The first and only of its kind, AANM is situated in the heart of the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the country. AANM is dedicated to serving marginalized communities, and to building inclusivity into its public programming and partnerships across the nation. We have a strong institutional history of realizing this work through ACCESS, the larger agency under which the Museum operates.

AANM houses core historical exhibits, a gallery for rotating exhibits, a library and resource center, a rich community archive, an auditorium, a community courtyard, a gift shop, and a 4,700 sq. foot performance space. AANM is a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Our museum is a celebratory and honorary space, and a vehicle for expression, dialogue, and social progress; for Arab Americans and our BIPOC brothers and sisters. This commitment was borne out of our grassroots history, and reflects our institutional values, which are reflective of and embedded within metro Detroit’s ethnic, racial, and cultural composition. AANM’s programs are designed to leverage the assets of our communities for public engagement; promote a safe space for dialogue; resource local, national, and international influences and shared histories; and secure support for artists.