Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center Introduce

For residents of Maryland, particularly those in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center stands as a pivotal beacon of arts, culture, and community. More than just a museum, this dynamic institution is a vibrant hub dedicated to promoting the rich legacy of African American art and culture, with a special emphasis on jazz. It offers a diverse array of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado, an aspiring artist, a student eager to explore new creative avenues, or a family looking for enriching cultural experiences, the Eubie Blake Center provides a welcoming and stimulating environment right here in Baltimore. This article will delve into the history, offerings, and unique attributes that make this cultural center an indispensable asset to the local Maryland community.

The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, founded in 1981, carries forward a legacy that began much earlier as a Model Cities Arts Program in the late 1960s. It was officially renamed in honor of James Hubert "Eubie" Blake, the legendary ragtime pianist and musical theater composer, after his estate bequeathed his archives to the City of Baltimore. Since moving to its current Howard Street location in 2000, the center has flourished, serving to showcase the works of both renowned and emerging artists. Its core mission is to increase public awareness of the profound contributions African Americans have made to the fine arts, spanning music, dance, drama, and visual arts. The center is a living tribute to Blake himself, as well as other Baltimore-born jazz greats like Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, and Chick Webb, with galleries exhibiting memorabilia and rotating features of local and national artists.

The impact of the Eubie Blake Center on its visitors is consistently positive, as evidenced by heartfelt testimonials. One attendee raved about a recent event: "Amazing time was had, at the ‘Unbound Black Composers in Jazz Music’ experience Friday evening. There was food and wine available for purchase. The music was phenomenal The Funn Band did their thang! Beautiful setting, beautiful ppl, beautiful energy, beautiful music! 10 outta 10!💖" Another visitor, exploring the Tom Miller art exhibit, quickly realized the center's multifaceted nature: "The Eubie Blake Center is a great place to start if you want to enrich yourself with learning about Baltimore's Jazz scene! I attended the Center to see the Tom Miller art exhibit. I quickly learned that the Center is much more than just a museum. The EB Center also is a dance studio and a place for performances. The receptionist was really nice and showed a lot of hospitality." These reviews highlight the center's vibrant programming, welcoming atmosphere, and its role as a comprehensive cultural destination.

Location and Accessibility

The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center is conveniently located at 847 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Situated in the heart of Antique Row in downtown Baltimore, its location is easily accessible for residents across the city and throughout the broader Maryland region. Howard Street is a well-known thoroughfare, and its downtown Baltimore placement means it's well-served by public transportation options, including local bus routes and proximity to the Baltimore Metro Subway (Lexington Market station is a short walk away). For those driving, paid street parking and nearby garages are typically available in the downtown area. The center has also made efforts toward accessibility; a recent basement renovation project included plans to meet current safety and accessibility standards, with designs incorporating proper egress, required restrooms, and elevator access to the basement level. The ground level entrance is accessible via a ramp located at the rear parking lot. This commitment to accessibility ensures that a wider audience can enjoy the center's offerings.

Services Offered

Exhibitions: Monthly rotating art exhibitions featuring original works by local and national visual artists, with a focus on African American art and culture.
Performing Arts Programs:
- Music performances, including jazz concerts, featuring professional musicians and emerging artists.
- Dance programs and classes.
- Theater programs for children and youth (ages 5-15 and up).
- Vocal and instrumental instruction.
Educational Activities:
- Workshops and clinics led by professional artists in various disciplines.
- Free visual and performing arts classes for students annually, often on weekends.
- Film series highlighting African American jazz musicians.
- Oral history circles and gallery talks related to exhibitions.
- Collaboration projects (e.g., COLAB: Art and Music) integrating visual art with musical interpretations.
Community Events:
- Annual Kwanzaa celebration.
- Opening night receptions for art exhibits.
- Public forums and discussions on cultural and social topics.
- Special events and performances, as highlighted by "Unbound Black Composers in Jazz Music" and "KINDRED: Where Soul Meets Sound."
Venue Rental: Available for small concerts, wedding receptions, parties, community meetings, workshops, and clinics, with amenities like AV capabilities, furniture, dance floor, piano, and staging area.
Youth Programs: Dedicated artistic viewpoint and access to arts for numerous students annually, providing free classes.

Features / Highlights

Honoring Eubie Blake's Legacy: The center is a living tribute to the legendary ragtime and jazz composer Eubie Blake, showcasing his memorabilia and highlighting his transformative influence on American music and culture.
Focus on African American Contributions: A primary mission is to increase public awareness of the significant contributions African Americans have made in the visual and performing arts, offering a vital cultural lens for the community.
Diverse Artistic Offerings: Provides a rich blend of visual arts (gallery exhibits) and performing arts (jazz concerts, dance, theater, music instruction), ensuring a wide range of cultural experiences.
Nurturing Educational Programs: Offers free classes for visual and performing arts, particularly for youth, providing access to quality arts education for the community.
Vibrant Community Hub: Consistently hosts engaging public programs, events, and receptions, fostering a sense of community and providing dynamic cultural experiences, described by visitors as having "beautiful energy" and "beautiful people."
Showcasing Local and National Talent: Features both emerging and established artists in its galleries and performance spaces, offering platforms for diverse artistic voices.
Hospitality and Welcoming Environment: Visitors frequently praise the friendly and welcoming staff, contributing to a positive and enriching experience.
Historical Significance: Housed in a building with its own rich history, having served various institutions before becoming the Eubie Blake Center, adding to its unique character.
Accessible Location: Situated in downtown Baltimore with good access via public transport and recent accessibility improvements.

Contact Information

Address: 847 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Phone: (410) 225-3130

Mobile Phone: +1 410-225-3130

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Maryland, especially those residing in Baltimore, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center is an exceptionally suitable and vital local resource for cultural enrichment and community engagement. Its central location on North Howard Street in downtown Baltimore makes it highly accessible via public transportation and readily reachable for those driving, ensuring that attending events, classes, or exhibitions is convenient for local families and individuals.

What truly makes the Eubie Blake Center an indispensable local gem is its profound dedication to preserving and promoting African American art and culture through a multifaceted approach. It's not merely a museum; it's a dynamic cultural institution that offers free arts education to youth, showcases a rotating array of visual art, and hosts incredible jazz performances and other performing arts events. This diverse range of offerings means there's always something new to experience, catering to various interests and ages within the community.

The center’s commitment to hospitality and creating a "beautiful setting" with "beautiful energy" ensures that visitors feel welcomed and engaged, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community. For anyone in Maryland looking to immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences, learn about the significant contributions of African American artists, or simply enjoy phenomenal live music and art in a supportive environment, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center is an unparalleled local destination. It serves as a vibrant cornerstone of Baltimore's cultural landscape, continuously enriching the lives of its residents through the power of the arts.

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center Photos

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Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center Location

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center

Maryland Baltimore Bromo Arts District North Howard Street

847 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center Reviews

Amazing time was had, at the ‘Unbound Black Composers in Jazz Music’ experience Friday evening. There was food and wine available for purchase. The music was phenomenal The Funn Band did their thang! Beautiful setting, beautiful ppl, beautiful energy, beautiful music! 10 outta 10!💖
Mar 23, 2025 · J Will
The Eubie Blake Center is a great place to start if you want to enrich yourself with learning about Baltimore's Jazz scene! I attended the Center to see the Tom Miller art exhibit. I quickly learned that the Center is much more than just a museum. The EB Center also is a dance studio and a place for performances. The receptionist was really nice and showed alot of hospitality.
Feb 27, 2025 · TJ Da DJ TV
I was there as one of the featured authors for an event presented by, "Zora's Den" titled "In Our Own Words." I loved the space, the art on the walls and there were multiple rooms so more than one event can take place at the same time. An amazing space to have events in Baltimore! Definitely recommend it!
Nov 30, 2023 · Serena W.
In the late 1960’s due to a lack of attention being given to cultural arts, the Neighborhood Parents Club (NPC) took on the task of forming an after school arts program. As a direct result of these efforts, the NPC at Baltimore’s Dunbar High School received support for the arts through a demonstration project funded by the Baltimore City Model Cities Agency. The initial grassroots effort, then, evolved into six cultural arts centers around the city.Model Cites subsequently merged with Baltimore’s Community Action Agency in the mid-seventies to become the Urban Services Agency.The focus of these centers was performing arts (dance, theater, band, voice, and instrument) and visual arts (painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture). In 1978, a seventh center was opened, establishing Gallery 409 (at 409 N Charles Street) as the Urban Services Agency’s premier cultural arts center.Simultaneously, conversations were being held with Eubie and Marion Blake in an attempt to bring significant pieces of the Eubie Blake collection to his birth place of Baltimore. Agreements were reached and the title for the original permanent collection was given by Mrs. Blake, to the Maryland Historical Society while a portion of the original collection was housed at Gallery 409. The premier Urban Services gallery was renamed as the Eubie Blake Cultural Arts Center in 1983.In 1993, a fire destroyed the Gallery 409 facility. Additionally, in 1993, a corporation was formed to support the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, Inc. As a result, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center was housed at 34 Market Place at the Brokerage (now the Power Plant Live!). The pieces of the permanent Eubie Blake collection were taken into care by the Maryland Historical Society.In 2000, the city of Baltimore transferred title of an historical property at 847 N. Howard Street to the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center. Initial renovations were started using public city, state, and private funding. Full scale efforts continue to prepare the building to reclaim the Center’s portion of the Blake collection and to once again be the premier locale for cultural arts in Baltimore.Having come full cycle, the Board, Staff and Community of the Eubie Blake Cultural Center are returning to the original and fundamental vision of those mothers from Dunbar High School and moving beyond by establishing not only programs for young people but also exciting and expansive programs--activities, events and performances--for adults and seniors.
Aug 23, 2022 · dddanimation
Never been here before tonight. Very nice space. Staff were friendly. The freaking floors as you walk and the front door slamming was a bit of a distraction to the reading I was there to hear. Otherwise very nice. I look forward to attending other events here and learning more about this place.
May 17, 2019 · Charlene Faison