George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center

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!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Boyd Vance Theatre renovation closure dates: August 2023 to March 2024 (anticipated). More information here.

For interest in the artifact(s) donation procedure please visit our Donations & Collection Information Page.

Small Black Museum Residency Program Vol. 3

Black and White graphic with Info about deadline extension through november 19

Carver Museum is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Small Black Museum Residency Project Vol.3 from October 2 - November 19. The Small Black Museum Residency Project supports established and emerging artists of African descent who are largely underrepresented in institutions. It is ideal for artists who have a progressive approach to both content and form and whose work reflects shifting paradigms around identity, nation, and place. Apply today!

Residency artists receive:

Money - Artist stipends- $2000/month for 4 months

Time - Three months (February-April) to focus on studio time in a dedicated space to build a body of work for exhibition

Professional development - Curatorial reviews, written, reviews, documentation of work, peer reviews, marketing development, open studios, and counseling services

Featured Events

Austin Studio Tour | Kickoff Party

You are cordially invited to the Official Kick Off for the Austin Studio Tour!

November 1, 2023
Member Preview 7-8p | General Admission 8-10p
1165 Angelina St

In partnership with the George Washington Carver Museum, we invite you to celebrate 30 iterations of studio tours with us.

Join us in supporting the arts and making magic happen. Together, we'll experience a vibrant, enchanted arts community, plus you'll get a sneak peek of the 500+ artists featured in this year's tour Group Exhibition at the Carver Museum.

Divided into three categories, tour-goers can select between Artists that include studios or spaces featuring one or more artists, Dedicated Art Spaces that have Arts programming year-round, or Temporary Art Experiences with group exhibitions or space interventions created for the tour.

Free and open to the public, the studio tour combines the former East and West Austin Studio Tours into one citywide event presented across three weekends in November.

Weekend 1: November 4-5 (WEST of IH-35) 12 – 6pm

Weekend 2: November 11-12 (WEST & EAST) 12 – 6pm

Weekend 3: November 18-19 (EAST of IH-35) 12 – 6pm

Joyous Tutoring Youth Chess Night

children playing chess

Joyous Tutoring presents free monthly chess lessons at the Carver Museum ATX! This offering will bring community youth together, ages 7-18 to participate in a classic African-American pastime that enriches youth socially and academically. Join us on Thursday, November 9th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM for the final Youth Chess Night of the year! More information and RSVP here.

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 Harve 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.

In the Parks

Givens District Park, A Lone Star Legacy

Deep Eddy Pool