Travel Destination | National Museum of African American History and Culture | Washington DC

Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., we highly recommend a visit to this iconic cultural site dedicated to paying tribute to the countless valuable contributions, as well as the heartbreaking struggles of African American culture throughout history. Majestically designed by David Adjaye and architect Philip Freelon, with their architectural team Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is housed in a stunning structure decorated with elements of African American and African Diaspora architectural traditions. Washington D.C. is one of our favorite travel destinations and our wondrous day spent exploring NMAAHC, which opened to the public on September 24, 2016, and is the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution was nothing less than sensational.

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Travel Destination | National Museum of African American History and Culture - Smithsonian | Washington D.C.

National Museum of African American History and Culture - Smithsonian

Excitement rose to thrilling paramount levels as we approached NMAAHC. Impressively beaconing, trapezoid designs throughout the museum's façade, pay tribute to architecture imagery carved by Yoruban artisans. Enveloping the south side of the museum, a large canopy functioning as an inviting reception area welcomes visitors arriving to the museum.

Photo Credit | Alan Karchmer

Symbolic in its conception, MNAAHC is located on a site representing the past, present, and future of the African American experience. Facing north, the White House, historic for the 2008 election of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States sits. Located on the east side, the National Mall, other Smithsonian museums, the U.S. Capitol stand. Surrounding the south and west views are—Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument, all significant contributors to African American history and culture.

Acclaimed as our nation's largest cultural site amplifying the voices and visions of African American history and culture, NMAAHC is iconic in its own right. Initially operating virtually for 10 years prior to opening on the National Mall in 2016, now showcases historic artifacts, permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, and public programs. 

Photo Credit | Alan Karchmer

There are four pillars upon which the NMAAHC stands:

1- It provides an opportunity for those who are interested in African American culture to explore and revel in this history through interactive exhibitions

 

2- It helps all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by global influences

 

3- It explores what it means to be an American and share how American values like resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African American history and culture

 

4- It serves as a place of collaboration that reaches beyond Washington, D.C. to engage new audiences and to work with the myriad of museums and educational institutions that have explored and preserved this important history well before this museum was created.

Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA) 

Experience exhibits featuring historical and trending media arts collections including photography, film, video, and audio. Check the museum's schedule of events for CAAMA sponsored film series and public programs.

Sweet Home Café

Treat yourself to the award-winning restaurant located on the main level of NMAAH. Serving traditional, authentic, and popular menu selections crafted from scratch cooked with locally sourced ingredients. Experience cultural cuisine reflective of The Agricultural South, The Creole Coast, The North States, and The Western Range.

NMAAHC is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Monday          12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Tuesday          10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Wednesday    10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Thursday        10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Friday              10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Saturday         10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Sunday            10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

The museum opens at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays observed as Federal Holidays and is closed on December 25. Last entry for all visitors, including groups, is 4:00 p.m.

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