Rendering of the National Juneteenth Museum. [Image: Bjarke Ingels Group]

The National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth announced it has reached a major milestone with the Fort Worth City Council’s approval Tuesday of access to the Southside Community Center site for the museum’s development.

The museum called the approval “a pivotal moment” for the 50,000-square-foot cultural hub that aims to preserve and share the story of Juneteenth on a national scale. The museum will provide a new travel destination, educational programs, and serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside.

A gallery at the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

The museum also unveiled new architectural renderings by Copenhagen, Denmark-based Bjarke Ingels Group, saying the innovative design reflects the resilience and richness of African American culture and aims to foster education, growth, and connection within the community.

“Our design for the National Juneteenth Museum is inspired by the resilience of the African American experience, transforming those stories into a space for reflection, education, and celebration,” lead designer and partner Douglass Alligood said in a statement. “The museum will serve as a bridge between the past and future, honoring history while nurturing community growth and connection.”

The food hall at the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

The museum said the design highlights its connection to community and purpose, with spaces that inspire and engage, including:

  • 10,000 square feet of immersive exhibition galleries for dynamic storytelling and
    educational experiences
  • A 250-seat theater for lectures, performances, and events
  • A Black Box flexible space for traveling exhibitions, seminars, and various corporate and community functions
  • A business incubator and co-working space to support emerging entrepreneurs
  • A food hall featuring culturally diverse cuisine and talented chefs
  • The National Juneteenth Plaza, a public courtyard and greenspace for gatherings and reflection
 

Southeast corner of the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

The museum said its integrated layout will create a seamless experience for visitors, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces designed to inspire engagement.

Its expansive outdoor grounds will host exhibitions, installations, and community events, solidifying its role as a cultural epicenter and gathering place for Fort Worth residents and visitors alike, the museum said.

For more information on the museum, including how to donate, you can go here.

More looks at the museum

Aerial view of the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

Business incubator at the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

Inside the food hall at the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

Auditorium at the National Juneteenth Museum. [Rendering: Bjarke Ingels Group]

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R E A D   N E X T

  • The museum, currently being built in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood, has a $70 million fundraising goal and is slated to open in 2025. The 50,000-square-foot Juneteenth Museum center will also host guest lectures, community events, and performances in its 250-seat amphitheater, while offering a food hall, store fronts, and a business incubator to boost local entrepreneurship.

  • New York-based Local Projects said it will design immersive, interactive exhibitions for the museum featuring multimedia installations and historical artifacts, with an aim of “fostering a powerful connection between visitors and the story and impact of Juneteenth.”

  • While the museum searches for the perfect spot in southeast Dallas, it’s making big plans for inspiring local kids. Through hands-on exhibits, creative programs, and deep community partnerships, it aims to spark something powerful through play—helping children discover how they can shape their world and make it better.

  • Dallas nonprofit Behind Every Door Ministries purchased a faded, 50-year-old community center from the Salvation Army in partnership with Veritex Community Bank, the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL Foundation, local pro golfers Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler, and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. A $15 million capital campaign has led to a revitalized community hub for Southern Dallas.

  • Charisma, a social coaching program developed by the Center for BrainHealth, uses generative AI and gaming technology to create realistic virtual environments, helping individuals improve social skills with the guidance of a coach—and now it’s scaling up with AWS.