Our Mission

About Hammonds House Museum: A Home of Art, History, and Community             

Nestled on a quiet residential street in Atlanta's historic West End, Hammonds House Museum is a captivating destination that invites visitors to explore the rich cultural legacy of artists of African descent. This unique museum, housed in the former residence of Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and passionate arts patron, has been a beacon of artistic excellence since its establishment in 1988.

The museum's latest and most exciting addition is its first permanent installation, the John Rhoden Sculpture Garden. This extraordinary outdoor space showcases ten stunning bronze sculptures by the renowned artist John Rhoden (1918-2001), making it the only public garden dedicated solely to his work. Rhoden, a prolific sculptor born in Birmingham, Alabama, was known for his masterful bronze creations and his significant contributions to African American art. His work gained worldwide prominence, and he lived and worked primarily in New York while also traveling extensively, drawing inspiration from his global experiences. What makes this garden unique is its exclusive focus on Rhoden's works, providing visitors with an immersive experience of his artistic vision in a natural setting.

Hammonds House Museum boasts a permanent collection of more than 450 works dating from the mid-19th century, featuring artists from North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Highlights include 18 works by master artist Romare Bearden and the oldest known painting by acclaimed landscape artist Robert S. Duncanson. The museum’s collection also includes work by notable artists such as  Benny Andrews, Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Jacob Lawrence, among others.

The museum's establishment was largely due to the efforts of Edward S. Spriggs, inaugural director of the Studio Museum of Harlem, who submitted a proposal for an African American Museum to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. This proposal was adopted under the leadership of Chairman Michael Lomax, leading to the opening of Hammonds House Galleries in 1988, which later became Hammonds House Museum.

Throughout the year, the museum offers a dynamic calendar of events, including visual art exhibitions, artist talks, panel discussions, workshops, and art education programs for young people. Music concerts and book readings further enrich the cultural experience.

Since 1988, Hammonds House Museum has been a mecca for those seeking inspiration and intellectual stimulation centered on art of the African Diaspora. With the addition of the John Rhoden Sculpture Garden, the museum has further cemented its position as a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Hammonds House Museum is a captivating destination that celebrates the rich cultural legacy of artists of African descent. Housed in the third oldest Victorian home in Fulton County—an exquisite example of the Eastlake Style—the museum offers visitors an experience that is as architecturally charming as it is artistically inspiring. Since its founding in 1988, Hammonds House Museum has been a beacon of artistic excellence, community engagement, and cultural discovery.

A Storied Past: From Madge A. Bingham to Dr. Hammonds

Long before Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, the distinguished Atlanta physician and arts patron, made this house his home, it was the residence of Madge A. Bigham—a remarkable author and activist. Bingham was known for her beloved children’s books, including The Little Lantern Bearer, Songs for Small Folks, and The Garden of Happy Children. Her commitment to nurturing young minds extended beyond her writing; she was a passionate leader in the Free Kindergarten Movement in Atlanta’s West End.

As the neighborhood’s demographics shifted, Madge Bigham responded by establishing the area’s first integrated free kindergarten, housed in a specially built addition to her home. Today, this space is known as the West End Room, now used for special events at the museum. The original floor remains intact, and visitors can still see the outline of the circular kindergarten rug—a subtle but powerful reminder of the home’s unique legacy in education and community activism.

The John Rhoden Sculpture Garden: Art in Nature

Adding to the museum’s charm and significance is its first permanent outdoor installation, the John Rhoden Sculpture Garden. This extraordinary space showcases ten stunning bronze sculptures by renowned artist John Rhoden (1918–2001), making it the only public garden dedicated solely to his work. Rhoden, born in Birmingham, Alabama, was celebrated for his masterful bronze creations and significant contributions to African American art. He lived and worked primarily in New York, drawing inspiration from his global travels. The garden’s exclusive focus on Rhoden’s sculptures provides visitors with an immersive experience of his artistic vision in a serene, natural setting.

Dynamic Programming and Community Engagement

Throughout the year, Hammonds House Museum offers a vibrant calendar of events, including visual art exhibitions, artist talks, panel discussions, workshops, and art education programs for youth. Music concerts and book readings further enrich the museum’s cultural offerings, making it a hub for inspiration, learning, and community connection.

A Living Legacy

Since 1988, Hammonds House Museum has been a mecca for those seeking inspiration and intellectual stimulation centered on art of the African Diaspora. With its storied past, world-class collection, and the addition of the John Rhoden Sculpture Garden, the museum continues to be a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. The preserved history of Mary Bingham’s pioneering spirit, Dr. Hammonds’ visionary patronage, and the museum’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence together create a living legacy—one that honors the past while inspiring the future.