Famous Places: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a powerful journey through history, resilience, and the rich contributions of African American culture.

It is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which means admission to the museum is free.

The Museums Background

One noticeable feature about this museum is the architectural style of the building. The building was established in 2016, and the style was influenced by Yoruba art.

It was designed by architect David Adjaye.

Visiting the African American Museum – Some Exciting Facts

The museum contains more than 40 thousand items on display which include the shawl of Harriet Tubman and the Bible of Nat Turner.

The building itself is bronze in color. The design is reminiscent of the ironwork created by enslaved African Americans in the Southern regions.

An entire exhibit is devoted to honoring Oprah Winfrey for her contributions to television and culture with backing from her supporters.

The museum is spread across five floors, with lover levels showcasing history and the upper levels emphasizing culture, community, and art.

The Statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos

In the sports gallery of the museum there is an exhibit featuring a life statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, renowned USA track and field athletes.

The sculpture captures the moment from the 1968 Summer Olympics when Smith and Carlos took a stance for civil rights. What they did was to raise their fists after winning gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter race.

They both wore gloves as a symbol of pride and unity and bowed their heads with a sock on each foot.

The athletes were at risk of being removed from the Olympic squad. Initially, they received a lot of criticism for their actions. Today, their protest is seen as an instance of sports activism, representative of bravery and the fight for equality.

The statue placed prominently in the museums sports exhibit encourages visitors to contemplate the significant impact sports have had on social justice movements.

It serves as a reminder of how impactful personal actions and unity can be in driving change.

Quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. On Display at the Museum

Visitors exploring the museum will come across quotes, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., beautifully engraved on the walls.

The quotes highlight the themes of justice and equality and mirror Dr. King’s impact on American society and the civil rights movement.

Each quote prompts contemplation about his perspective and the continual fight for fairness and liberation.

The museum also features quotes from activists.

Admission and Visit Information

Admission to the NMAAHC is free of charge; however timed entry passes are necessary, for entry. It is advisable to secure your passes online. You can visit the NMAAHC Website here.

The museum is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on December 25th when it remains closed.

Visiting the African American Museum

Exploring the NMAAHC is a moving experience that begins with the displays underground and progresses to the cultural exhibits above ground.
The lower levels detail the history of African Americans from the time of enslavement to the civil rights era.
As visitors move higher up the levels, they come across displays showcasing accomplishments of Americans in sports, arts and culture.

Here are Some Tips for Your Visit

Book your tickets in advance as timed entry passes are necessary and popular time slots tend to get booked.

It’s a good idea to arrive early as this will give you enough time to properly explore this museum. There is a ground to cover!

Remember to take breaks during your visit to the exhibits as they can be emotionally intense; feel free to take a moment to relax in the seating areas provided.

Nearby Attractions

The museum sits in the heart of the National Mall near known landmarks.

It is a short stroll away from the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Several other museums, within the network, such as the National Museum of Natural History, are situated close by and offer complimentary admission as well.

The best times for a visit would be in the beginning of spring or during the fall season when the temperature is pleasant.

On weekdays usually it’s less crowded compared to weekends.

Have you been to the National Museum of African American History and Culture? What was the memorable aspect for you? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section!