Whats Inside The Museum
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is a state-of-the-art building that addresses nearly every aspect of the African American experience, covering the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, athletics and much more. The buildings exterior, conceived by Ghanaian-born architect David Adjaye, is artfully made up of a three-tiered, bronze-colored screen. This lattice pays tribute to the intricate ironwork forged by enslaved African Americans in the southern United States.
The museums collection of artifacts is astounding: 3,500 are on view, with another 35,000 or so in the collection. Standout items include a shawl given to Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria, training aircraft used by the Tuskegee Institute, an invitation to President Obamas 2009 inauguration and a boombox owned by Chuck D of Public Enemy.
Navigating the entirety of the NMAAHC would be very difficult to accomplish in one visit, and the breadth of its exhibits is astonishing. However, there are several displays that you should be aware of before you go.
The Musical Crossroads exhibit details the history African American music, from the arrival of the first Africans to today. From jazz to hip-hop, African American musicians brought forth new forms of expression that lit a candle for liberty, justice and change. You will be able to experience the emergence of some of Americas finest art forms and the amazing creative expressions that came from them.
Smithsonian Museum Washington Dc Tickets
The following is a list of Smithsonian research centers, with their affiliated museum in parentheses:
Also of note is the Smithsonian Museum Support Center , located in Silver Hill, Maryland , which is the principal off-site conservation and collections facility for multiple Smithsonian museums, primarily the National Museum of Natural History. The MSC was dedicated in May 1983. The MSC covers 4.5 acres of land, with over 500,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest set of structures in the Smithsonian. It has over 12 miles of cabinets, and more than 31 million objects.
Tips For Visiting The Washington Dc Museum Of African American History
The Museum of African American History in Washington DC is one of the best museums you can visit in this city. That’s why I recommend that you take into account several factors to make your visit incredible:
-
Influx of tourists: even though it is not one of the most iconic places in Washington and it is a relatively new museum, it receives many tourists. So I recommend that you visit between 10am and noon on any day of the week. Be aware that on weekends it tends to be very crowded, especially after noon.
-
If you have no choice but to visit the museum during peak hours, try to arrive at least 1 hour before your ticket time. The queues are usually very long and this can delay the rest of your day in Washington.
-
If this is your first time in Washington DC, you may not know how to use public transport. So the best thing to do is to check the metro map and bus line stations. Keep your smartphone handy to confirm your route on Google Maps.
-
I recommend you to bring your smartphone with you to take some pictures and selfies with your companions. Please note that it is forbidden to take pictures of the works of art, unless otherwise stated.
You May Like: How To Work In A Museum
Washington Dc Must See Sights Half
Washington D.C. showcases some of the most majestic monuments and memorials in America. With so much to see this sightseeing bus tour makes for a great orientation option, especially for those with little time.Tailored to offer you a historic journey through the rich heritage of the United States, the tour is a quick and efficient way to learn the history of the capital. Ride past the essential monuments, museums, and attractions to relive the history of America on a 3-hour tour.You will stop at the following memorials and monuments on your tour to take pictures: U. S. Capitol White House World War II Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Franklin Delano Memorial Korean Memorial Vietnam Memorial Vietnam Womens Memorial Lincoln Memorial
How To Get Timed
Timed-entry tickets are made available online up to three months in advance of a visit date. Visitors can apply for newly released dates on the first Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. These advance passes can be claimed both online and by telephone. Museumgoers can obtain same-day passes online starting at 6:30 a.m.
You May Like: Movado Museum Women’s Watch Two Tone
Censorship Of Seasons Of Life And Land
In 2003, a National Museum of Natural History exhibit, Subhankar Banerjees Seasons of Life and Land, featuring photographs of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, was censored and moved to the basement by Smithsonian officials because they feared that its subject matter was too politically controversial.
In November 2007, The Washington Post reported internal criticism has been raised regarding the institutions handling of the exhibit on the Arctic. According to documents and e-mails, the exhibit and its associated presentation were edited at high levels to add scientific uncertainty regarding the nature and impact of global warming on the Arctic. Acting Secretary of the Smithsonian Cristián Samper was interviewed by the Post, and claimed the exhibit was edited because it contained conclusions that went beyond what could be proven by contemporary climatology. The Smithsonian is now a participant in the U.S. Global Change Research Program.
Read Also: How To Be A Museum Curator
How To Get Tickets Now
The new visitation policy change takes effect starting in January 2019. For the rest of December 2018, visitors can enter the museum without passes on weekdays after 1 p.m. There are no advance timed-entry passes available for December, but same-day passes can be obtained online, every morning beginning at 6:30. To handle holiday crowds, the museum is extending its hours of operation December 26 through December 29, remaining open until 7:30 p.m. And don’t forget, NMAAHC, like all the other Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
Also Check: Museum Of Natural Science Houston Tx
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The National Museum Of African American History
Every day except Christmas Day, December 25, the NMAAHC is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission to the museum is free, but a system of timed admission passes, or tickets, governs the process. Visitors can now walk into the museum without a timed-entry pass for a longer period of time under new policies enacted in 2019.
Why The National Museum Of American History Is A Must-see Destination
Visitors can learn about the United States history through a variety of dynamic programming and an impressive collection of over two million objects in the National Museum of American History. The National Museum of American History is an excellent place to learn more about our nations rich history, from major exhibits focusing on the history of the United States through the twentieth century to current exhibitions focusing on the impact of technology on daily life.
Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History And Culture
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Museums in Washington, DC
We highly recommend reserving advance timed passes to this extremely popular Smithsonian museum on the National Mall. You may obtain up to six advance passes. Timed passes are always required on weekends, while during peak season , passes are required for entry before 1 p.m. every day of the week. Same-day online passes are released at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday from September February and every day of the week from March August. Additional passes are available at 9:30 a.m. and every half hour after that until supply is exhausted. Up to four same-day passes can be acquired per order. Walk-up entry is allowed from Monday through Friday throughout the year. Entry begins at 10 a.m. from September February and at 1 p.m. from March August. For groups of 10 or more, passes are always required, regardless of the time of year. An online system allows for access to real-time availability of dates and times in three month intervals. Groups will receive a single pass for the entire group to enter the museum instead of separate passes. Visit the museums website for more information.
06
Recommended Reading: Vatican Museum Online Ticket Reservation
Faq For Visiting The Museum
If you have a question that isnt answered below,please contact the museum at
How long should I plan for my visit to the Museum?
The museum has a rich quantity of artifacts and information on display we recommend that visitors at least allot an hour to visit the museum. We also recommend that you view our list of programs and events to get a sense of the kinds of activities youd like to participate in during your visit. You may also sign up for our free email notifications for the latest information and events.
May I take pictures in the museum?
Patrons may take pictures. We ask that all visitors not use flash or lighting when taking their photos. Feel free to share your pictures with us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
How much is admissions to the museum?
The museum is free.
Do I have to make a reservation for my group?
Larger groups are encouraged to make a reservation. Please refer to special announcements on the home page and social media for changes in operations.
I am planning to visit the museum with kids. Do you have any tips?
We do recommend downloading one of our scavenger hunts or picking one up at the front desk when you visit. Scavenger hunts can be found on the Civil War Primer Educator Portal.
Do you have any place to eat in the museum?
No. We do not have a restaurant or designated area to eat inside the museum. All food and drinks are permitted inside the exhibits. There are restaurants within walking distance of the museum.
African American History Tour With Museum Of Maahc Admission Ticket
KB Tours is one of the few African American Heritage tours in Washington DC. We tour to all four quadrants of the city. We like to show people the historic African American neighborhoods of Washington DC. We like to go off the beat and path . All of our guides knowledge of the interesting black history of Washington DC. We pride ourselves on giving good facts and telling great stories of Washington DC. Our guides will stay you throughout the tour. We try to telling you facts that you never knew . We like to have fun and make people laugh but also keep them engage with stories. We keep young children engaged on the tour by having to participate with the guide on the tour .After taking our tour you will be ready with your thirst for knowledge to enter the Museum of African American History and Culture. You must take the tour to receive a ticket to the museum
You May Like: World War Ii Museum Kansas City
African American History Tour And Reserved Access To The Museum
Spend a different kind of day learning about African American history on a tour that will take you to iconic sites such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture and many more.
Failure to explore African American history on your way through Washington will cause you to miss out on an important part of history. With this tour you won’t skip a beat as you’ll start with a stop at the United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center. From there, you’ll pass by sites such as the White House and the Lincoln Memorial.
In addition to seeing popular sites, you’ll have a chance to stop at the Memorial and the Civil War Memorial Museum. Finally, you’ll enter the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Although admission to this museum is free, a pre-scheduled entry pass is required. Reservations are included in this tour so you won’t waste time at this step.
I love this plan because with your guide you will learn historical details that you might miss on your own. Plus, it’s an economical option that includes air-conditioned transport to take you from one place to another. So, in just about 3 hours and for around 75, you’ll have had a fairly comprehensive educational tour of African-American culture.
Recommended if… you’d like to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and other historical sites.
Directions And Tickets To The National Museum Of African American History & Culture
Timed entry tickets are required for the National Museum of African American history & Culture. Thats different than pretty much every other museum in Washington, DC. So plan ahead so you dont miss out on visiting this treasured museum.
All tickets are free. The timed entry tickets are to help spread out visitors so your experience is much better. You can snag your tickets up to 30 days in advance of your visit. There are a limited number of Day-of tickets posted to the website at 8:15 am each day. Plan ahead so you can guarantee tickets.
If you have a group larger than six, youll need to have someone else in your group team up to get all the tickets you need. You are limited to only six tickets per individuals reservation transaction.
The museum opens at 10 am and the last entry time is 4pm. It closes at 5:30.
The museum is located on The Mall, directly east of the Washington Monument. The large building stands out from the other buildings on The Mall its more modern.
The two closest metro stops are Smithsonian AND Federal Triangle. They are each less than a 1/2 mile walk between metro station and museum.
Don’t Miss: Natural History Museum Santa Maria
How Do I Get A Ticket
Reserve tickets online before your visit to the Museum. The Museum and its exhibitions are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Advance tickets online: Tickets through May 2022 are available now.
Same-day tickets online: A limited number of same-day tickets will be available online each day at 7 a.m.
Confirm Time SlotDESCRIPTION
The Smithsonians National Museum of Natural Historys hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. .
Individuals can reserve passes up to 30 days in advance. Passes are released daily beginning at 8:00 a.m. for time slots 30 days out.
To keep us all safe, and to support efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have limited capacity and implemented new safety measures in our facilities. Your visit to the SmithsonianNational Museum of Natural History will be different, and new measures will be in place. Please review the important information below as you plan your visit.
Important Conditions: The Smithsonians timed pass reservation system is for visitors personal use only, and Smithsonian timed passes are valid only for the stated visitor, guest, date, and time. Passes may not be sold or transferred. Reservations that violate these conditions may be cancelled.
We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow these safety measures to protect everyones health. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave.
Face Coverings
Visiting Tips
Review The Museum Map Ahead Of Time
The NMAAHC is the newest Smithsonian and in my opinion, the most innovative in terms of architecture communicating meaning. The museums history exhibits start 3 levels underground beginning in the 1400s and then as you move through history you rise up through the levels. The ground level has the Contemplative Court and then the 3 above ground levels focus on the cultural and historical achievements.
Also Check: Henry Ford Museum Discount Tickets
Do You Need Tickets To Get Into The Smithsonian Museums
Visitors to Washington, DC can explore a number of major attractions for free, including the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, and the monuments and memorials on the National Mall. Admission to the Smithsonian Zoo is free, but an entry pass is required.
Except at the Cooper Hewitt, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Design Museum, the museums and zoos operated by the Smithsonian Institution are free to enter. Reservations for museums at the Smithsonian Institution are no longer required. The National Science Center, National Zoo, and Smithsonian museums are all expected to reopen in May 2021, following the completion of the renovation. There are no museums or zoos open on December 25th at the Smithsonian. This summer, ten of the campus 13 museums will reopen in honor of the museums closure as part of the campus ongoing renovations. Passes are required every Saturday , and the entrance fee is always $20.
Can You Walk Into Smithsonian Museums
All visitors, including those who had reserved passes in the past, will be admitted as walk-up visitors to the Smithsonian museums beginning July 20 and continuing through August 8. The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Zoo urge visitors to reserve free timed-entry passes ahead of time at si.edu/visit.
Dressing For A Visit To The Smithsonian Institution
Visitors to the Smithsonian Institution are left with no clear-cut recommendation for the appropriate attire. Many visitors, on the other hand, believe that it is always a good idea to dress casually in order not to appear overly stressed. The Smithsonian will accept almost any type of photographic or video documentation as long as it is only for non-commercial purposes. It also states that tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. In addition, the Smithsonian recommends that visitors keep their phones and other devices in cases to avoid jeopardizing any of the museums collections.
Recommended Reading: Please Touch Museum Free Admission
