National Museum of African American History and Culture
The newest Smithsonian and the one people talk about afterwards. Start at the bottom, in the history galleries that climb from slavery to the present, then lighten up with music, sport and culture on the upper floors. Free timed-entry passes are required: they open 30 days ahead, and more are released online at 8:15 each morning.
- Open
- Every day 10 AM–5:30 PM except December 25
- Price
- Free, with a free timed-entry pass
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Best time
- A weekday; book passes 30 days ahead, or try for same-day passes online at 8:15 AM.
- Address
- 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560Google MapsApple Maps
- Getting there
- Smithsonian or Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver). The entrance is on Madison Drive at 15th Street.
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible, with elevators between all floors.
- On site
- The Sweet Home Café; bags are checked at the entrance.
Why go
Opened in 2016 in a bronze-latticed building beside the Washington Monument, the museum tells the African American story through objects such as Harriet Tubman's hymnal, a segregated railroad car and Chuck Berry's Cadillac. The history galleries descend below ground to the era of slavery and climb back up through the civil rights movement to today; the upper floors celebrate music, sport, art and community.
Tips
- Start in the lowest history gallery, reached by elevator, and allow at least three hours for the history floors alone.
- The Sweet Home Café downstairs serves regional African American cooking and is one of the best lunches on the Mall.
Nearby
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