Reviews of Black Cultural Archives. (Museum) in London (London).
Black Cultural Archives
1 Windrush Square, Brixton SW2 1EF, United Kingdom
Description
Information of Black Cultural Archives, Museum in London (London)
On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.
This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.
Map
Open hours of Black Cultural Archives
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
11am–5pm
Friday
11am–5pm
Saturday
11am–5pm
Reviews of Black Cultural Archives
K. J.
A great space to learn about Black History in the UK and the experiences of Black people. When I went (this week) they had an audio-visual installation called Black Men's Minds about the experiences of black men in mental health care, which was really intense, but in a really interesting and thought-provoking way. There is also a timeline of Black History in the UK (everything we weren't taught in school) and a great gift shop. Would definitely recommend and will go back with my family in future.
E. A.
Great place! Been there twice in one month, but have not made it to the exhibitions as yet. The cafe is so very zen, with stellar service, and food&drink to die for! The museum shop also has many gems. Basically, there is so much info on black cultural heritage and events, as well as good hospitality for all, when you get there. Love the place!
A. A.
Simply amazing experience! Great exhibits while the curator and staff are very knowledgeable providing a highly interactive experience. The facility is excellent, modern and very clean. The BCA provides an authentic experience of black cultural history . Pretty much overwhelmed by my last visit, so strong urge anyone to visit, since it's open to diversity.
J.
I visited the Windrush Exhibition. It was good, not great. I was hoping for more than just a small room with a few pictures and some voice recordings which lasted about 3 minutes.
The centre itself is very cosy and welcoming.
The cafe is excellent if you want a bite and relax. The forecourt just outside the cafe is spacious and would be great to have a meet-up.
The shop has some great selection of books and gift items.
I also spent some time in the library archives upstairs. Well worth visiting. You can take photos of the material which is great if you are doing some research.
A great place!
Staff were friendly and helpful.
I. S.
Great! Front office staff are so friendly. And the exhibition is interesting. Even to just stand in the front garden is a delight.
J. K.
Great staff, polite and friendly. It had been a while since I have been here. The kids would love to visit the place for their black history topics.
Thank you to all the staff
Z. G.
Amazing, thank you so much to all the staff for making my visit as smooth as possible and a special thank you to Talia for all your help 🌟
W. J.
I absolutely loved my visit here. The staff at the front desk were warm towards not only me, but others that came in after me.
The energy and vibe in the cafe is 🔥 and the servers are genuine and warm hearted. The food was excellent too.
The installation was very well displayed and the facility itself is clean and modern.
Great place to learn about black history or just to get a coffee and hang out.
D. J.
Looked like an interesting place. A very friendly host by the reception desk explained a good deal about the place.
They collect artefacts, photos and different kind of archives around Black culture. They even have a reading room upstairs. Which was closed on Saturday, sadly.
I would go there again, though be mindful of their schedule as reading room stays open by a given schedule, and there are usually activities going on.
L.
TOP TIP: Join their Instagram and Facebook pages to find out what events are happening.
The Black Cultural Archives (known affectionately as the BCA), was formed by local people and grown into the stunning building we have today.
As well as a small cultural centre with various events, the BCA also holds archives of magazines, photos, letters and other information about black culture.
J. S.
Excellent experience. I learned quite a bit about Windrush here. This institution is doing very important and necessary work for Britain. Keep funding it.
C. G.
Love going to BCA never fails. Food is excellent. Exhibitions are relevant, educational and inspiring. It's a warm place for people of the Caribbean and Africa to descend and appreciate those who paved the way for us to make a difference .... honouring #DarcusHowe
A. H.
Great resource, lovely cafe, very helpful staff.Sadly lacking in loop facilities for Deaf /hearing impaired..
s. k.
Amazing exhibits in a lovely space with wholesome food and a great location.
D. G.
Was my very first visit to the Black Cultural Archives, i really enjoyed being there, amazing place to look up history and facts and the way black people made important contributions to Britain. I did a reading in their Library to young people during the half term. It was a great day
L. S.
We only visited the lovely cafe and didn't get to explore the whole archives but the cafe staff were SO friendly and welcoming. We just came in for a coffee but ended up staying for a toasted sandwich (the guy behind the till made us a special one with this incredible homemade mango mayo and hot sauce!) and cake. There are images and captions on the walls of the cafe showing the untold stories of people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain which is really interesting to read. Definitely worth a visit.
J.
Visited the Archives today and was warmly welcomed by reception, LB Brown in particular, who after hearing the aims of my visit was able to direct me to the catalogue to aid my research. Hadn't realised the reading room was not open on Tuesdays (my mistake for not checking the site), so sat in the cafe to do work. The gentleman making drinks was amazing, he was attentive, funny and genuinely a warm person. Such a friendly and comfortable place to have a drink, a bite to eat and to then get your head down to study. I would recommend taking a visit and looking through the current exhibitions too, they're presented well and extremely informative. Will be returning to use this as a study space for further research for sure. Overall a great place which i would urge anyone to visit!
F. D.
Amazing , important cultural gem, tucked away in Brixton, need to raise awareness of the importance of Black history and black culture to British life.
C. B.
Great place with small exhibitions taking place. We were told they have live spoken word on Wednesday can't wait to visit again. We saw the women in power. The people were great, they have a cafe style place to eat next door didn't eat there but looked like a great place to reflect on all the great information given to you.
L. D.
The black cultural archives is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The exhibitions are like none other and I don't know anywhere else in London founded by black british people, still sharing true black british history. The BCA is pure excellence and should be protected at all costs!
C. F.
I expected more!
We got there and there was a private event on the second floor.. As this venue only has those two floor, there was not much to see as the exhibition only had about 5 main pictures and a few other bits on the first floor. We were told more pictures were in the cafe, which was full of people and groups we couldn't even get to the odd pictures in cafe. Having a private event at 1pm on a Saturday was a shame as this would be the day and time of the week, families would be able to visit. Had such high expectations, very Disappointed
P. C.
We visited BCA as part of a project we are involved in and we were loved the venue. Great cafe and nice relaxed meeting space, gets busy so be prepared to wait for a space. Very friendly staff and we took in the short exhibition that was on while we were there. Note. Parking is expensive in that part of town but it is easily accessible via public transport.
M. G.
The Black Cultural Archives is a lovely space to visit. The Café has a lovely cuisine meal which is served every day. The staff are very warm and friendly.
I meet friends there often where we have a Caribbean lunch and just 'chill 'out.
It's the best place to be in Brixton! !
J. H.
A must on the windrush tour track. A great working space. Interesting exhibition, helpful staff. I took 5 elders who shared theirs stories while reviewing the art. All were family members resident in four different parts of the world. They were fully appreciative of this repository of memories
M. B.
Nice, cozy museum with friendly staff ready to help and inform you. Visited the Equiano Ouladah exibition; very informative, beautifully set-up and very eye-opening. Students were also involved in parts of the exibition; a nice sign that they are also being taught a part of history that is often ignored or pushed aside.
There are great many books for young and old, souvenirs and flags of most countries for sale all at amazing prices. Books range from history to self-help to children's stories and novels.
J. L.
Great staff, important exhibition coming up on Windrush generation, lovely refreshment area.
T. K.
Great place to go in London! The exhibitions are really interesting and informative, there is also a really quaint bookshop inside. I was there last weekend for Jamaican Independence day, there were stools, BBQ's and Music it was a really nice vibe. Also worth checking out the Upstairs which normally houses a really informative timeline about black british history and the cafe downstairs with the saltfish patty!
S.
I went here on a school trip yesterday after seeing the film Black Panther for the second time (still love it).
I found the place fascinating and interesting as i only knew about the slave trade from school (mainly about slave trade from overseas and not in the UK).
And seeing a few artifacts in the archives was prettt cool.
T. Q.
A great place full of important history to enrich your understanding of Black Britain & Black resistance in Britain as well as Brixton specifically. I hope to see this place grow and thrive and will go back every time I am in London!
c. d.
A lovely building with lots of rich history and a Caffee with vegan options.
M. T.
Great service in a cute pub. The blonde female manager was particularly welcoming and lovely.
M. R.
It was a long wait for the building to be refurbished and it was certainly worth the wait. The centre is located in contemporary and well organised space in Brixton. I have visited for a talk and had a tour when the centre first opened. The collections include archived papers, books, and artefacts. If you are researching race relations in the UK it's should be on your list of facilities to visit. There is a small cafe on site but I have never eaten there and so cannot comment on the quality of food and beverages.
Y. E.
Visited to celebrate Jamaican Independence. Had a lovely time and looked at the exhibition on display. Bought myself a few books. Really enjoyed the music entertainers.
G. C.
Landmark building in Brixton and one worthy of the history it represents. Was a bit dissapointed that there was no exhibition on during my visit but staff were friendly enough. Cafe could do with some improv, I think it's a bit of a missed opportunity as it seems a bit cluttered.
Y. K.
Enjoyed the ongoing Adamah papers exhibition but would also have loved a permanent exhibition perhaps on Black British history? Or did I miss that...? In any case it's a great space to visit and it's so apt that it's located in Brixton.
G. T.
Don’t count on seeing a HUGE exhibit unless you make an appointment. My husband and I came here because the website looked amazing. However there was one tiny exhibit and they had archives on the third floor that you had to make an appointment for. But, other than that, it was very small.
P.
Close to Brixton tube - Love it. A source of insight & inspiration. A hidden resource, would love to exhibit here. Fascinating exhibitions. Friendly staff. Workshops & courses: very good - excellent.
C.
Great little Brixton gem! They're currently running a fantastic exhibition called "Black Sound: Black British Music's Journey of Creative Independence". Really great history of black British music. I would highly recommend it!
P. N.
Important establishment within Brixton, it's a very peaceful reminder of the fundamental achievements and sacrifice may people within the African diaspora have made and continue to make.
It's worth a visit .
Thank you to all the the staff.
A. M. -.
Great place - cool exhibitions and events. I love their cafe and helpful people on reception. Beautiful building. Clean. Easy to get to. Much needed addition to Brixton.
l. p.
Nice exhibition about music..could have been done much better in my opinion and I was very disappointed with the tiny space designed for exhibition . The place looks nice and they have a nice cafe..that's It, I didn't see anything else..
W. S.
A very informative and hands on place.
Want to learn about Black History in UK
Situated in the heart of Brixton. Easy to find couple seconds walk from Ritzy Cinema.
i.
Very interesting information about the "migration" of Blacks to the UK
S. L.
Great place to find out about Black Culture in the UK. The cafe is also a place you can use to meet friend, business meetings & network with others.
K. J.
Small place but full of interesting black history exhibits and a book store where the proceeds from book sales helps fund the museum
D. R.
Small but nicely maintained exhibition on 100 years of black culture in British music. £3 for an audio experience.
T. B.
It is a quirky little coffee shop but didn't get to see much archives so will need another visit as the upstairs was closed for a private function.
D. C.
It's nice to have at least one museum where you can see yourself and your culture reflected. I could scroll through the virtual archive all day.
F. G.
Amazing experience I would recommend everyone take a day out of their life and go to the BCA it will blow your mind!! Everyone is so freiendly. it is a very professional set up and run better than any place I have been to. A must go to!!!
G. J. P.
Love this place! It was one my top sites to see in London, café offers good food and the exhibitions offer pertinent information.
M. G.
Amazing place. Important historical archives that everyone should visit. Lovely cafe too.
f. f.
Relevant and exceptionally required. Good knowledgeable staff with friendly yet professional attitude. Brings Black history alive! More people need to know about this place!
L. O.
Motivational people in an inspiring place. Excellent service.
D. G.
Words defeat me. Thanks for the invite FiddlER. What an amazing experience!
S. D.
Offers a variety of reading material. The attached cafè was a nice plus to sit and chill while expanding your knowledge of Black culture.
L. H.
This is an excellent place. I really looking forward to more regular visits at some point in the future.
N. O.
It has a brilliant bookshop and the library has a good collection of books on Black history. I recommend it for research on Black British history.
M. S.
Small but very well laid out exhibition room. Friendly helpful staff. I learned a lot.
L. D.
A bit sparse, but very educational
k. j.
Excellent reference material and very helpful staff
M. M.
Rich in cultural, artistic and musical black British history! Wonderful, interactive journey - well curated, eye-opening experience
M. W.
A very important venue which is needed for London and the UK. A good program of events, very educational regardless of your ethnic background.
T. l.
Friendliest lady at the desk
M. R.
After walking 2 years across Africa entirely by foot and kayak I felt a sense that the world is missing out on Africa in a social/communal way. African heritage has been stript due to colonialism and other acts of global dominance. The Black Cultural Archive tries to resurrect the bones that we today call black history.
D. G.
Small information section on authors, writers and artists. A restaurant, and venue is mainly used for meetings and workshops such as that of Emotional Emancipation Circle etc.
n. T.
Beautiful building. So.much history to read about .
Also has a cafe that does food and drink
S. S.
Amazing place to discover the history of the area. Great friendly and knowledgeable staff who were patient and lovely with the kids
K. P.
A wonderful and much needed space for both educating and understanding. Well worth a visit
K. J.
Informative exhibitions, delightful cafe that sells fab coffee and lovely cake...along dide courtyard garden that can offer respite from the bustle of Brixton.
S. M.
One of my favourite places in London. Engaging exhibitions and short courses. Excellent cafe.
K. :.
I had a great time at the weekly poetry event, alot of talented people. Also you can buy drinks and food.
J. T.
Really interesting place with great staff. So many things to be explored.
M. N.
Fantastic opportunity to show, the contributions made by Black people, in this country, and when, abroad, in various Caribbean islands!!!
E. B.
Hope the Time Line exhibition gets published as a book or pamphlet so it can be shared widely
L. B.
Excellent source of important BLACK ACTIVISM....HISTORY & POWERFUL EDUCATION
P. R.
Unable to use the facility without an appointment. Good selection of books in the book shop.
E. F.
The exhibit was excellent. Very informative with the right amount of detail.
R. S.
Great workshop for kids and adults to understand the Caribbean and African culture influence in the UK
J. T.
Brilliant place, very cultural absolutely excellent
T. T.
A must visit place filled with cultural history as well as a great weekly poetry event
S. M.
A must visit for the wealth of historical, cultural and artistic knowledge held within these walls.
B. R.
Wonderful place to learn about black history. Highly recommended place to visit. 🙂
P. P.
Definitely worth a visit. Talk to the local vistors as well as the staff to learn even more!
A.
Black history in the heart of brixton. Informative. The shop is fully stocked
m. l.
Great piece of history, great story, brilliant staff,well worth the visit.
A. P.
Very welcoming, fascinating space. Everyone should visit. Wheelchair accessible.
V. G.
I was very pleased took me back a bit to see things from my youth a really nice experience.
S. I.
A wonderful resource for learning more about British history and in particular Black British heritage.
H. D.
Brilliant place to meet fellow business people of colour. Quiet inclusive atmosphere
J. c.
Such much better now that the woman deputy director has finally gone all ate welcome again and it's nice and friendly again
C. B.
Nice place to eat whilst on Brixton , bright clean nice staff.Tasty food varieties
J. K.
You probably really want a reason to go there to make it worth a special trip. Not much to see.
G. O. W.
A great place to learn about the black community in the UK and the value they have added to the community.
O. H.
Lovely service at the cafe, delish food, interesting exhibition!
A. G.
An insightful tour of black history in London. Well worth the money.
s. c.
Is a good place to see black heritage but they said back in the 2000s they are rampage
F. E.
Very busy dsy there for the windrush celebration... toilets were not well managed
A. D.
A great experience.
M. D.
Small, but interesting place - very inviting cafe!
P. R.
A shy retiring building which houses the most explosive examples of modern historical events
T. M.
The exhibition a little disappointing. But love the venue
L. A.
Really interesting and educational wish it was bigger with more to see!
J.
Great book shop, library, café, exhibition and staff.
J. P.
One of my favourite places to visit in the U. K
D. A.
Simple, quiet they aldo have spaces for workshops
S. M.
Great space for historic info and connecting with communities
D. C.
It's a great place to visit. In the heart of Brixton
M. A.
Great place to learn about the history of the black community in the U.K.
D. W.
Very good archive of black influence in England.
B. J.
It seems like a really great space to use
P. M. o. L.
Wow loved it. Didn't get to see the reading room.
A. L.
We went on a day when they had workshops on. A bit disappointing
I. D.
Interesting exhibitions and useful small bookshop.
C. S.
Beautiful building restoration, important and compelling content
M. C.
Cafe, exhibits and great book selection.
D. W.
Went here for a meeting. Impressive building!
F. J.
Wonderful place to learn about black culture
P. I. W. C. O.
Didnt know this place existed, important & significant place.
R. H.
Nice staff and great bookstore!
C. A.
Excellent place, nice staff. V. Interesting place.
P. Y.
Very informative. Nice place an well presented
K. O.
Nice. I was expecting a little more. But nice staff.
C. M.
Great historic books not widely known about
C. M.
Interesting archives - photos, documents etc
A. E.
A excellent & educational, FREE museum
M. G.
Great space, staff and exhibit
O. A.
I was expecting more from this place. Not what I thought it would be - quite disappointed.
E. C.
Its essential and is of huge historical value
A. H.
Amazing resource. Friendly and helpful staff.
G. B.
Very insightful and great bookshop.
L. D.
Lots of thought-provoking literature available here.
k. k.
Amazing very informative just wish it was bigger
K. S.
Wish there was more rooms and exibits
L. C.
Brilliant. Full of culture and knowledge.
A. B.
A friendly and interesting museum.
p. a.
For the conscious minded. Love this place
A. O.
More info needed to make it interesting.
P. p.
It was lovely an the work was done
D. T.
Tilbury 1948 written on the pavement
M. B.
Nice place. Helpful staff.
T. D.
A very welcoming place
B. N.
Wonderful cultural experience 🤓
E. O.
A tick culture with friendly staff.
V. C.
Need more historic stuff.
K. K.
Great place to visit.
J. L.
No words
D. D.
Lack of customer service and activity
P. M.
A hive of black cultural history
E. R.
Great place to visit
B. G.
Great place to increase knowledge
N. C.
An enjoyable experience !
B. D.
Excellent experience!
m. a.
very educational and knowledgeable
O. N.
It's a reminder of my ancestors
I.
it is all about black publicity
Y. (.
Amazing little place
C. E.
Fantastic venue
j. m.
Great space
S. W.
Very informational!
S. J.
Brilliant event
C. P.
Cool ambience
j. R. -. H.
Informative place
P. G.
A unique resource.
T. B.
Good place to go
J. D.
Worth a visit.
A. M.
Lovely place
S. R.
Love Brixton
T.
Friendly environment
R. P.
Wonderful place 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
M. K.
Because of Cultural
r. b.
Trendy place
d. m.
A must see
V. C.
Worth a visit
P. A.
Wicked food
E. B.
VERY INFORMATIVE
J. A.
Its location
R. I.
(Translated) There are temporary exhibitions that are essential. In addition, the Archive has a collection on different aspects of black culture that I can call a must-see for scholars.
(Original)
Existem exposições temporárias que são imprescindíveis. Além disso, o Arquivo possui um acervo sobre diferentes aspectos da cultura negra que posso chamar de imperdível aos estudiosos.
A. R.
(Translated) Various temporary exhibitions. An essential place to learn all about Afro-British history.
The welcome is warm and the food excellent.
(Original)
Expositions temporaires variées. Un endroit incontournable pour tout connaître de l'histoire afrobritannique.
L'accueil est chaleureux et la nourriture excellente.
T. D. (.
(Translated) One of the few places where the Afro-Caribbean culture is still presented in a gentrified Brixton and which is slowly losing its soul.
(Original)
Un des rares lieux où la culture afro-caribéenne est encore présentée dans un Brixton gentrifié et qui perd peu à peu son âme.
M. P. C. E. I.
(Translated) Lack of collection, but worth going
(Original)
Falta de acervo, mas vale a pena ir
M. L.
(Translated) Rasta
(Original)
Rasta
D. D.
B. M.
l. e.
A.
L.
A. A.
E. A.
C. E.
F. N.
R. 4.