African American Panoramic Experience Museum

African American Panoramic Experience Museum

The African American Panoramic Experience Museum (APEX) is the oldest Black History Museum located in the city of Atlanta. It was founded in 1978 by veteran filmmaker Dan Moore Sr., who was inspired by the life of Dr. Benjamin Mays.

The museum maintains a diverse and educating display by routinely changing its exhibits on a quarterly schedule. The John Wesley Dobbs Building, located at 135 Auburn Avenue, was built in 1910 as the Atlanta School Book Depository or Southern Schoolbook Depository Building.

During the 1970s, it served as a tire warehouse. In 1985, it was restored by the ER Mitchell Construction Company and now houses the museum, devoted to African-American history.

In 1987, the building was renamed after John Wesley Dobbs, the civic and political leader often referred to as the unofficial “mayor” of Auburn Avenue. The APEX is located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.