National Museum Of African American History And Culture Washington Dc: Hours Address National Museum Of African American History And Culture Reviews: 5/5
- Federal Triangle 6 min walk
- Smithsonian 7 min walk
When Are These Tickets Available
Same day online passes are released every morning on the museum website at approximately 6:30am. The good news is that they are fairly easy to get. The bad news is that you have to wake up early to do it. These tickets are in high demand and they go quickly. Log on at exactly at 6:30am to make sure you dont miss out! This is the easiest and surest way that you can see the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Start With The History Gallery
You enter the main exhibit by heading down to subterranean three levels of concourse galleries. Symbolically it feels like descending into the hold of slave ship, with each subsequent step taking you deeper into the African-American legacy.
Theres so much information here that you could literally spend days absorbing the information.
Galleries include shackles, a slave auction block and Ku Klux Klan robes. A statue of Thomas Jefferson is flanked with bricks listing the humans he owned. Its all offered factually with extensive documentation, all of which makes the impact all the stronger.
But for many the emotional pivot of the entire museum is the casket of Emmett Till Jr. Visitors line up as theyre at a funeral home visitation to pay honors to the 14-year-old boy, who was brutally murdered in northern Mississippi. His mothers courageous decision to hold an open-casket funeral in Chicago, shocked the nation when images were published in Ebony magazine. Tills horrific murder, scholars believe, was the start of the modern Civil Rights movement, and for that we still owe Mamie Till our gratitude.
Now, decades later, its still a heart-rending experience. The curators included a contemplation area for reflection. Take a moment to do just that.
Finally, the galleries touch on modern history with election of Barack Obama and the start of the Black Lives Matter movement.
When you step back outside, youll feel like youve taken a journey. In reality, you have.
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Tips For Getting Tickets To Nmaahc And When They Are Not Necessary
The Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture announces no-ticket days and afternoons
Associate Editor, Special Projects
Visiting Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture without timed-entry passes, or tickets, just got easier. The recently-announced 2019 guidelines mark a significant change for the museum, which has seen almost 5 million visitors since its historic 2016 opening. NMAAHC is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every day of the year except for Christmas Day, December 25. The museum is free, but entry is governed by a system of timed-entry passes, or tickets. The new 2019 policies expand the hours visitors can walk in without timed-entry passes. Heres how walk-up entry and the passes will work in 2019 and over the holiday season.
Before You Visit Share The Why Behind Your Visit Preview And Ask For Questions:
We visited a few years ago when my daughter was 5 and my son was 2. Back then, I read a picture book of Ruby Bridges story as an entry point to talk about segregation and inequality. We did not go to the History Galleries then.
For this visit, my kids are 8 and 5 and we talked more specifically about why we are visiting this time. We talked about the evils of slavery in broad terms and the history of inequality. I showed them the museums website ahead of time.
- Serena and Venus Williams statues.
- Interesting to see what grabs their attention.
- The ramps that take you to each floor.
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Tickets & Hours For The Naamhc
Free tickets are available online for a timed-entry reservation. Go to the museums website here to reserve as soon as possible. You can also call 1-800-514-3849 to reserve. Everyone needs a ticket regardless of age. Tickets are released up to 30 days in advance and there are some same-day timed entry tickets released at 8:15 AM each day.
Currently the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. It may open other days soon so check their website for up to date info.
Here’s What’s New In Version 2 Of The App
- New search feature, look for the magnifying glass to begin searching stories and objects
- Zoomable maps with location details help you explore the Museum on your visit
- Featured Museum tours highlighting themes from our inaugural exhibitions
- Zoom in on images of featured objects to discover amazing details
- Performance enhancements to improve your app experience
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Certain Days Dont Require Tickets
The National Museum of African American museum has two seasons: peak and off-peak. Peak is from March-August. Off-peak is from September-February.
During off-peak dates, you can walk up after 10am Monday-Friday and head into the museum without tickets. On peak dates, you can walk up after 1pm Monday-Friday and head into the museum without tickets. Walk-up entry is not available on Saturdays or Sundays during either peak or off-peak dates due to the high demand.
Consider Checking Out The Museum Gift Shop
The last tip is to consider visiting the Museum Gift Shop. We usually skip museum gift shops to save money but this shop has a great selection of kids books and other great items! It might be a good way to continue some of the learning at home!
And if you want more Things to Do in DC with Kids, check out my full Washington DC Kids page with the best DC playgrounds, Things to do with Babies and Kid-Friendly Restaurants in DC.
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National African American Museum Tips With Kids
Who can visit the National African American Museum of History and Culture? Everyone! Ive visited twice with my kids and encourage everyone who can to visit in Washington, D.C. Below are my top National African American Museum tips with kids including tickets, hours, must-see exhibits, notes on some of the sensitive exhibits and parking.
When You Are At The Museum Talk To The Helpful Staff
When we first entered the lobby, there was a museum staff member with a microphone who went over the layout of the museum and shared where the sensitive exhibits are and answered any questions. My 8 year old asked if they have an exhibit on Kamala Harris and the nice staff member said, not yet! Shes making history right now!
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All You Can Eat Menus
Saturday Dinner featuring:
Broiled Fish, Choice of Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, Salad, Roll & Butter, Chocolate & Vanilla Cake, Assorted Cookies
Sunday Breakfast featuring:
Cinnamon French Toast or Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Pork & Non-Pork breakfast meats, Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit Salad Bowl, Assorted Danish, Coffee, Tea, Milk & Juices
Menus may differ slightly from tour to tour
OPEN BAR
11:00 PM 1:00 AMHennessy, J& B, Dewars White Label, Bacardi Silver, Seagrams 7, Heineken, Wine, Mixers & More.
*Times and brands may differ slightly from tour to tour
How To Get Free Tickets To The National Museum Of African American History & Culture
The Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in September of 2016. It is an amazing museum that is worth a visit on on any trip to Washington, DC. That said, its still very new and very popular, so unlike other museums on the National Mall, you need a free ticket if you want to go. Its not difficult to get one but you will have to wake up early.
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Where And What Is The Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall. The four-level museum opened on Sept. 24, 2016, becoming the only national museum solely dedicated to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. This Smithsonian Institution museum is an architectural marvel that features numerous interactive exhibits.
The museum is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. 4 p.m. The easiest way to get there is via Metrorail or the DC Circulator. The closest Metro stop is Federal Triangle on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. The DC Circulators National Mall route is your best bus option, and it will be easy to continue your exploration of the National Mall afterwards. The facility is handicap-accessible.
Admission Prices & Discounts For Tickets To National Museum Of African American History And Culture In Washington Dc
The following overview lists the admission prices and various discounts and discount codes for a visit to National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.. All prices are displayed per age group or reduced rate group. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the National Museum of African American History and Culture here, if available.
Wondering what a ticket to National Museum of African American History and Culture costs? These are the prices:
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Tickets Required March Through August
Timed-entry passes will remain in effect for entry between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. during the months of March through August on both weekdays as well as weekends year-round. However, after 1 p.m. on weekdays, visitors can enter without a timed-entry pass weekend visitors will still have to have timed-entry passes throughout the day. The difference between the off-peak months and the peak March to August season is that museum visitors arriving in the spring and summer months will still need to obtain a timed-entry pass to explore NMAAHC before 1 p.m on weekdays.
Not Back To Normal Back To New
The Northwest African American Museums top priority is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, visitors, and community. The closure of NAAMs physical space in accordance with public health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for us to step back and rethink our visitor experience. We are currently developing refreshed exhibitions and activations that uplift Black voices and illuminate the histories, arts, and cultures of African Americans in the northwest for the enrichment of all. When we do reopen our physical space, visitors can look forward to a vibrantly reimagined museum experience.
In the meantime, NAAM continues to serve and engage the local community through a robust schedule of innovative virtual and outdoor exhibitions and programming occurring throughout the region, which is detailed on our website at naamnw.org/events.
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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.
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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.
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Sit Back Relax And Leave The Driving To Us
We have arranged for round trip transportation on lavatory equipped video buses so that you can start having fun right from the beginning of your trip. Buses are also used throughout the stay for all transfers to and from activities.
Individuals / Small Groups will be given an option to select a convenient pickup location from major cities in the following states at time of booking.
These are the general designated departure locations for individuals and small groups at this time. You will given the option to select your preferred departure location upon making a reservation for your tour. Pickup times vary depending on the tour and will be verified with you. Depending upon the event location, certain departure areas may not be available.
DC: Oxon Hill Park & Ride, 414 West & Indian Head Highway, Oxon Hill, MD
DE: Delaware Welcome Center Travel Plaza, 530 JFK Memorial Hwy., Newark DE
MD: Security Park & Ride, Ext. 94 off I-70, Baltimore, MD
NJ: Peter Francisco Park , Market & Ferry Streets, Newark, NJ
NY: Harlem State Building, 125th & 7th Avenue, NY, NY
NY: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY
NY: Grand Concourse & East 149th Street, Bronx, NY
NY: Parsons Blvd & Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY
PA: 30th Street Station Building, 3100 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
PA: M L K High School, 6100 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA
PA: Progress Plaza, Broad & Oxford, Philadelphia, PA
Full Day African American Heritage Tour
Groups of 20 or more can receive motor coach transportation in a newer model, fully-equipped bus for a full day. This includes a three to four hour tour with an African American Tour Specialist as well as tickets to the NMAAHC (African American Museum in Washington DC. Some of the tour stops and drive by locations are listed below on this page.
TYPICAL ITINERARY
- Motor Coach will Pick Up Your Group at Your Hotel
- Washington DC Tour with Guide Specialist
- Take Group to NMAAHC after Tour. Tickets May be Provided
- Motor Coach Meets group at NMAAHC at End of Day
- Return Transportation to Group Hotel
Your Group will Enjoy Use of a Fully-Equipped Motor Coach for up to 9 hours. You will also have an African American Heritage Tour Guide for around four hours plus Free Tickets into the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Availability for Buses, Guides and Museum Tickets are limited. Please call for information at your earliest convenience.
What Your Group Will See
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A Guide To Visiting Nmaahc
The NMAAHC is a very popular museum and you can expect lines to enter, especially right when the museum opens at 10am and for walk-up entry on weekends at 1pm. Even if you have obtained a timed entry pass, you might encounter lines at the security entrance during peak season.
Once you clear security, the museum itself is self-guided. All guests enter the museum in Heritage Hall We suggest taking the escalators downstairs to the lower level, known as the Concourse. This is where you can access the three floors of history galleries and it is the only way to enter that portion of the museum.
You can expect there might be a line at this point, especially during peak season. The history gallery experience begins in an elevator that takes you to the lowest level of the museum. The first exhibit highlights the Atlantic Slave Trade and it works its way chronologically up to 2008 and the election of the first African-American President.
The history galleries empty you right next to the Contemplative Court, a perfect spot to reflect and relax before heading upstairs. On the upper levels , you will find exhibitions highlighting the cultural contributions of African-Americans, community galleries, and more. You can find a detailed breakdown of the museum here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/maps
If Sensitive Kids 2 Options For The History Galleries:
There are 2 great options if you have sensitive kiddos for going through the galleries. The first option, which we did when the kids were younger, was to skip the 3 below ground History Galleries. This covers the years 1400-present day. The 3 above ground Culture Galleries are great for kids
The other option, which we took this time, is to move quickly through the History Galleries. The museum has a red box over particularly difficult/sensitive material which you can see from afar and not go up close and read.
When you first exit the elevator the first exhibit is entitled 15th 19th centuries: The Making of the Atlantic World. It has a beautiful picture of Queen Nzingha Mbande of present day northern Angola. This reminds you of the history and culture prior to the transatlantic slave trade. The next spot we stopped at was the Paradox of Liberty which talks about the Declaration of Independence and the 12 of the first 18 presidents who owned slaves. There is a shackles artifact right next to the statue of Thomas Jefferson. He owned 609 slaves in his lifetime which are represented by bricks surrounding his statute.
- Paradox of Liberty, chains next to Declaration of Independence.
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