HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Hampton University Museum is home to 200 years of fine arts represented across 11 galleries and is the oldest African American museum in the U.S., and now, thanks to a $5 million renovation, it has a new layout which makes for a better route to display its historic pieces . Leaders at America's oldest African American museum are excited about the changes. "We're very, very excited about our refresh," said museum director Dr. Vanessa Thaxton. "It's the first renovation since it moved into the Huntington Building in 1997. The museum is as old as the university." The museum dates back to 1868 and in addition to being the nation's oldest African American museum, is one of the oldest museums in Virginia. The year-long project includes revitalized galleries with new artwork, LED track lighting and interior painting. Additionally, a new roof was installed with funding provided by the Mellon Foundation. The museum's latest gallery "Hampton Legacy:  A Song of Service, Love and Loyalty," showcases the impressive works of Hampton University's notable alumni. "For instance, we have some costumes that were a part of Ruth Carter's wonderful work on various movies that she's a curator for," Thaxton told 10 On Your Side's Lauren Martinez. "We also have a rickshaw that came from Indonesia, and this was brought back to Hampton by two of Hampton's early alum." A new wing was constructed last April, extending the space approximately 1,500 square feet. It includes presidential archives and a reading room. "We have a presidential digitization area and a place for people to come and do their research," she said. "And so attached to that is the new wing, and now we have this beautiful wing with all of this wonderful open front. And so with this is also our handicapped entrance." Much of the artwork is crafted by men, but women hold their own in the galleries as well. You can find works by Pearson Jennings, Nella Lewis, Terry Richardson, Elizabeth Catlett, and the list goes on. "I must give credit to our curator of collections, Mr. Monte Turner, because during our refresh, he really dug deep into our art storage and floor pieces that people haven't seen." Thaxton said. "The museum is a place to come to relax, to learn more about your culture and other cultures, I think, for all people, not just African Americans, Native Americans, but for everyone." The Hampton University Museum, at 14 Frissell Ave. in Hampton, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Entry is free and open to the public. ...read more read less