ARAB AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, JANUARY 3, 2007
As Detroiters, we recognize the huge impact that Arab Americans have had on our city and State (with nearly half a million Arabic Americans living here), so it’s with great interest and anticipation that we have launched our research into ‘Our Arabic Story’, set to air in September on WXYZ.

We began by visiting Dearborn’s incomparable Arab American National Museum, the first museum in the world devoted to Arab American history and culture. Arab Americans have enriched the economic, political and cultural landscape of American life and by bringing the voices and faces of Arab Americans to mainstream audiences, we continue our commitment to dispel misconceptions about Arab Americans.

In the community courtyard on the first floor, to the spectacular galleries on the second, the Arab American national Museum explores the diversity of the Arab world and Arab American communities through an array of interactive experiences.  In addition to historical exhibits, the museum houses an auditorium, gallery spaces, classrooms, conference rooms, a library and resource center, and a well-stocked museum store.

The museum’s permanent collection includes art, three-dimensional artifacts, documents, personal papers, and photographs that were created by, owned, primarily used by, or that illustrate the Arab American experience.  Almost all of the objects in the permanent collection have entered or will enter the collection through the generosity of individuals and communities, making the collection truly reflective of the diverse lives and histories of Arab Americans.

Rotating exhibits also make up the museum’s allure.  For example, running November 3, 2006 and January 21, 2007, the Arab American National Museum is hosting an exhibition entitled Out of Iraq: Artists' Meditations On Their Homeland.  Featuring the work of three Iraqi American painters – Leila Kubba, Nadwa Qaragholi, and Mohammad Fradi – this exhibit explores the past, present, and future of a nation in crisis.   Common themes found in all three artists’ work include the resurrection of memories and hopes, the interruption of dreams by war, and the dissonance of history with the present (both on a national and personal level).

The museum is a walk through a vital part of Detroit’s history (as well as the world’s), and makes for a fascinating experience regardless of your background.

The Arab American National Museum
13624 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, Michigan 48126
 
Phone: (313) 582-2266

Museum Hours
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm