Wells’ Built Museum, Orlando

The Wells' Built Museum is a key historic site in downtown Orlando that focuses on African American history during segregation. The building opened in 1929 as the Wells’ Built Hotel, offering lodging, dining, and entertainment for Black travelers at a time when most hotels and venues in the city were segregated. Today, the museum preserves the building’s original purpose while presenting the broader social history connected to it.

The hotel was built by Dr. William Monroe Wells, a respected physician and community leader. During its operation, it became a central meeting place for Orlando’s Black community and a regular stop for performers, athletes, and public figures who were excluded from white-only establishments. The building also played an important role in local civic life, hosting events and gatherings that strengthened community connections.

Inside, the museum presents exhibits on daily life under segregation, Black-owned businesses, and the local civil rights movement. Archival photographs, documents, and personal items help explain how residents navigated restrictions while building lasting institutions. The museum is compact and easy to visit, making it a meaningful stop on a downtown walking route.