Hammonds House Museum

Scott Michael Harris

I’ve been coming here for years, one of the few African-American Museums around.

Patricia Patrick

We visited this black owned establishment on Sunday, July 17, 2022. I purchased tickets prior to online on Eventbrite for $10. The Hammonds house museum is located right near the West End. This museum was the former house of Dr. Hammonds, who was a black prominent physician in Atlanta and also a surveyor of art. Upon arrival we parked in the free parking lot adjacent to the museum. Upon entry we were greeted by an employee who was professional and forthcoming. She verified our ticket purchase with the QR code on my telephone. We had the option to sign in on a sheet by providing our information to get on an email list. This establishment is clean, historic, and well maintained. There is a plaque right by the front door that shows the Georgia State Capital dedicating the Hammonds house as an important physical landmark in the state of Georgia. Due to its black art showcasing, this museum is vital to the West End community. The employee stated we could walk around and view the gallery ourselves, and we were allowed to go upstairs to view paintings and artwork. They do have a small gift shop in the front that sells Hammonds house museum paraphernalia, books, jewelry, and other artwork. They also have brochures on how to become a member of the Hammonds house museum. There were also brochures on Joe Barry Carroll: My View from 7 Feet, which is on display from now until September 18, 2022. On the opening night of each artist’s showcase, I do believe the artist and other Hammonds house employees put on a special program. This is to promote and celebrate the artist’s particular gallery pieces. Across from the gift shop was the first gallery stop which features beautiful black artwork by the artist in bright colors of red, orange, and yellow. The paintings feature black women and men in their daily lives, and even children with cultural aspects of blackness. There were also benches in the gallery rooms for guests to sit and take in the beautiful black artwork by the artist Mr. Carroll. There is a parlor room towards the back of the first floor which has memorabilia from Dr. Hammonds’s house. This room features what appears to be some of his personal collection of artwork, and past memorable photographs of himself. The parlor also has a beautiful fireplace and dining room set up with a portrait of a beautiful black women with an Afro as one of the centerpiece artworks in this room. There appears to be many antiques and treasures that Dr. Hammonds owned which are on display for patrons to see. I felt this personalized the home which is now used as an art gallery to celebrate black artists, but also allows the identity of Dr. Hammonds to remain in the home. The other part of the first floor includes a kitchen and a restroom. This leads me to believe you can reserve this museum for private events, galas, and other special occasions. The artist’s showpieces and artwork are all over the first floor and in every room, which had wide open spaces for viewing. We did notice that the artist loves to use warm colors and depict beautiful black figures in each of his widescale pieces. Once we went upstairs there was more artwork in the artist’s signature hues featuring symbols of black unity, including a family portrait of a warm embrace of two Black people. There was also a portrait of a beautiful woman’s form and backside as a show piece. Overall I feel the Hammonds house museum is a hidden gem in one of the most historic parts of Atlanta which is the West End. I do feel like a lot of people do not know about this museum because it is not heavily advertised, but due to the rich black culture in Atlanta I do feel it is worth a visit at least once. I do wish the employees would give a guided tour by showcasing the artist’s artwork, and providing background on the Hammonds house museum history for patrons. I do like that there is a rotation of different black artists throughout the year who have works on display temporarily in this museum. I do recommend everyone in Atlanta visit this museum to admire black artists’ artwork on display.

Keesha W

Great staff. Great architecture. Great exhibit- My View From Seven Feet.

AK FAVORS

The experience was amazing.