A really great museum. It has so much to see and read and learn. You start in the lowest level of the museum which is beneath the main entry floor. The history floor (3 of them) take at least one hour, it took both of us two hours to complete that part. The remaining top three floors took an additional 90 minutes and then we ran out of time. Much to see, excellent history, love the pop music and film and tv items on the top floor.

FABULOUS! Spent 3 hours in here. Hugely informative and so well done - honestly the best museum I have been to in a long time. Huge shout out to Diane and Jackie the most incredible guides, their dedication and knowledge blew us away!

NOT TO BE MISSED. 2 hours is not nearly enough but I'm more than happy to have reason to come back for more another time. Start from the bottom and work your way up, you get the full experience. It is a LOT to take in emotionally (and I'm white, I can only imagine how it feels for Black americans ) but soooooo important. After you finish the bottom to main floor route, head on up to the upper floors for even more. The one on music and cultural influence was incredible, and there were other exhibits we didn't even make it to and as it was we spent a good 4 hours in the building.

I cannot say enough great things about my visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum is beautifully and thoughtfully designed, and the layout does an excellent job of reviewing African-American history and culture. There's plenty of help at the museum's information desk to assist with navigating the museum. I won't say too much without giving away the subtle delightfulness the museum considers but don't miss the Contemplative Court, the Emmitt Till exhibit, and enjoy one of the many delicious African-American-inspired meals offered at the Sweet Home Cafe. It truly felt like home to me. I've already planned a return trip with my family!

There is so much to see here! There's 400+ years of history along with excellent interpretation of the cultural evolution over that period. It's easy to forget what a huge part of American life (both heartbreaking and joyful) is borne of the African experience, and this place will definitely expose you to something along those lines you don't already know.

This museum is a MUST-DO for everyone, especially those who need a reminder of how strong and beautiful African American culture is. It would take many hours to thoroughly explore the museum. If I lived close by, I'd try to go once a month and conquer each floor. Tickets are always free, but reserving a time slot is necessary to guarantee a chance to view this wonderful exhibit. You can learn at your own pace, going to any floor you want, but I recommend starting from the ground up. This would have you begin at the horrendous origins of slavery through the civil rights movement. There is so much to cover, and the crowds can sometimes be uncomfortable to stand in, but fortunately there are places that expand space for guests so they are not all bunched up together. The museum was clean, no complaint about the staff, and I loved that the history spanned to modern time, showing just how far African Americans have come to fight for freedom through various forms of expression including: cooking, music, fashion, etc. I didn't see any places to eat, but there were a ton of food carts surrounding the building and you're in the core of D.C where the most popular attractions are based in, so you're bound to find something after walking around. This is not a museum just for African Americans; it is for every human who desires to learn about history. They can see the brutality of the past, so they can improve in the present, and make a better future. This was a worthwhile visit that will stay with me for a long time.

Coming from Holland. This museum was a must for us. We grew up hearing so much about the Dutch colonial past. Something we Dutch are not proud of. Everything was amazing in the museum. I would recommend this museum to anybody that comes to Washington dc.

I am so glad we listened to a previous tour guide and started at the bottom floor and worked our way up. Very powerful. I highly recommend visiting the Contemplative Court to take time in a quiet place to process what you’ve seen and learned. Has motivated me to learn more about this history.

DC is a great city. Make sure to visit the National Museum of African American History. It's fantastic. As is the National Portrait Gallery, which is much more than portraits. And the Roosevelt Monument. Very moving. Have fun!

In-depth history that gives hope. Two years ago we drove the Civil Rights Trail from Florida to Memphis and while it was very emotional and interesting to actually stand in places where history had taken place it was also very unsettling and depressing. Given certain current events it feels like not enough people have progressed from racism to justice. The Museum encapsulates the long drive that we took and in places reminds us that there is a large segment of society that continues to strive for equality and justice and this brings hope. It is a must see. There is a lot to see and it truly is worth your time.