Since the 1930s, Spelman College has developed a collection of art primarily from the African Diaspora through the generosity of alumnae, artists, trustees, Friends of the College, and through select purchases. The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art became the nucleus of the College’s art collecting, preservation, and exhibition activities when it was established in 1996. To honor its unique mission and focus, the Museum acquires art highlighting the wide spectrum of works created by women artists of the African Diaspora.
Ethnographic, African, three-dimensional, polychrome, wooden artifacts have comprised the greater part of the College’s holdings. The collection also includes works by celebrated African American artists, including Beverly Buchanan, Elizabeth Catlett, Faith Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Hale Woodruff, and many others. More recent acquisitions are in alignment with the Museum’s mission. María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Lalla Essaydi, Ingrid Mwangi Robert Hutter, and Nandipha Mntambo are amongst the global roster of artists whose works are also represented in the College’s growing collection. Other recent acquisitions include works by Mequitta Ahuja, Firelei Báez, Vanessa L. German, Fabiola Jean-Louis, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Deborah Roberts, Berni Searle, Billie Zangewa, and a gift from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation of textiles from the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers.
The Spelman College Collection is proud to be the custodian of artworks by celebrated artists across generations and throughout the African Diaspora. The Collection is a testament to the thought leadership continuously guiding the Museum. The Museum has become well-regarded for its highly acclaimed exhibitions, innovative academic and public programming, and a growing and dynamic collection. The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art is committed and well poised to continue to claim its charge as a resource and repository for significant works of art. More information about the collection can be found here: Spelman Collection on GLAM.
To inspire and enrich the Spelman College community and the general public primarily through art by and about women of the African Diaspora.
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
On Campus Location: In the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby, Ed.D. Academic Center
Mailing Address: 350 Spelman Lane, Box 1526, Atlanta, GA 30314 29201
GPS Address: 440 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: 404.270.5607 | Email: museum@spelman.edu
Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Museum is closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as the following campus breaks:
Spring Break | Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13, 2026
Easter Weekend | Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
Suggested Donation: $5