National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture
5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
This 10-story Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to showcasing the African-American way of life, culture, and experiences through America's history.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Federal Triangle • 6 min walk
- Smithsonian • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,110 within 5 kms
Attractions
598 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,641 reviews
Excellent
3,070
Very good
396
Average
94
Poor
30
Terrible
51
GreenMountainGirls
Montpelier, VT202 contributions
Mar 2023
So excellent. Allow plenty of time. Plan to take it slowly. Make sure to get reservations for a time-entry ticket well ahead of time. Go at 10:00 for smaller crowds. And be prepared to be moved. We didn't see the whole museum but spent three hours walking through the entire history section. Even if you think you know all this history, it's a powerful experience to see how they have put it all together with so many perspectives and voices that have been forgotten or ignored or buried. Beautifully done museum, well worth the visit. Regarding food, we'd heard good things about the cafe but we were there on a crowded weekend so we chose not to wait in the very long line for the cafe and went elsewhere instead. We did notice a ton of food carts outside the museum!
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessica Nham
Washington DC, DC8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
A masterpiece by the British Starchitect David Adjaye. Takes more than 1 visit to truly appreciate the architecture and the curation of the exhibits. The historic timeline takes you from pre-slavery all the way through present time. There are artifacts that span all time periods. I saw some beautiful photography and artwork about the BLM protests and the victims of police brutality at a recent exhibit.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum and passion for African American history.
We thank you for sharing your personal experience visiting the museum and hope you plan to return! Thank you for visiting and submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim R
Kingston, NY87 contributions
Feb 2023
This is a critical visit for anyone coming to DC. Knowing African-American history is critical to understanding American history. But - it is an exhausting story of horror, and cruelty, and struggle - one that isn't yet complete. And it requires time. I spent 5 hours on the Lower Level alone (History), and will have to return for the upper levels.
Note that it was very busy when I visited, and you do need to book ticket-entry-times in advance.
The cafe has many food selections, but had a very long line around lunch time and a long-line to pay after lunch (not enough cashiers... by the time I paid and sat my meal was cold!).
Note that it was very busy when I visited, and you do need to book ticket-entry-times in advance.
The cafe has many food selections, but had a very long line around lunch time and a long-line to pay after lunch (not enough cashiers... by the time I paid and sat my meal was cold!).
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum, and we thank you for providing your personal experience and tips for visiting the museum. We hope you plan to return! Thank you for visiting and submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marketta h
Ridgeland, SC2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Traveling from South Carolina I was so proud to see our southern styles helped shaped the culture and displayed in the museum.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum and passion for African American history. We thank you for sharing your personal experience visiting the museum! Thank you for submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chimata-no-kami
New York City, NY204 contributions
Feb 2023
Let me say that I am quite conservative and do not subscribe to the whole new wokeness craze. However, this museum is extremely well thought through, the content is quite informative and the exhibits draw your attention (I've spent hours reading some of the descriptions). It is also good that the content is not just about the suffering and struggle of African Americans, but also highlights their achievements in American society.
I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for poor logistics - to get into the history section there is a long line...
I would give it 5 stars if it wasn't for poor logistics - to get into the history section there is a long line...
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum and passion for African American history. We thank you for sharing your personal experience visiting the museum! Thank you for submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia B
Boston, MA66 contributions
Jan 2023
It took me a year to get tickets and I'm afraid I was disappointed. There are no docent led tours so you explore on your own. The lobby is giant and offers lockers but you need to search for them. You start the exhibits on the lower level and follow history as you rise in levels. The actual exhibit space is tight and the lighting low, I found it difficult to read many of the explanations, which were wordy to start with. The cafeteria was large with a southern menu, we had already eaten so only ordered tea and cake. The gift shop was small with limited items. Considering the many museum options in Washington, I would not put this on my "must see" list.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We apologize that we did not meet your expectations. We appreciate your honest feedback, even though it was very regrettable to read about your experience. We are very serious about ensuring that our visitors have a favorable experience.
Please know we have taken your comment seriously. We ask that you allow us another opportunity to serve you, as we encourage you to visit our museum again soon.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg2117
Pace, FL741 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
This museum is really well done and offers a lot of insight into how the first slaves were brought over and how our country progressed. Great examples of African culture and how our country benefited from it. Huge donations by Oprah and bill gates to this make this place what it is.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Greg
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum and passion for African American history.
We thank you for sharing your personal experience visiting the museum and hope you plan to return! Thank you for visiting and submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Krista
Charlottesville, VA8 contributions
Feb 2023
Beautiful and immersive experience designed to give a lasting and valuable memory for the whole family! Our family of 4 (1 adult, 3 kids ages 13, 11, 6) enjoyed this museum equally and for a variety of reasons. The exhibits and space are designed to create a special experience for all ages. I was especially pleased to see that young children were considered in hands on learning and it provided an immersive experience that didn't fully rely their reading ability to enjoy. This museum is an absolute must when touring D.C. I will be going back child-free so I can spend even more time reading and delving deep into the large amount of information and history within.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Owtloud
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum, and we thank you for providing your personal experience and tips for visiting the museum. We look forward to your return! Thank you for visiting and submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
denverista
Denver, CO134 contributions
Feb 2023
This is well worth a visit -- beautiful building, educational exhibits. It is busy and the space on the lowest level can get crowded--not the best ventilation, so bring a good mask if you are so inclined.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Denverista,
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum, and we thank you for providing your personal experience and tips for visiting the museum. We hope you plan to return! Thank you for visiting and submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LANCE O
1,140 contributions
Oct 2022
fabulous...wonderful...inspiring...and be sure to have lunch at the cafeteria, the food is excellent
you could be there one to two hours...you could be there one to two days...totally awesome no matter the time spent
enjoy
you could be there one to two hours...you could be there one to two days...totally awesome no matter the time spent
enjoy
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Lance O,
Thank you for visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture and providing your feedback. We appreciate your enthusiasm for the museum, and we thank you for providing your personal experience and tips for visiting the museum. We hope you plan to return! Thank you for visiting and submitting a review.
Sincerely,
Visitor and Guest Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Crossfam5
Pulaski, TN1 contribution
How much time is required to see the whole museum?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Thank you for your interest in visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Please be prepared for wait times as you enter the museum. There are 85,000 square feet of exhibition space; the pace at which you choose to tour the museum will determine the length of your visit.
When do same day passes become available?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hi Tanya,
Advanced timed-entry passes are released daily beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST.
Same-day timed-entry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. EST daily.
IG B
United States
Hi, prior to the pandemic, the Museum allowed for active duty and veterans (with ID cards) to walk up to the entrance and bring in at least 2 other individuals. Can you still do this?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hi IG,
We are honored to welcome veterans, active-duty personnel and first responders to the museum. After showing their military or work ID badge, they may enter with one guest without reserving a free-timed entry pass. Entry begins by joining the general line and checking in at the triage tents located near the building entrances on 15th Street and Madison Drive or 14th Street and Constitution Ave.
Please note: museum entry is subject to building capacity; weekends and holidays are peak visitation times. If the museum is at or near capacity, all visitors standing in line will be asked to wait until the museum has room to accommodate them.
I requested time passes for May 6, how do I print them?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hello Hilda,
You can print your passes by searching for the email entitled 'etix.' Once opened you will see a blue 'view registration(s)' button. Click the button and then you will see your pass displayed with a prompt to print the passes. There is also an option to view your passes on a mobile device.
Is a Nurse Practitioner considered a first responders qualified to enter museum without reserving a free timed entry pass
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hello Journey826314,
Unfortunately, no. We define first responders as "law enforcement officers, paramedics, EMT's and firefighters." For more information please visit our website on how to obtain passes.
I am a charter member. How can I get tickets?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hello,
Thank you for donating to the museum!
Passes are released throughout each day, beginning at 8:00 a.m., for time slots 30 days out at
NMAAHC.si.edu/visit. The Museum remains extremely popular and we are limiting the number of people who can enter the museum in the initial stages of reopening for the safety of all visitors and staff.
 Passes are going very quickly. We continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and local health officials and governments to inform decisions regarding our reopening protocols.  A limited number of same-day passes will be available each day the Museum is open starting at 8:15AM EST. Go to NMAAHC.si.edu/visit to view the availability of passes. All passes are distributed online, there will be no passes available at the Museum. If you have a specific question regarding membership and passes, please reach out to NMAAHC Membership at NMAAHCmember@si.edu
Sincerely,
NMAAHC Visitor Services
Ronald N
Baltimore, MD
How does a Charter Member get a ticket?
gomcclelland
Poughkeepsie, NY79 contributions
The calendar shows timed-entry passes for thirty days in advance. Passes are usually claimed within minutes of their release at 8:00 am (ET). A limited number of same day passes are released at 8:15 am (ET). When visitors cannot use their reserved passes, they become available on the calendar. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at NMAAHCVisitorServices@si.edu.
1 month ago
Footprints247272
Washington DC, DC
Is the museum still offering no ticket weekdays from September through February?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hi Footprints247272,
Unfortunately at this time, are not offering our previous walk-ups due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are constantly reevaluating our visitor and ticket procedures out of an abundance of caution. For the latest updates on pass releases and our group size limits, please check our visit page on our website frequently.
We will gradually increase our capacity and distribute additional passes. We are limiting the number of people who can enter the museum for the safety of all visitors and staff.
If you were unable to reserve timed-entry passes for the date and time you selected; we encourage you to visit our website for more information.
The calendar shows timed-entry passes for thirty days in advance. Passes are usually claimed within minutes of their release at 8:00 am (ET). A limited number of same day passes are released at 8:15 am (ET). When visitors cannot use their reserved passes, they become available on the calendar. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at NMAAHCVisitorServices@si.edu.
metro1288
Sydney, Australia20 contributions
Tickets seem to be perpetually sold out regardless or day, makes me think that there is something wrong with the ticketing website. Anyone else having this issue?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Dear metro1288,
We are sorry to hear that you weren’t able to obtain passes for the date you wished. Currently,
Passes are released throughout each day, beginning at 8:00 a.m., for time slots 30 days out at
NMAAHC.si.edu/visit. The Museum remains extremely popular and we are limiting the number of people who can enter the museum in the initial stages of reopening for the safety of all visitors and staff.
 Passes are going very quickly. We continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and local health officials and governments to inform decisions regarding our reopening protocols.  A limited number of same-day passes will be available each day the Museum is open starting at 8:15AM EST. Go to NMAAHC.si.edu/visit to view the availability of passes. All passes are distributed online, there will be no passes available at the Museum.
Sincerely,
NMAAHC Visitor Services
michaelstinybb
4 contributions
There don’t seem to be any tickets available for this attraction. Are there walk up tickets available on the day?
Ask_NMAAHC
Washington DC, DC
Hello Michaelstinybb,
We are sorry to hear that you weren’t able to obtain passes for the date you wished. Currently,
Passes are released throughout each day, beginning at 8:00 a.m., for time slots 30 days out at
NMAAHC.si.edu/visit. The Museum remains extremely popular and we are limiting the number of people who can enter the museum in the initial stages of reopening for the safety of all visitors and staff.
 Passes are going very quickly. We continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and local health officials and governments to inform decisions regarding our reopening protocols.  A limited number of same-day passes will be available each day the Museum is open starting at 8:15AM EST. Go to NMAAHC.si.edu/visit to view the availability of passes. All passes are distributed online, there will be no passes available at the Museum.
Sincerely,
NMAAHC Visitor Services
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE (Washington DC) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of African American History and Culture is open:
- Mon - Mon 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking National Museum of African American History and Culture tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 19 National Museum of African American History and Culture tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience National Museum of African American History and Culture:
- African-American History Tour with Museum Admission (From S$119.72)
- DC's History of Slavery Tour (From S$53.81)
- African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket (From S$121.07)
- Private Black History Tour Washington DC (From S$706.22)
- 3-Hour Small Group Night-Time National Mall Tour with 10 Top Attractions (From S$133.17)
- Hotels near National Museum of African American History and Culture:
- (0.55 km) Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- (0.58 km) InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel
- (0.67 km) Hotel Washington
- (0.99 km) Riggs Washington DC
- (1.10 km) The Hay-Adams
- Restaurants near National Museum of African American History and Culture:
- (0.01 km) Sweet Home Cafe
- (0.20 km) Cafes at the National Museum of American History
- (0.24 km) G Street Food
- (0.33 km) Timgad Cafe
- (0.58 km) Round Robin Bar
- Attractions near National Museum of African American History and Culture:
- (0.05 km) DC Time Travel Tours
- (0.19 km) DC Design Tours
- (0.22 km) National Museum of American History
- (0.30 km) Washington Monument
- (0.39 km) DC Pedicab