Museum of the African Diaspora

The Museum of the African Diaspora (formerly called the San Francisco African American Museum) presented an opportunity for the City of San Francisco to create a museum focusing on the history, culture and accomplishments of African Americans in the Bay Area, California, the United States and beyond. This new facility in the Yerba Buena cultural district uses the very latest in exhibit technology, creating a stimulating yet balanced experience including more contemplative spaces.

In addition to developing the concept and theme, Lord Cultural Resources, in conjunction with The Freelon Group (the project architects), also developed the master plan for this new museum. To ensure that the interests and need of the community were being properly addressed Lord Cultural Resources conducted extensive community consultations, research with national and international specialists and academics on the subject of Africa, the institution of slavery and civil rights. Lord Cultural Resources’ facility planning team prepared a space plan, while our financial team prepared a comprehensive business and detailed staffing plan for the Museum. Lord Cultural Resources continued to be involved during the project’s implementation phase and through to opening developing themes, the exhibition plan and preparing text for the premiere exhibit. Lord Cultural Resources continued to be involved during the project’s implementation phase through to opening, which took place in 2005.

In 2010, the Museum of the African Diaspora received the SF Weekly “Best of San Francisco” Award in the category for Best Museum: “There is nowhere else like this. Its mission and reason for being are so rare, and the execution so flawless, that the 2005 addition to the downtown museum district has become a flaming jewel in the area's already-crowded art crown.”

SF Weekly