Ubuntu Museum: African Museum of Humanity

The Ubuntu Museum: African Museum of Humanity is a small mobile museum in Roehampton. It travels to schools, libraries and community spaces across Greater London. The museum focuses on the experiences of people of colour in Britain and the West. It is run by an African-led social enterprise offering educational workshops. These include crafting activities, quizzes and mini exhibitions. The museum also provides services for private parties. The museum was founded in 2018 by artist Jackie Mwanza. In 2019, its Nude Gallery examined the assumptions behind the colour ‘nude’ in everyday life. It highlighted how this colour has historically been linked only to lighter skin tones. In 2020, the museum hosted events for Black History Month. These focused on the use of recycled materials and found objects in art, with a particular emphasis on the sculptor El Anatsui. Workshops for children about recycled art were planned for 2021. The museum is based in a former commercial unit at 6 Portswood Place on the Alton Estate. Transport for London buses 170, 430, 639 and 670 stop on nearby Danebury Avenue. Barnes railway station is a 25-minute walk away. The museum brings its exhibitions and activities directly to local communities. Its workshops encourage participation and learning through creative engagement.