New Hanover County and the family of basketball icon Michael Jordan have began the process of building a museum in Wilmington, North Carolina, honoring his legacy.
The county and the Jordan family signed a memorandum of understanding on December 4 detailing what the museum would look like, although it is still very early in the process.
According to the document, the corner of Third and Chestnut streets is “an ideal location” for the stand-alone exhibit. The Jordan family would be responsible for contributing and loaning personal items for display. The MOU outlines that the parties involved will work together in 2024 to design schematics and operating agreements, but it is not a binding agreement, meaning there are many more steps needed before the museum is guaranteed.
Wilmington excited for MJ museum
New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield told WECT News in Wilmington the museum still has to overcome several hurdles before becoming reality, but he is excited about the potential of a Jordan-focused museum.
“It’s going to be transformational for downtown Wilmington, number one, not just the library and museum, but now having a second museum honoring Michael Jordan. It’s going to be phenomenal,” he said.
“This partnership with the Jordan family represents an important opportunity for New Hanover County,” New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet told WECT News. “It will help honor a notable figure and family, both locally and worldwide, and contribute to the cultural and educational landscape of our community.”
Michael Jordan’s family and the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, which is owned by New Hanover County, had successful relationships in the past, including the Michael Jordan: Achieving Success exhibit, which showcases family-loaned objects.
Michael Jordan grew up in Wilmington, NC
Jordan grew up in Wilmington and went to Laney High School before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1981-1984. His many honors with UNC including winning an NCAA national championship with the Tar Heels basketball team in 1982, being named an All-American twice, ACC Player of the Year, two-time first-team All-ACC, ACC Rookie of the Year and eventually having his number 23 retired by the program. As the No. 3 overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, winning Finals MVP in each appearance. The 14-time All-Star is regarded by many as the greatest basketball player of all time.
