Smithsonian museum chronicling African American life, history, and culture through powerful exhibitions, historic artifacts, and immersive storytelling across five floors.

How to Get There

From Federal Triangle Metro Station, walk south on 12th Street NW and enter the museum from Madison Drive or Constitution Avenue.

Overview

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a landmark institution on the National Mall, dedicated to telling the full story of African American life, history, and culture. Opened in 2016, the museum spans five floors and features over 40,000 artifacts, including Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Emmett Till’s casket, and Chuck Berry’s red Cadillac. Visitors begin their journey in the subterranean History Galleries, which trace African American history from slavery through the civil rights movement to the present day. Above ground, exhibitions explore cultural expressions, military service, sports, and the visual arts, offering a comprehensive and moving experience.

Designed by architect David Adjaye, the museum’s bronze-colored lattice exterior draws inspiration from African American craftsmanship and heritage. The Sweet Home Café, a James Beard Award nominee, serves regional African American cuisine, while the museum store offers curated books and gifts. Entry is free, but timed-entry passes are required and can be reserved online. With its powerful storytelling and iconic design, the museum has become one of the most visited and impactful cultural institutions in the United States.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.