Cultural Museum of African Art
The Cultural Museum of African Art (CMAA) is dedicated to preserving, presenting, and sharing the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Africa.
Through its collection, exhibitions, educational efforts, and use of technology, CMAA creates opportunities for people around the world to learn about African art, history, and culture and to better understand Africa’s place in the story of humanity.
Our Vision
To bring African art and culture into the hearts and minds of people around the world.
Africa’s history and cultural heritage are an important part of our shared human history. By making African art and culture more accessible, CMAA seeks to encourage greater understanding, appreciation, respect, and connection among people of all backgrounds.
Our Mission
The mission of the Cultural Museum of African Art is to educate and inform people around the world through its collection of African artifacts and artwork, presented within their cultural and historical context.
Through the study and presentation of African art and history, CMAA seeks to highlight Africa’s importance and its contributions to humanity.
The Museum also seeks to foster a genuine sense of pride while promoting mutual respect, dignity, understanding, and equality through knowledge.
The Collection
At the heart of CMAA is its collection of African art and artifacts.
The collection provides an opportunity to explore the artistic traditions, cultural practices, history, and creativity of Africa across thousands of years. Each work offers an opportunity to learn more about the people, cultures, and history connected to it.
CMAA’s goal is not simply to display objects, but to help visitors understand them within the cultural and historical context in which they were created.
4,000 Years of African Art and Culture
African art and culture represent thousands of years of creativity, knowledge, history, and human experience.
CMAA is committed to preserving and sharing this heritage and helping audiences discover the depth and diversity of African artistic traditions.
By bringing these stories to a wider audience, the Museum helps create a greater understanding of Africa and its contributions to the world.
Art, Education & Technology
CMAA believes that technology can help make African art and culture accessible to people far beyond the walls of a traditional museum.
Through digital and virtual experiences, visitors can explore African art and cultural history from wherever they are.
Technology also provides new opportunities for education and engagement, allowing CMAA to connect with students, educators, researchers, families, and audiences around the world.
By bringing together art, history, education, and technology, CMAA continues to explore new ways of sharing Africa’s cultural heritage.
Our Founder
The Cultural Museum of African Art reflects the vision and dedication of its founder, Eric Edwards.
His commitment to preserving and sharing African art and culture has been central to the development of the Museum and its collection.
The vision behind CMAA is rooted in the belief that understanding Africa’s history and culture can contribute to a greater understanding of ourselves and one another.
As Eric Edwards has expressed:
“When people begin to realize that Africa, as the cradle of civilization, is really all of our culture and history, a greater understanding of each other and a much-needed human unity can begin to be achieved.”
This vision continues to guide the Museum and its work.
Our History
The Cultural Museum of African Art received its charter from the New York State Board of Regents on November 18, 2014.
On April 22, 2015, the Museum was granted federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a charitable and educational institution.
Since its founding, CMAA has continued to build its collection and develop ways to share African art, history, and culture with broader audiences.
CMAA Today
Today, CMAA continues to build on its original mission by combining its collection and educational purpose with new ways of reaching audiences.
The Museum’s digital presence and virtual experiences provide additional opportunities for people to discover African art and culture, regardless of where they live.
As CMAA continues to grow, its focus remains the same: preserving African cultural heritage, educating others, and creating greater understanding through art and knowledge.
Be Part of the Journey
We invite you to explore the Cultural Museum of African Art and discover the stories, artwork, history, and culture represented through the Museum.
Explore our galleries, learn about African art and culture, experience CMAA online, and stay connected with the Museum’s programs and events.
Discover Africa. Discover Ourselves.