Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture

Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) is a landmark institution dedicated to telling the rich and complex story of African American life, history, and culture. It is the only national museum exclusively devoted to documenting African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003 and opened to the public in 2016 as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
The NMAAHC houses over 40,000 artifacts and features numerous exhibits covering various aspects of African American history and culture, including the history of slavery, the Civil Rights movement, contributions to arts and music, the military, athletics, and more.

Since opening in 2016, the museum has become an essential destination for visitors seeking to understand the profound impact of African Americans on the United States and beyond.

Highlights & Exhibits:

Informative and engaging exhibits spanning multiple floors, taking visitors through the history of slavery to modern African American icons.

• Highlights Include: Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Nat Turner’s bible, a plantation cabin from South Carolina, a guard tower from Angola Prison, and Michael Jackson’s fedora.
• Slavery & Freedom – A powerful exhibition tracing the history of enslavement, resistance, and liberation.
• Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom – Explore the Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights Movement, and ongoing struggles for justice.
• A Celebration of Music, Sports & the Arts – Learn about the contributions of Black artists, musicians, athletes, and performers.
• Community Galleries – Stories of faith, family, and the resilience of Black communities across generations.
• The Oprah Winfrey Theater – A venue for film screenings, discussions, and live performances.

Visiting the Museum

• Location: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560.
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 AM–5:30 PM and Monday from 12–5:30 PM. It is closed on December 25th and federal holidays.
• Admission: Free, but timed-entry passes are required. You can reserve passes on the museum’s website, typically up to 30 days in advance.
• Accessibility: The museum is handicap-accessible and family-friendly.

The Architecture

The museum’s distinctive building was designed by David Adjaye, with architects Philip Freelon and Zena Howard. The design is a glass cube encased in metallic lattice panels, referencing ironwork created by enslaved African Americans. The building’s shape also draws inspiration from the crowns worn by queens in ancient Yoruba sculpture. To accommodate the building’s height within the limits of the National Mall, more than half of the museum’s 420,000 square feet (39,019 square meters) are located underground.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture offers a powerful and comprehensive exploration of the African American experience, making it a valuable and inspiring destination.

Why Visit?

As the only national museum exclusively dedicated to African American history and culture, NMAAHC provides a deeply moving and educational experience. Through interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and multimedia storytelling, visitors gain insight into the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans.

Also, check out our Black Travel Guide for Washington D.C. for the area’s top places to eat & drink plus the best cultural attractions and fun things to do.

Also check out our Explore Maryland Travel Guide for the best hotels & Bed & Breakfasts, and the area’s top places to eat & drink plus the best cultural attractions and fun things to do.