Logo of Gospel Museum
Banner

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF GOSPEL MUSIC

The future of the former site of Pilgrim Baptist Church is bright! Plans are underway to transform the site into the National Museum of Gospel Music. The 45,000 square foot museum is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and plans to include:

The proposed project is developed by Don Jackson, CEO of Central City Productions and founder of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and architect Dirk Lohan of Wight & Company. A soft opening is targeted for April 2020, the month designated by President Barack Obama as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

The Future

Today the landmark limestone walls sit secured and stabilized. Jersey walls were installed to create pedestrian walkways at the request of the GAP Community. Preservationists, the City of Chicago, the

The Fire

On January 2, 2006, a fire was accidentally started during a roof repair project.  The fire completely gutted the building but left the historic brick and stone walls structurally sound and intact. 

The History

Pilgrim Baptist Church is a historical landmark on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, USA. It is located on South Indiana Avenue in the thriving Bronzeville neighborhood. Pilgrim was designed in 189