The Griot Museum of Black History

2505 St. Louis Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63106
314-241-7057

Admission is $7.50 (adults) and $3.75 (children); street parking is free.

https://www.thegriotmuseum.com/

Founded in 1997. 

The Griot Museum is housed in  the building that once housed the school of the Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

This St. Louis museum opened in 1997 as the Black World History Wax Museum. It was one of only two museums in the country to use life-size wax figures to interpret the contributions of African-Americans with local or regional connections.

The lifelike wax characters are still there, but in 2009, the organization changed the name to The Griot (pronounced Gree-Oh) because it better captured the mission and purpose of the museum.

That mission is: "Through compelling core exhibits, dynamic touring shows, educational and entertaining public programs, we create a community of lifelong learners who explore, experience and embrace the region's rich and enduring African-American heritage."

Photographs are only allowed to be taken in the lobby.  From the front door one can see all the rooms holding exhibits. To the left is a gift shop.  

Among the many exhibits are:

-a full-scale recreation of a section of a slave transport ship

-a powerful video about the experience aboard a slave ship

-a list of names and addresses of area slave traders in 1841

-examples of chains and shackles

-many period artifacts

-an actual slave cabin that was one of 16 slave cabins on the Wright Smith Tobacco Plantation in Montgomery County

- figures of famous and important people of St. Louis black history in the areas of music, advocacy, agriculture, and service to the community including Josephine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, George Washington Carver, Miles Davis, Senator J.B. Banks, and York. 

When we were there the lower level had a special multimedia exhibit titled Black Women Speak. They offer several special exhibits each year. 

And here we are in the lobby with a wax figure.  

For lunch we stayed in the area and went .7 mile to Crown Candy Kitchen, one of St. Louis's most well-known eateries. This restaurant has been open since 1913. 

Their Heart-Stopping BLT has been designated an "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America" and we certainly ordered and enjoyed it!

They also have great chili!

Many people flock there for their ice cream. 

And of course, the candies which were their original offerings and are still popular today. 

Comments: This was an interesting museum about a subject which many of us do not know enough.  It is one of three museums in St. Louis dedicated to black history/culture/art. 

The museum is well-organized with a lot to see, read, and absorb.  One could spend up to two hours enjoying it all and learning much from it. It is a popular school field trip destination. 

Reservations are required.  Check for Groupons.  

Of course, lunch at Crown Candy Kitchen was wonderful.  It has a very casual atmosphere and excellent food. Plus you can't live in St. Louis and not go there at least once!