Black Renaissance opens at the San Bernardino County Museum

Promotional graphic for Black Renaissance with white text on a black background, next to a colorful abstract collage. — *Black Renaissance, presented by the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, is on view through March 1, 2026, at the San Bernardino County Museum.*

“Black Renaissance” is currently on view and presented in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. The exhibition opened with a public reception on Jan. 31 that brought together museum leadership, chamber members, artists and community guests in a shared celebration of creative expression and cultural dialogue.

County Museum Director David Myers, along with chamber representatives and the guest exhibition curators, spoke about the importance of elevating Black creative voices and supporting artists whose work reflects lived experience, cultural memory and community resilience. The artists featured in the exhibition were present throughout the evening, engaging directly with museum members and guests and sharing personal insight into their work and creative processes.

“The successful opening of Black Renaissance was a powerful example of what’s possible when artists, community, and public leadership come together,” said Rich Wallace, president of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. “We are deeply grateful to the artists whose work anchors this exhibition, the dedicated staff at the San Bernardino County Museum, and the support shown by Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo and the office of Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., which underscored the importance of arts and culture in our region.”

The reception set the tone for the exhibition as both a celebration and a space for conversation: one rooted in connection, visibility and community exchange.

A contemporary reflection on the Harlem Renaissance

On view through March 1, 2026, “Black Renaissance” is presented in conjunction with Black History Month and draws inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance—an influential cultural movement of the 1920s and 1930s defined by artistic innovation, self-determination and the amplification of Black voices.

Rather than recreating the historical moment, the exhibition acts as a contemporary revival, highlighting how artists in San Bernardino County and across Southern California continue this legacy today. The artwork is vibrant and expressive, spanning paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works that explore a wide range of themes. Visitors encounter deeply personal reflections on family ties and emotional experience, alongside powerful pictorial references to historical figures and movements, including Malcolm X and the Buffalo Soldiers.

Together, the works reflect both individual perspective and collective history — revealing how Black artists transform memory, struggle, pride and imagination into visual language that speaks to the present moment. The exhibition offers a snapshot of the diversity of voices, backgrounds and artistic approaches shaping Black creative expression in the region today.

Visiting the exhibition

Visitors are invited to experience “Black Renaissance” during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands. General admission rates apply: $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12).

Through its artwork, voices and collaborative spirit, “Black Renaissance” offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of Black creativity—honoring legacy while creating space for dialogue, connection and continued expression within San Bernardino County.

Additional County Update News – February 5, 2026