National Museum of African American History and Culture (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to walk through the African American museum in DC? ›

Please be aware that touring the History Galleries in their entirety will take approximately 2 hours, and will require about 1 mile of walking.

The NMAAHC is the world's largest museum dedicated to African-American history and culture.

It provides an opportunity for those who are interested in African American culture to explore and revel in this history through interactive exhibitions. It helps all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by global influences.

The museum tells the story of the African American experience with accuracy, honesty, respect and the unvarnished truth. Rigorous scholarship is at the core of its publications, exhibitions and academic endeavors. We continuously work to maintain its originality, integrity, transparency and credibility.

The closest Metro stations are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian (Mall exit), and you can view walking directions to the museum via Google Maps or Citymapper .

Suitcases, large umbrellas, and large backpacks are not allowed in the galleries. Security officers will ask visitors to hand-carry smaller backpacks, or wear them on the front of their bodies. Please note that we do not offer coat or bag storage.

The Contemplative Court, one of the signature spaces in the museum, features a glass oculus that allows natural light to filter in through a cascading waterfall, resulting in a quiet reflection. The ceiling required a somber elegance, as well as gloss, to reflect the delicate movement of the water.

Thanks to more than 100 Black museums around the United States, the legacy is being kept alive for generations to come.

Aretha Franklin aka the 'Queen of Soul. ' The singer behind 'Respect,' 'Chain of Fools,' and 'I Say A Little Prayer,' Aretha is known for her powerful, energetic voice. Aretha was in the music business for nearly 60 years and to this day, remains a true icon and inspiration for many.

Highlights. Harriet Tubman's hymnal; Nat Turner's bible; A plantation cabin from South Carolina; Guard tower from Angola Prison; Michael Jackson's fedora; and works by prolific artists such as Charles Alston, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, and Henry O. Tanner.

What is the largest African American museum in the United States? ›

National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Washington, D.C. Established in 2003 and opened to the public on the National Mall in 2016 (by then-President Barack Obama), the NMAAHC, a Smithsonian institution, is the largest Black history museum in the country.

665,000 square feet—Area of the building. The museum features 105,000 square feet of exhibition space, which is two times the area of the White House. 72,000 cubic yards—Volume of concrete.

Washington, United States. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum that seeks to understand American history through the lens of the African American experience.