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National Museum of African American History and Culture and its collection

National Museum of African American History and Culture
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located on the National Mall in Washington. The museum was officially established in 2003, initially existing as an online platform. The physical construction of the museum began in 2012 and it was officially opened to the public on September 24, 2016.

Themes of the Museum

The museum provides a comprehensive exploration of the history and culture through three main themes: slavery, segregation, and culture and sports. These themes offer a deep dive into the African American experience, providing a rich and enlightening perspective for visitors.

Exhibits at the Museum

The museum houses a variety of unique artifacts that provide a tangible connection to the past. In the section dedicated to slavery, visitors can view several unprecedented objects. The segregation section features a 1918 railway car with seats reserved for Blacks, which was brought to the site before the museum was built around it. Also on display is the tablecloth on which the argument for school desegregation in the 1950s was written, and the first coffin of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old black teenager who was brutally killed in Mississippi in 1955. His mother had voluntarily reopened the coffin before his funeral to expose the brutality of his death, which was one of the triggers of the civil rights movement.

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ESMuseo Nacional de Historia y Cultura Afroamericana
ITMuseo nazionale di storia e cultura afroamericana
FRMusée national de l'histoire et de la culture afro-américaines

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Ethnology Historic house Person & Artist Religion

#5 Free museums in United States #7 History & Anthropology in United States #2 Ethnology museums in United States #7 Historic houses in United States #2 Person & artist museums in United States #4 Religion museums in United States #2 Free museums in Washington D.C. #2 History & Anthropology in Washington D.C. #1 Ethnology museums in Washington D.C. #2 Historic houses in Washington D.C. #2 Person & artist museums in Washington D.C. #2 Religion museums in Washington D.C.

#5 Free museums in United States #7 History & Anthropology in United States #2 Ethnology museums in United States #7 Historic houses in United States #2 Person & artist museums in United States #4 Religion museums in United States #2 Free museums in Washington D.C. #2 History & Anthropology in Washington D.C. #1 Ethnology museums in Washington D.C. #2 Historic houses in Washington D.C. #2 Person & artist museums in Washington D.C. #2 Religion museums in Washington D.C.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture
Constitution Avenue Northwest 1400
Washington DC

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Visitor information National Museum of African American History and Culture

Opening hours

Monday
12:00 – 17:30
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:30
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:30
Thursday
10:00 – 17:30
Friday
10:00 – 17:30
Saturday
10:00 – 17:30
Sunday
10:00 – 17:30
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Admission

0+Free

Free timed-entry passes are required for entry.

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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Location & Map

Constitution Avenue Northwest 1400, Washington D.C.

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in National Museum of African American History and Culture have been found.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Reviews

National Museum of African American History and Culture has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. is a powerful and comprehensive institution that chronicles the African American experience. Visitors consistently praise the museum's thoughtful curation and its ability to present a thorough, unflinching look at African American history from slavery to the present day.

    The museum's exhibits are noted for their depth and breadth, covering topics such as the Middle Passage, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary African American contributions to culture and society. Many reviewers appreciate the chronological layout, which allows for a clear understanding of the historical progression.

    The building's striking architecture, with its three-tiered, bronze-colored exterior, is often mentioned as an impressive feature. Inside, the museum makes effective use of multimedia presentations, interactive displays, and carefully preserved artifacts to create an immersive and educational experience.

    Some visitors note that the museum can be emotionally challenging due to its honest portrayal of difficult historical events. However, this is generally seen as a strength, contributing to the museum's impact and importance.

    A common piece of advice from reviewers is to allocate plenty of time for a visit, as the extensive exhibits can easily fill a full day or more. Some mention that the popularity of the museum can lead to crowds, particularly during peak times.

    The museum's cafe, Sweet Home Café, receives positive mentions for its diverse menu featuring African American cuisine from various regions.

    While overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews mention that some exhibits can feel crowded, and that the emotional intensity of the experience can be draining. However, these are minor criticisms in the context of the museum's overall impact and educational value.

    Overall, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is widely regarded as a must-see institution, offering a profound and enlightening exploration of African American history and culture.

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  • L
    Lydia • 9 Jul 2024

    This rating does not include a review.

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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