Gordon Parks Museum

History

Open Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM

Gordon Parks Museum’s mission is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

After Gordon Parks attended the first ever Gordon Parks Celebration in 2004, he gifted the Gordon Parks Center with 30 of his photographs. This spectacular group includes many of his iconic works such as American Gothic, Tuskegee Airmen, Flavio, Ali Sweating, Ingrid Bergman on Stromboli and many others.

In 2006, after his death, his personal effects and other memorabilia, per Gordon’s wishes, were given to the Museum. This valuable collection included many of his awards and medals, personal photos, paintings and drawings of Gordon, plaques, certificates, diplomas and honorary doctorates, selected books and articles, clothing, record player, tennis racquet, magazine articles, his collection of Life magazines and much more.

Since that time, more gifts have been given by his family and friends such as his camera, gifted by his daughter Toni Parks; his film camera and tripod, donated by his son David Parks; a collection of photographs of Gordon donated by Patricia DuBose Duncan, and much more. These gifts have made this collection substantive and significant and we are proud of Gordon’s faith in us to preserve and protect his legacy.

The Gordon Parks Museum/Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the regular school year. It may also be opened on the weekend for special tours. Please call before you visit to make sure the Museum is open, as it is closed from time to time for meetings, travel, etc. at 620.223.2700 ext. 5850.

The Gordon Parks Museum hosts a celebration each year for “The Learning Tree.” The museum also hosts a number of other annual events including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities, and the Gordon Parks Celebration. This years celebration will be held October 6th-8th, honoring Adger Cowans and William Rhoden.