16 years ago Olayami Dabls came to the corner of Grand River and West Grand Blvd with a vision to create a space for his community to understand the immense power of their African heritage.
Occupying almost an entire city block, the MBAD African Bead Museum houses 18 outdoor installations as well as the African Bead Gallery, N’kisi House, and African Language Wall. Born of his own visual cosmology, Dabls’ MBAD African Bead Museum sparks a vital conversation with global and local audiences.