California African American Museum Opens Sinners Exhibition
Sinners had a pretty righteous run last year, snagging an unprecedented 16 Academy Award nominations and four Oscar wins,
reported as Ryan Coogler’s horror film expands its reach into the museum space. The California African American Museum opened its latest immersive presentation, titled “Sinners: Sounds That Summon,” co-organized with Warner Bros. Archives. The exhibition runs through March 14, 2027, giving visitors an in-depth look into the moody world-building of the record-breaking film.
Club Juke artifacts explore Black cultural memory
The film’s unforgettable Club Juke sequence serves as the centerpiece of the exhibition. Curator Imani Y. Haynes brought the scene to life by using music as an ancestral thread to explore Black cultural memory across three distinct thematic sections. Visitors can view key artifacts from the production, including the original Club Juke sign, Smoke and Stack’s costumes, and the iconic guitar played by protagonist Sammie “Preacher Boy” Moore.
The first section, Music Makes Sound, examines instruments as historical vessels that carry generations of tradition, resilience, and storytelling. Music Makes Movement explores dance as an embodied form of cultural memory, tracing how rhythmic movement adapts as it travels across communities. Music Makes Worlds highlights how music transcends auditory bounds to shape language, fashion, identity, and shared community spaces.
Installations trace music from Mississippi Delta to California
The exhibition illustrates how Black music and culture traveled from the Mississippi Delta to California, highlighting the historical journey of the Great Migration and planting seeds for new forms of artistic expression. Traditional African rituals connect to contemporary street dance throughout the installation, reflecting how the music bridges past and present.
An interactive installation titled “Sounds That Carry Us” caps off the experience. Inspired by the contrast between the safe, transformative freedom found within Club Juke and the hostile world outside its doors, the space invites visitors to contribute their own musical memories. Guests can reflect on specific songs, genres, or sounds that anchor them to joy, hope, and community.
Curatorial Walkthrough Details
A curatorial walkthrough with curator Imani Y. Haynes is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The walkthrough is free and open to the public with an RSVP required through the California African American Museum website.
Exhibition Schedule and Visitor Information
- Exhibition Title: “Sinners: Sounds That Summon”
- Location: California African American Museum (CAAM)
- Closing Date: March 14, 2027
- Walkthrough Date: Tuesday, October 27 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Admission: Free with RSVP
Frequently Asked Questions About the Exhibition
What are the exact dates for the “Sinners: Sounds That Summon” exhibition?
The exhibition is on view through March 14, 2027, at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.
Who co-organized the immersive presentation at CAAM?
The exhibition was co-organized with Warner Bros. Archives and curated by Imani Y. Haynes.
What specific props from the movie are on display?
Visitors can view the original Club Juke sign, the costumes worn by Smoke and Stack, and the iconic guitar played by protagonist Sammie “Preacher Boy” Moore.
How can visitors attend the curatorial walkthrough?
The walkthrough takes place on Tuesday, October 27, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It is free and open to the public with an RSVP required through the official CAAM website.
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