If you’re in Atlanta, take a walk down Sweet Auburn and discover Werd Studio and Madam C.J. Walker’s Museum. These are two historic entities in one building! Ricci de Forest is the curator and artistic director of the space and he gives you a history lesson about the use of the hair equipment that was once used. This space is an original Madam C.J. Walker beauty shop from the 1940’s (not your average museum). It is no longer a full salon space but it does have one chair and a sink available. Inside, you’ll find what was left of a small collection of nostalgic beauty supplies that was used in the shop to do hair during the 40s. Fun fact: Ricci still does hair in the shop specializing in custom cuts and color.
In addition to the beauty shoppe, you’ll find most of the space is a wall full of vinyls. Werd Studio was the first black owned radio station in North America. I said THE FIRST black owned radio station right here in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. You might be familiar with the terms “word up” or “word to your mother”; this is where it originated from! Right upstairs in that studio is where Martin Luther King Jr. was provided a platform to voice his message. Fun Fact: You can schedule a time to visit and record your podcasts here.
Getting there: You must call and reserve your tour in advance because they have “artistic hours” meaning the doors may be locked upon your arrival. Tour fee: $5.00 Phone number: (404) 518-2887
You can park on the street right in front or park in one of the parking lots across the street. This location is walking distance (about 2 blocks) from the MLK Jr. Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church. If you’re visiting the World of Coca-Cola or the Georgia Aquarium, it’s 7 minutes away (driving) so you can catch an Uber/Lyft or hop on the street car and it’s a few stops away. Coming from Harts-field International Airport is about 16 minutes (not including Atlanta’s traffic)
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