Coming to America, Living in America, & Making an Impact
The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans, serving as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in the United States. On the ground floor, the permanent exhibit features Arab civilization and its contributions to science, medicine, mathematics and astronomy and displays Arab architecture and decorative arts. In the main stairwell is a two-story map of Africa and the Middle East. From the balcony, an interactive panel allows visitors to learn something about each of the 22 countries conventionally identified as predominantly Arab. The second floor showcases Arab American history in three thematic galleries titled Coming to America, Living in America, and Making an Impact. Each gallery tells a story, beginning with the immigration of Arabs from 1500 to the present, continuing through their livelihoods in America, and concluding with the impact Arab Americans have had on the U.S.
Juxtaposed & Connections and Contrasts
Especially for Groves, the Museum is extending two exhibitions of new artwork by Detroit-based Arab American artists. "Juxtaposed" explores the challenges of immigrating to the United States and the process of becoming American. Drawing upon the firsthand experiences of an immigrant artist, this work reflects upon the ways in which people retain their traditions while assimilating into a new culture, and how these traditions contribute to a broader American identity. "Connections and Contrasts" is a group show of 10 Arab American artists from Detroit. These shows speak not only to the Arab American experience, but also to the experiences of a number of immigrant communities in America.
