Explore the Bead Museum
Discover rare and beautiful beads sourced from across the African continent and diaspora.
From trade beads to handmade strands, each piece carries a story of heritage and exchange.
Book a Tour
Experience the power of storytelling through a guided tour led by our team.
Explore the installations, learn about the meaning of beads, and hear the stories behind the symbols that define MBAD’s landscape.
Whether you’re booking for a school group, a community organization, or a private visit — there’s always more to discover.
About the Museum
Since its founding in the early 2000s, MBAD African Bead Museum has been a vibrant outdoor and indoor campus dedicated to preserving and presenting African material culture.
Our installations, including the world-renowned N’kisi House and Iron Teaching Rocks How to Rust, tell stories of resilience, spirituality, and identity that continue to inspire visitors worldwide.
STORIES
A growing collection of reflections, journeys, and behind-the-scenes moments from Dabls and our evolving campus. Explore the art, the travels, and the transformations shaping our next chapter.
African Future Pop-Up
A fusion of art, design, and culture — African Future is MBAD’s traveling pop-up series bringing the spirit of the museum to new audiences.
Through curated exhibitions, fashion collaborations, and cultural events, we celebrate the innovation and imagination rooted in African traditions.