Originally The Wells’Built Hotel
The Wells’Built Hotel has been converted into a museum housing memorabilia of Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement along with some African art and artifacts. This historic museum is located in the center of Orlando’s historic Parramore district at 511 West South Street.
Dr. William Monroe Wells built the hotel and a nearby entertainment venue for African Americans visiting Orlando. During the Segregation era, this hotel served as host to several now famous African American performers. On February 4, 2000, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Although African Americans were taxpayers like other residents of Orlando, they did not have access to recreational facilities, good schools, police protection, health care and other services that were provided to white citizens. This led him to build the South Street Casino and the hotel next door after being issued a building permit in 1924 and ’26. Dr. Wells erected the Wells’ Built Hotel to provide lodging to African Americans during an era of segregation when accommodations were not available to them in other areas of Central Florida.
Address
511 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805
Get Directions
Museum Hours
Monday – Friday : 9am-5pm
Open The 2nd Weekend of Every Month, Otherwise Closed Saturday and Sunday