Bead museum in Michigan to be renovated

DETROIT

It was 22 years ago that artist Olayami Dabls was gifted a row of townhouses on the city’s west side to house his extensive African bead and artifact collection.

Within those townhouses and on the surrounding land at the corner of Grand River and West Grand Boulevard, Dabls’ MBAD African Bead Museum grew into a cultural institution. Each year, 35,000 people come from all over the world to see the beads, artifacts and outside art installations.

Despite the museum’s growing popularity, the buildings fell into disrepair.

Over the years, the museum has received funds for renovations, including more than $110,000 from a Patronicity crowdfunding campaign last month that includes a match by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.