George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center

black text displaying "Carver Museum ATX"

Through the preservation and exhibition of African American material culture, history, and aesthetic expression, the Carver Museum works to create a space where the global contributions of all Black people are celebrated. We accomplish this by telling stories about our local community and connecting those histories to larger narratives about Blackness. The Carver Museum is free and open to the public. Masks are encouraged inside the museum.

Take a Virtual Reality Tour of the Carver!

Boyd Vance Theatre renovation is finished. More information here. If you would like to submit your event to the Boyd Vance Theatre wait list, please contact our Event Coordinator, at Deelah.Muhyee@austintexas.gov.

For interest in the artifact(s) donation procedure please visit our Donations & Collection Information Page. For research assistance or inquiries about our archival holdings, please fill out the Carver Museum Archives: Request for Assistance form.

ON VIEW:

Second Sight

colorful grid of images and shapes including original artowrk by Samara Barks, Hailey Gearo, Brian Joseph, and Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone

Opening February 8 and on view through June 21, 2025, Second Sight is a group exhibition exploring the mental pressures that arise from conflict: both personal and political. Through iconography, portraiture, and abstraction, Austin-based artists Samara Barks, Hailey Gearo, Brian Joseph, and Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone investigate the coalescence of the Black identity as global citizens.

Learn more.

UP NEXT:

Home-goings by Irene Antonia Diane Reece | March 8 - June 21, 2025
Curated by Mueni Loko Rudd

soft blue graphic with image of paper fan featuring a film photo of two children on the front and text - Home-goings opening reception March 8, 2025 1-4pm and the carver

The Carver Museum is overjoyed to present Home-goings, an exhibition featuring the work of Houston, TX -based artist, Irene Antonia Diane Reece. Join us for the opening receiption on Saturday, March 8, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM with DJ Jupiter, Taste of Afreecaa , and Luv Fats Ice Cream. Home-goings opening reception is supported in part by the Austin Revitalization Authority.

Home-goings is a continuation project using church objects, Black Southern archives, and text to create a space for protection, memory, and celebration of Black lives. The term home-goings describes the traditional funerary practice in the Black Southern church of celebrating the life of those who have passed and sending them on to glory, the afterlife—the upper room. Reece is the 2025 recipient of the Gold Was Made Fa’ Her Residency, founded by Bria Lauren.

Irene Antonia Diane Reece, a Houston, Texas native, identifies as a contemporary artist and visual activist. The topics surrounding her work are racial identity, African diaspora, social injustice, family histories, re-memory, and mental and community health.

HOME-GOINGS OPENING RECEPTION
🗓️ Saturday, March 8, 2025
🕚 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
📍 George Washington Carver Genealogy Center, 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702

Boyd Vance Theatre Renovation and Carver Improvements

Carver Museum Facility Expansion Plan

Exhibitions

History, culture and art exhibits curated to educate and inspire. The Carver Museum has two rotating art galleries as well as four permanent exhibits honoring African-Americans in Austin and beyond.

Programs and Events

AKIRASH performs during the opening reception of his art exhibit, Majele (Venomous). January 2020.

The Carver provides culture and arts based programming free and for all ages to allow visitors to connect with community through special events and ongoing learning experiences.

Education Programs and Services

Students enjoy HBCU Day 2020.

The Carver offers culture and arts classes and educational programs that will come to you.

Genealogy Center

Front of the Carver Genealogy Center

The Genealogy Center provides genealogy databases, workshops and seminars. All resources are free and open to the public.

Community Garden and Sunken Stage

Community members gathered around garden and empty pool with mural painted inside of it

The Carver community garden and sunken stage has breathed new life into the in the inactive Keeling pool. Recently repainted by Austin artist, Kelv Brown, this space is on its way to housing events in the fall. Renovated and reimagined by Greg Farrar, this space is outfitted by hand-made seating, greenhouses, and concession stands. Master Gardener Harvé Franks tends the planter boxes, as we continue to uplift this hidden gem situated directly beside the Freedom Plaza behind the museum.

Learn about what is happening at the Carver from special events, classes, and more.