MBAD African Bead Museum

  • Address: 6559 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48202

  • Year Built: 1977-1912

  • Architect: C.F.J. Barnes

  • Reason Endangered: The building was suddenly placed on the emergency demolition list by the City of Detroit and ordered for immediate demolition in under 10 days. It was demolished June 19, 2024.

  • Neighborhood: NW Goldberg

The recent demolition of a significant building at Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum is a profound loss for Detroit's historic preservation community and cultural landscape. For over two decades, Olayami Dabls, a visionary artist and community leader, transformed a neglected block on Detroit’s westside into an award-winning public art environment that celebrates African cultural heritage and become an iconic destination for both Detroiters and visitors from around the World. The museum's colorful mosaics and intricately hand-embellished installations of glass, wood, bead, and iron served as a beacon of cultural pride, embodying the rich and diverse histories of Detroit along the Grand River Avenue Corridor for over 23 years.

The demolished building was Phase 2 of a 2-phased development project that was under-development. Phase 1, a newly rehabbed community gallery was completed in 2019, right before the pandemic. Phase 2 was planned as the future home of the official new MBAD African Bead Museum. All architectural work and rehabilitation of  the building is in partnership with Lorcan O’Herily (@loharchitects), 

This significant loss highlights the ongoing challenges in preserving historic and cultural landmarks in the City of Detroit, especially those that serve as vital community spaces. The demolition is more than just the removal of a structure; it erases a place of identity, connection, and inspiration for countless people. In a city where history and culture are deeply intertwined, the preservation of such sites is crucial to maintaining Detroit's rich cultural heritage and honoring the creative spirit that has long defined the city. The legacy of Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum underscores the importance of cultural preservation in shaping community identity and fostering global connections. The loss of this building is a stark reminder of the need to protect and honor the cultural spaces that tell the stories of our past and inspire future generations.