Welcome to the Arna Bontemps African American Museum​

The Arna Bontemps African American Museum (ABAAM), Louisiana's first African American Museum, opened in August of 1992 after being rescued from possible demolition due to the construction of the I-49 corridor extending from the city of Alexandria into the city of Pineville.

In May of 1988, Founders:  Thelma P. Baker, Nathaniel Baker, Sylvia Bookman, Barbara J. Curtis, Dr. Moselle Dearbone, El Dixon, Ethel Dixon, Gwendolyn Elmore, Atty. Joseph E. Hines, Jr., Joseph E. Hines, III., Evelyn Hollie, the late David F. Iles, Esther Lee, Johnie M. McKinney, Beatrice Spotsville, Father August Thompson, Alma W. Webb, and Rebecca B. Wilborn, Dr. Anna Burns, Dorothy Coleman, Israel Curtis, Dr. Sue Eakins, Patricia Larvadain, Rosia Metoyer, Louise Pointer, Ruby Smith and Dr. Catherine Tabor solicited the help of the surviving descendants of Arna Wendell Bontemps and fully restored the Bontemps family home which was donated by Rod Noles (Rod Noles Reality) and through the assistance of Sir Welton Hobbs (Contractor for Exterior Restoration), Charlie Marbs (Porch Restoration), the city of Alexandria, the division of Community Affairs for the city of Alexandria.​

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Arna Bontemps African American Museum

1327 Third Street

Alexandria, Louisiana 71301

ABAAM Information:  318.473.4692

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Museum Hours:

​Tuesday - Friday       10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Saturday                    10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

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General Admission Fees: (effective July 1)

​Adult:   $ 3

Senior (65+), Youth (6 - 18), Student and Military (ID required):   $ 2

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*ABAAM Members do not need pay admission.  Simply present your valid ABAAM membership card for entry.  Children 5 and younger do not pay admission.

*Military and student-rate fees require identification to be presented in person, at time of purchase.

The military discount applies to Active Duty members, Reserves and Retirees, including their spouses, of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard.

 

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No need to Pay General Admission If....

> You are age 5 or younger.  This age group receives free general admission every day to the Museum.

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> You are age 6 to 18 and visiting on a Saturday with a library card from any public library in Louisiana.  The library cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum; offer does not apply to ticketed exhibitions or events.

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Museum Rental:

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We'd love to rent out our facility for your next event.  Our event rental fees are:

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Meeting:  $ 50 (2 hour block)

Indoor Special Event:  $ 300 (4 hour block)

Indoor/Outdoor Special Event:  $ 500 (4 hour block)

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ARNA BONTEMPS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM