Handmade beads and beautiful art! Sooooo cool!

Its 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. Its 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. Im not sure Ive ever seen anything like it.Its free to visit and its really, really impactful.(Support it.)

I think you just have to experience this place for yourself.It feels like a story that you slightly remember, that happened to someone else that used to be you... I loved the shop and the art installation.Go.Leave some money in the box, buy some beads.But definitely visit here.Its beautiful, happy, sad, haunting and hopeful.

I wish I visited this place sooner, but just didnt know about it. One day I was driving around taking images on Grand River and went in. Dabls is very friendly and you can spend hours looking at beads inside and photographing outside. Might seem like a rougher area but I never had issues, just go when its open to have the full experience.

We loved it. Took teenage daughter there for Detroit education fun. She spent an hour picking out beads special to her. The associate (former teacher) was very informative & remade a few things to her taste. Reasonable price, history and just plain cool. Met owner Dabls who is iconic and grateful to share. Thank you! Will return!

Awesome art community which is the art itself!

This place is hard to deacribe but absolutely worth a visit!

Fascinating! So much to look at over a few acres of land, and beads from around the world inside. The installation is not for the faint of heart though. Theres no landscaping, which could bring more class to the exhibition of Mr. Dabls work.

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 and culture.

Did not go inside. Building makes a great back drop for photos.

Awesome/unique place to check out

Beaders heaven. Wondrous selection of beads.

Cool little museum. Definitely worth checking out.

This place is AMAZING!!!! There is a variety of beads Ive never experienced and Im an avid beader! The choices and uniqueness of the pieces can only be truly appreciated by sight and touch. So go and enjoy the eye-candy. The owner and staff are absolutely wonderful and overly customer oriented!!!

Cool. Reminded me of shops when I was younger I. Quebec City. Very nice proprietors

I was throughly impressed with this place. Ive never seen soo many beads in my life. I really enjoyed how you can actually make your own jewelry in the store. Would def come back and also enjoyed all the outdoor artwork. Was able to snag some pretty cool pictures too!

Beautiful selection and excellent customer service.

One of Detroits artistic gems. It gets better and better through the years. Looks like they might have some events and entertainment there this summer.

Great place that features authentic ancient African beads and artifacts. Storyteller DABLS gives you an oral history of Africa unlike your find anywhere else in Detroit

Important museum. Knowledgeable staff. Oozing creativity and information.

The Collection was like none I have ever seen. The Young Lady that works their treated my daughters so well and they loved the Bracelets they made there.

Outside, a public found art project similar to Heidelberg. Thoughtful, colorful and expressive, its a joy to wander through. Inside, a wealth of beautiful and rare items.

Gorgeous Art Sculptures and History. Also a beautiful clothing store is next door

This place is a must see in Detroit. We met the artist - such a cool guy, a legend!

Beautiful, interesting and disturbing. I make a point of visiting at least a few times a year

The art installation that borders the back of the property will probably not be everyones cup of tea. But given the subjective nature of art itself, I found my eye unable to dismiss the process and dedication given to this weather worn and gritty presentation that simply refuses to be ignored..Thought-provoking and set apart from the norm, this place definitely earns a spot in the Not So mainstream must see Detroit Treasures.

Best Bead Store Anywhere!!Dabls is very knowledgeable on all the beads and stones. A must see in Detroit!!Dont forget to buy something!!!

This is a very interesting museum, its unique art designs using Earths natruals material just wonderful. It is so worth the walk threw

Super super cool art installation with culture and history to it, I can’t wait to come back in the summer when the true colors of this beauty are in store!

One of my favorite jewels of the City. Ive known Dabl for years. He is as much a historian as he is artist. Doing amazing works in the D. I frequently seek out the most beautiful and amazingly different beads held in his vast collection for my jewelry designs. Definitely worth a visit if youve never been.

Absolutely loved the art!! The mirrors make you think youre looking out but when you realize theyre mirrors, its like a philosophical look inwards. Art and philosophy/inner perspective. What a great exhibit.

This one is for the culture! An amazing experience.

Owners and staff are extremely nice.

My daughters and I loved this place! Very cool on the outside with many awesome beads to look at and buy. And such a welcoming and friendly girl helped us.

Beautiful energy inside and out!! When Im ready to take that creative step this will be my first. I can see so many ideas. The amount of beads and history in this place is awesome. Will be back for my next adventure!

First time different experience.

Very disappointed because we couldnt enter. The entrance wasnt obvious to the eye and there were no signs posted to direct patrons to the door.

Must see when visiting the “D”.

Beautiful place !!

African culture lives at MBAD African Bead Museum

Absolutely stunning! Well worth the drive and the time to walk around!

Great unique spot. Enjoyed the art display outside and chatting with the owner. Make the visit if you can!

Open during Covid! This is a must-see art installation and bead store/museum.

Incredible building and artwork. Highly recommend a visit.

Great place...loved it

If you are very lucky, as we were on our visit, you will meet the venerable Mr. Olayami Dabls, founder, artist and philanthropist. Don’t just stand there, buy something! And support this museum for all the people.

What a cool way to spend the morning. Start with the outdoor stuff, look around, notice as much as you can. Then go inside and chat with Dable. Bring a donation or buy some beads. Not ylyour typical museum experience

Great, wonderful, loved it.

Such an amazing place so much history

Great entertainment, food, and the Bead Museum.

Extremely interesting outdoor art exhibit. Highly recommend stopping by to observe it.

Incredible assortment of beads and bedding jewelry. Various priced

Culture. Many bead designs & colors for whatever fits your style. My daughter ❤ this place

A very interesting space. If you love beads and/or African art, you should really see this place!

A very interesting approach to art. If you have the time go visit. Very friendly

Omg😍 Amazing place and great Artist 😍😍😍

It was raining will have to go back when not raining. Worth the trip for the heads.

Great place for taking pictures. I will say this though, its what I call Detroit art and as much as I love it there are those who think its just junk made to look like art. Its a very unique place and if you like Detroit art then youll love this place. I have to confess that Ive never stepped foot inside the bead shop but thats only because I normally dont carry cash while Im in the city for obvious reasons and I hate going into a business if I cant buy anything plus beads arent really my thing.

Great place and great service, people come from all around the world to see this place and we have it in our own City and wont tell anyone else. Kisses and be blessed.💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

The African Bead Museum is a very culturally rich and prominent bead store within the City of Detroit, it was a pleasure walking through the mosaic mirrors, while discovering some of the earths most precious beads! A very pleasurable experience.~Brianna Dorrough

Lots of separate beads or necklaces to buy. Very interesting artsy area outside to see on the buildings and on the lawn areas outside.....

AMAZING CULTURAL CENTER. Only building in the entire city of Detroit thats preserving the African culture our ancestors had prior to colonization. Dabls is a true CULTURE KEEPER.Support, visit, take a friend or 5, learn something new and buy something new!

It’s a colorful place. Lots of different kinds of beads. Some beads were horribly over priced, in my opinion. However, the owner makes up for it with his charm and wit. Will visit again.

I actually had a radio interview at the station there. We had a great time.

At the Art warehouse makes me enjoy clay and designs

Great venue

Wonderful experience

Its the most beautiful art Ive ever seen.....

Beautiful place. the owner is great to talk to when looking around at the beads.

If you want to fashion accessories with beads they have a great selection. The art on the Bead Museum Campus is creative and not to be missed.

Tried to go but appeared to be closed..

Absolutely amazing. The proprietor is very knowledgable and creative.

We visited Dabls together for the first time and as many times as Id seen it, it looked amazing!!!Yes, my friend, from outta town totally enjoyed it!!!He absolutely LOVED it... says he LOVED the energy there.

Really nice store and he is very knowledgeable on everything in the store and his prices are good 👍🏾

Nice place I didnt feel real welcome but the beads are beautiful

Unified.

Beautiful abstract art.Love this spot and the kind fella that does this for the simple pleasures of life as art is life in my words. WOW!!

The most beautiful place ever! From how the beads were selected to how they were place for display all beauty PLUS the art! Theres a Art Display! Center of attention,, Its so much talent in this place. #CreativityInDetroit

A detroit gem

I finally found this location they have a very wide section and selection of beads and stones very nice the staff was very helpful you will lose your mind and spend a whole lot of money

Great

Sweet and quiet..ALWAYS FRIENDLY

Great selection very nice people

Its one of my favorite places, I found some great beads made from natural stones.

An interesting place to ponder and they have a bead for every need and budget.

Came to this spot in November of 2018.. It was amazing and I loved it.

Super cool. Really nice place. Interesting.

This place is well worth the trip. I spent an hour talking to the owner while my wife, an artist went through the extensive bead collection, deciding what to buy. I learned as much from him about current detroit as I learned about historic detroit from the other museums.b

Many hand made bracelets and other accessories

One word (AWESOME.!) okay 0K no no no no no cannot be summed up in one word so Im going to sum it up in a sentence ... like no place else culturally!!!

Very interesting place and a unique gentleman to speak to. Sign up for the tour and the experience will be well worth it.

Fascinating place. Love the stories and beads.

Bead Heaven. Will surely revisit next time in am in the area.

Really nice selection of gemstones

I loved the art! Great for photos!!

Such an interesting person and history to the musuem.

Great spot for something different to see and do! love this Detroit treasure!

Very creative location.love for shoots!

Absolutely amazing selection of the most unique beads youll find. Even if you dont make jewelry, its worth it to just look around.

Had a wonderful family visit to this unique place.