MUSE Winston-Salem Prepares for a Grand Opening with a Construction Preview
In anticipation of its opening next year, MUSE Winston-Salem has unveiled a sneak peek of its upcoming facilities. A brick signing ceremony and a construction preview event took place on Thursday, drawing attention to the museum’s promising future.
Located in the historic U.S. Bankruptcy Court building on Liberty Street, MUSE, which stands for Museum of Understanding, Storytelling, and Engagement, aims to become a cornerstone of cultural education in the city. The site is strategically positioned just south of Salem Parkway, making it accessible to locals and visitors alike.
Before attendees were given a tour of the construction site, Mike Wakeford, the museum’s Executive Director, expressed gratitude towards the museum’s supporters. Among those acknowledged were members of the Winston-Salem African American Archive, South Ward Council Member Vivián Joiner, and Mayor Allen Joines. Wakeford emphasized the critical need for communal spaces where individuals can connect and share experiences.
“Chronicling Winston-Salem’s past, well and truthfully, requires that we document the whole story,” Wakeford stated. “MUSE Winston-Salem will continue to lift up stories from every era and every neighborhood, celebratory stories and difficult ones, stories of soaring achievements and innovations, and stories of struggle.”
Upon its completion, the museum will feature a core exhibition that narrates the city’s history through interactive digital displays and notable artifacts. One of the highlights will be a 1905 horse-drawn fire engine, a historical piece that once served in the city. Additionally, the museum plans to regularly update its story hubs to spotlight prominent figures from Winston-Salem.
With the anticipated opening set for mid-2026, MUSE Winston-Salem is poised to become a vital hub for storytelling and community engagement.
