Black Panther Party Museum

I visited the Black Panther Museum in Oakland today and left with a much deeper understanding of this pivotal movement in American history. Located in the heart of the city where the Black Panthers were founded, the museum does an excellent job of presenting the Party’s full story, not just the imagery most people know, but their community programs, like a complimentary breakfast for children, health clinics, and education initiatives. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, featuring original photographs, newspaper clippings, and personal artifacts that bring the 1960s and 70s to life. What struck me most was how the museum humanizes the Panthers’ members, showing them as organizers and activists working to address real problems in their communities: poverty, police brutality, and lack of access to basic services. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, happy to answer questions and provide context. Whether you’re familiar with this history or just learning about it, the museum offers a valuable perspective on a movement that shaped Oakland and influenced social justice efforts nationwide. It’s a small space but packed with powerful stories that deserve to be told. Highly recommend for anyone interested in civil rights history or in better understanding Oakland’s legacy of activism.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If you are near Oakland downtown, go to Black Panther Party Museum! The "Survivor Programs" exhibit I went to surprised me a great deal. You may know about their famous breakfast program that put US Department of Education to shame - from all kinds of documentaries. But Black Panthers operated public school and pioneered experiential learning? Look at all the panel of assistance they provided to the community! As museums go, Black Panther Party Museum is small. (Admission is free.) Every time they stage a new exhibit, they have to close door. When they are open, go there.

Wonderful, free museum with great staff. My favorite part was that there were plants with a cup of water for you to pour out libations for the Ancestors. So much more history of the Panthers than what’s constantly depicted.

I really enjoy the Black panther museum. I like how it provided insights into what the group did to help out the community from their breakfast program to their health care program etc. Also I like the exhibit talking about how the kids were educated within their program.

Small but high quality. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This exhibit explores a very unique and underrepresented angle of the black panther party that cannot be found elsewhere.

This is a free museum run by the Huey P Newton foundation that shares the true history of the Black Panther Party from actual party members. It is a very compelling museum and is a must visit if you come to Oakland. Admission is free, but they have a gift shop and they accept donations.

Free to visit, and the exhibits share about the Black Panther Party's history, their survival programs and educational programs. Nice little museum to visit right in downtown.

Absolutely fantastic and enlightening experience. Even as someone who figured they weren't in the dark regarding the Panthers had a lot to learn. I was especially interested regarding the education and the sheer breadth of services the Panthers provided. Anyone even a bit interested in the Panthers and in a strong group of people who made changes in their own community taking care of others you should drop in.

This is a beautiful museum. Whoever owns this spot really wanted to highlight the true authenticity of the Black Panther Party and, on top of that, present them in such a positive light. I loved every minute of it. I honestly can't believe it's free, since they have such wonderful videos and pictures that I have personally never seen before, along with really interesting facts. I want to come back and bring my mom because I know she would love this so much!

When in Oakland, do visit. AMBIANCE: Parking: Street parking mainly Experience: It's in the downtown area of Oakland so it's a pretty busy area with good local commercial businesses and not too far away from other areas such as Jack London or Lake Merritt. The space is small but pretty powerful with knowledge and art. It's pretty engaging with the visuals to the audio tour. TL;DR OVERALL: 4.5 Stars. Not a perfect five because it needs to be bigger! Great staff, good knowledge, and visuals. I appreciate their work and efforts of taking care of their community and challenging the system in efforts to receive basic needs. Definitely a great place to stop by, you don't need an entire day just a good hour or so. Much love to the organizers of this space! Power to the people! Tips: * Check their websites for events.

I wish they would advertise more. No one on my black travel Facebook sights have heard about it To me, besides Lake Merritt, it was the highlight to my trip to Oakland.

I did not go inside and hadn't realized it was there. Fascinated by the art and that the museum even exists, I snapped some pictures really quick with plans to come back another day. Very interested in the history of it.

Such a phenomenal experience. I stopped by to explore the museum with our family. I loved learning more about the Black Panther Party community school and I loved how interactive the museum was. I really wished we could have stayed for the 50th anniversary celebration program. We will definitely be back! Make sure you stop by to support, learn, connect and get some Merch ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE

The museum itself is small but powerful. I visited on a Saturday afternoon, and it was packed--rightfully so. Some of the contributions blew my mind--things I had never even realized they were responsible for. I won't spoil the details (because you need to see it for yourself), but trust me, this is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates Black history, resistance, and the ongoing fight for justice. The museum is modern, well-curated, and free, making it accessible to everyone. You don't need a full day--an hour to an hour and a half is perfect--but I'd suggest making an afternoon of it. Grab a coffee next door & support the local businesses in the area. Oakland needed this, and now that it's here, let's make sure it thrives. Go see it. Bring a friend. Keep the legacy alive!

Very knowledgeable staff and incredible local history. Merch is great! There was a lot of content to take in.

Awesome and essential history!! Every black child living in the Bay Area should visit. Learned about the party, its founding, and the movement. Also learned about the Oakland Community School established by the party in 1973, based upon the 5th point of the party's 10-point platform.

This was an uplifting experience. The museum highlighted members of the BPP organization, their most fond memories and where are they now. The history of the Oakland Community School was very informative. This is Salk space packed with a lot of valuable information. You can also purchase books, shirts and other merchandise.

Educational and interesting. Very well done. Friendly and welcoming staff. Free. A great stop when hosting out of town guests as part of the Oakland tour.

This experience was wonderful. The person greeting was very kind and this exhibit was smaller than I expected but still carried so much valuable information. Gotta stop by and check it out. Go learn a few new things!