About Us
The Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center (LAMCAC) is a New York State Board of Regents–chartered museum and cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the arts, cultures, histories, and living traditions of Africa and the African diaspora.
Founded by a Tanzanian family whose cultural journey began in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center serves as a permanent home where authentic African art, traditions, and historical knowledge are preserved, shared, and celebrated for present and future generations.
The museum’s collections reflect more than thirty years of cultural stewardship and include traditional and contemporary African art, textiles, jewelry, ceremonial objects, historical artifacts, photographs, books, archival materials, and cultural treasures representing the richness and diversity of the African continent.
Operating under the DBA Luangisa African Archives Initiative, the museum preserves archival collections, oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, rare publications, family histories, and historical records while supporting research, scholarship, and public access to African documentary heritage.
Education is central to LAMCAC’s mission. Through museum exhibitions, guided tours, school visits, workshops, lectures, summer programs, and community partnerships, the museum provides meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage cross-cultural understanding, and celebrate the richness of African heritage.
As a welcoming community institution, LAMCAC serves students, educators, researchers, artists, families, and visitors by fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning through exhibitions, archives, educational programming, and public engagement.
We invite you to discover the beauty, diversity, and enduring legacy of Africa while exploring one of New York’s unique centers dedicated to African art, history, culture, education, and preservation. Together, we celebrate the past, enrich the present, and inspire future generations through the power of African art, history, culture, and heritage.
Our Mission
To preserve, educate, inspire, and connect communities by advancing the understanding and appreciation of African art, history, culture, and heritage through the stewardship of collections and archives, dynamic exhibitions, research, education, and meaningful community engagement.
Our Vision
To be a leading center for African art, history, culture, and archival preservation, inspiring lifelong learning, advancing scholarship, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and enriching communities through authentic African experiences.
Our Journey
Celebrating 30 Years of Preserving African Art, Culture, and Heritage
Before 1996
The Beginning
The Luangisa story began in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where our family’s lifelong passion for African art, culture, and heritage first took root. Through close relationships with master artisans, collectors, and cultural communities—including our longstanding presence at Space #14, Mwenge Woodcarvers Market—we developed a deep appreciation for preserving and sharing Africa’s rich artistic and cultural traditions.
In 1996, the Luangisa journey continued in Mount Vernon, New York, where a Tanzanian family established Luangisa with a vision of creating a lasting cultural bridge between Africa and the United States. What began as a passion for sharing authentic African art has grown over three decades into a New York State Board of Regents–chartered cultural institution dedicated to preservation, education, research, archives, and community engagement.
1996–2026
Thirty Years of Cultural Stewardship in New York
Over the past thirty years, the Luangisa family has carefully assembled an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary African art, textiles, jewelry, ceremonial objects, historical artifacts, books, photographs, and archival materials representing the extraordinary diversity of the African continent.
Throughout these three decades, Luangisa has become a trusted destination for authentic African art, cultural education, exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement, welcoming visitors while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich artistic and cultural heritage for present and future generations.
November 2025
A Regents-Chartered Cultural Institution
In November 2025, the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center (LAMCAC) was officially granted a New York State Board of Regents Charter, recognizing the museum as a permanent educational and cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the arts, cultures, histories, and living traditions of Africa and the African diaspora.
Receiving the Regents Charter marked a significant milestone in Luangisa’s journey, transforming nearly three decades of cultural stewardship into a permanent institution committed to education, preservation, research, and public service.
2026
Luangisa African Archives Initiative
In 2026, the museum expanded its mission by launching the Luangisa African Archives Initiative, operating under its official DBA. The initiative is dedicated to preserving archival collections, oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, family histories, rare publications, and historical records documenting the rich histories and cultural contributions of Africa and the African diaspora.
The Archives Initiative supports research, scholarship, educational access, and the long-term preservation of African documentary heritage while making these invaluable resources accessible to students, educators, researchers, and the broader public.
Today
Serving Our Community
Today, the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center serves as a vibrant center for exhibitions, education, research, preservation, and community engagement.
Through museum tours, school visits, educational workshops, summer programs, lectures, cultural celebrations, archival collections, and public programming, LAMCAC welcomes visitors of all ages to discover the richness, diversity, and enduring legacy of Africa.
As a New York State Board of Regents–chartered cultural institution, the museum remains committed to preserving the past while inspiring present and future generations through authentic African art, history, culture, and heritage.
The Future
Building the Next Generation of African Cultural Heritage
As Luangisa enters its next chapter, the museum remains committed to expanding its collections, archives, exhibitions, educational programs, research initiatives, and community partnerships.
Our vision is to become a leading center for African art, history, culture, and archival preservation, fostering cross-cultural understanding through education, scholarship, exhibitions, and meaningful community engagement.
Building upon thirty years of dedication by a Tanzanian family, the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center will continue preserving Africa’s remarkable artistic and cultural legacy while inspiring curiosity, appreciation, and lifelong learning for generations to come.
Our Values
Our values reflect the principles that have guided the Luangisa journey from its roots in Tanzania to its evolution as a New York State Board of Regents–chartered cultural institution.
At the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center (LAMCAC), our values guide every exhibition, educational program, archival initiative, and community partnership. They reflect our commitment to preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage while inspiring understanding, scholarship, and meaningful engagement for generations to come.
Preservation
We are committed to preserving and safeguarding African art, cultural heritage, archival collections, oral histories, and historical resources, ensuring they remain accessible for present and future generations.
Education
We believe education is the foundation of understanding. Through exhibitions, school tours, workshops, lectures, summer programs, and lifelong learning opportunities, we inspire curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation of Africa’s diverse cultures and histories.
Authenticity
We honor the richness, diversity, and authenticity of African cultures by presenting collections, exhibitions, and educational experiences with integrity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Research & Scholarship
We support research, documentation, and scholarly inquiry by providing access to collections, archives, and educational resources that advance the study and understanding of Africa and the African diaspora.
Community Engagement
We believe museums are places where communities connect. We foster dialogue, cultural exchange, and meaningful partnerships by creating welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can learn, share, and celebrate together.
Stewardship
As a New York State Board of Regents–chartered cultural institution, we embrace our responsibility to care for the collections, archives, and cultural resources entrusted to us, ensuring they are preserved and shared for the public benefit.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive museum where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can experience, appreciate, and engage with African art, history, and culture.
Plan Your Visit
Discover the Richness of African Heritage
Whether you are visiting for the first time, bringing a school group, conducting research, or attending a cultural event, the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center offers meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
We welcome individuals, families, educators, students, researchers, artists, community organizations, and cultural enthusiasts to explore our collections, exhibitions, archives, and educational programs.
During Your Visit You Can:
Explore Museum Collections
Discover authentic African art, cultural artifacts, textiles, jewelry, ceremonial objects, and historical collections representing the diversity of the African continent.
Participate in Educational Programs
Join guided museum tours, school visits, workshops, lectures, summer programs, and lifelong learning experiences designed to educate and inspire.
Access the Archives
Researchers, students, and educators may request access to archival collections and historical resources through the Luangisa African Archives Initiative.
Attend Cultural Events
Experience exhibitions, artist talks, cultural celebrations, performances, and special community programs throughout the year.
Support the Museum
Ways to Support
- Become a Member
- Make a Donation
- Sponsor an Exhibition
- Volunteer
- Corporate Partnerships
- Planned Giving
Contact Us
📍 Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center
📧 info@luangisaafricanmuseum.org
📧 Education & School Programs
education@luangisaafricanmuseum.org
📧 Archives & Research
archives@luangisaafricanmuseum.org