The first phase of the National Afro-American Museum in Wilberforce, Ohio, US will be unveiled on 26 January, following an 18-month long revamp.

To be opened in stages, the museum's first phase includes a renovated exhibition space, which will feature the new installation "How I Got Over." The mixed media exhibition will reflect the African American experience and focus on three themes of celebration, spirituality and protest.

A second exhibition space is expected to be open mid-2013 and will feature a quilt installation entitled "And Still We Rise" consisting of nearly 100 quits by African American artist Carolyn Mazloomi.

Other works on the museum included updating the all exhibition spacea and mechanical systems in the museum.

Executive director of the National Afro-American Museum, Charles Wash, said: "The newly renovated public spaces will also make programming a more prominent feature than before."

"This will allow us to provide first-hand educational opportunities for the public that fully interpret the material culture of African Americans from around the country."