy's store, MAAA is believed to be the only museum of its kind in the nation. The museum operates based on individual and corporate donations; the generous support of Macy's, which donates space inside its Baldwin Hills Crenshaw store. MAAA is also sustained by the dedication and enthusiasm of its Board of Directors staff, and volunteers.

The Palmer Hayden Collection is part of the permanent collection at MAAA, giving the public insight into the life and work of one of the leading artists of the Harlem Renaissance.

MAAA was established as a nonprofit cultural and educational institution dedicated to the interpretation, promotion, and preservation of art by or about people of African descent and their contributions to world culture.

The Museum of African American Art strives to present exhibits in which art and artists inspire public discourse about issues that reflect, illuminate, or intersect with the experiences of people throughout the African diaspora.