Abbotsford

Abbotsford, today home to the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, is a historic mansion on Walnut Avenue in Boston. Built in 1872 in the High Victorian Gothic style, the building stands out for its pointed-arch windows and its facade of local Roxbury puddingstone. Originally designed as an industrialist's nostalgic retreat, the property later served as a disciplinary school for boys before being converted into a museum in 1976. Here you can experience a dedicated presentation of the visual art history of African American artists from around the world. The exhibitions span a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography, and decorative arts, showcasing both historic and contemporary works. The building has been a protected landmark since 1987 and is a cultural draw in the Roxbury neighborhood.