Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting National Museum of African American History and Culture
Opened in 2016 in a bronze-latticed building by David Adjaye, the museum's history galleries begin several floors underground with the transatlantic slave trade and climb through emancipation, segregation and the civil-rights movement to the present.
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Quick answer
National Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum in National Mall, Washington, D.C.. Allow 4–5 hours; it is free. Free timed-entry passes are often needed, especially at weekends and in spring; book online in advance.
Key facts
- Type
- Museum
- Area
- National Mall
- Time needed
- 4–5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- history, free and rainy day
- Best months
- March–May
About National Museum of African American History and Culture
Opened in 2016 in a bronze-latticed building by David Adjaye, the museum's history galleries begin several floors underground with the transatlantic slave trade and climb through emancipation, segregation and the civil-rights movement to the present. Objects include Emmett Till's casket, a segregated railway car and Chuck Berry's red Cadillac; the upper floors cover music, sport and culture.
Tip: Allow at least four hours and do the underground history galleries first while you are fresh; the Sweet Home Café upstairs serves regional African American dishes.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 4–5 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: Free timed-entry passes are often needed, especially at weekends and in spring; book online in advance.
- Where: National Mall.
Best time to visit National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- March: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Washington, D.C. itinerary visits National Museum of African American History and Culture on day 3, together with National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of Natural History.
- No. 7 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 3 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in museums in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in washington, D.C. on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Washington, D.C..
Near National Museum of African American History and Culture
Also in National Mall, so you can walk between them:
- National Museum of Natural History — 2–3 hours, free
- National Gallery of Art — 2–3 hours, free
- National Air and Space Museum — 2–3 hours, free
If you like National Museum of African American History and Culture
- United States Capitol — Capitol Hill, 1.5–2 hours
- Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) — Capitol Hill, 1–1.5 hours
- Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington, Virginia, 2–3 hours
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Chantilly, Virginia, 2–3 hours
Staying near National Museum of African American History and Culture
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at National Museum of African American History and Culture?
Plan 4–5 hours. With National Museum of Natural History nearby, it fits a half-day in National Mall.
+Is National Museum of African American History and Culture free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit National Museum of African American History and Culture?
March–May, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Allow at least four hours and do the underground history galleries first while you are fresh; the Sweet Home Café upstairs serves regional African American dishes.
+Do I need to book National Museum of African American History and Culture in advance?
Free timed-entry passes are often needed, especially at weekends and in spring; book online in advance.