Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum — Attraction in Detroit

It's important to note that the museum is also an incredible art installation. Not just incredible, but a stunning display of the resourceful and outspoken creativity that no city can do to the same way Detroit can and does.

The museum itself is a highly niche and curated space of artifacts of Africa and its diaspora. Having spent a few years on the continent, its remarkable to be able to find such a rich part of its culture, and so much of it as well.

But the art is really the thing to come and see. It's impossible to summarize without photos: blocks of murals, paintings, and statues, which repurpose what might otherwise be considered waste into mosaics, pictures, and scenes of community, and beauty, and pain. I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like it.

It's free to visit and it's really, really...

So many wonderful things to be said about this museum let’s start off by mentioning how it is the only space in the city that allows people to have performances and hold events for absolutely free donations are asked but not required. The owner has a wealth of knowledge on African material culture, his extensive bead collection is a sight to see. The outside installation is entitled “IRON TEACHING ROCKS HOW TO RUST” which tells the story between Africans and Europeans using the Materials of, iron rocks, wood, and mirrors. There are approximately 11 individual installations that speak to How Iron (Europeans) has taught Rocks (Africans) how to rust. It’s a must see if you live history...

Returned this year, we really appreciate this place and learning about their offerings!! Loved looking at the amazing variety of beads and decorative pieces here!! Especially enjoyed my conversation with Dabls - hope I got that right - who told us the histories of his offerings, and sold us some very nice pieces at a very reasonable fare... Every square inch inside and out a great labor of love and preservation of History, I heartily recommend finding and discovering his beautiful wares and the stories behind them all, for yourself!! The various art installations merit a leisurely stroll to see it all! Next time we're in Michigan we WILL be back!