Vibrant museum gift shop featuring unique African artwork, home decorations, clothing & jewelry.
Like all Smithsonians, it is excellent and free. They feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary African art. The collections are a bit smaller than many other Smithsonians, so it may take you only a few hours to go through. The museum shop is excellent. I particularly liked the beadwork. One annoyance was that some of their exhibits asked you to scan a QR code to get the explanation. Fortunately, most of the exhibits still had signs. Hopefully, this isn't where the Smithsonians are headed. I don't want to have to break out my phone while exploring the museum.
Initially, I wanted to check it out just to see what this museum had to offer. We ended up being there for over two hours. It was extremely interesting with beautiful art. Sam, the curator, gave us a tour about the lower area of the exhibits. I'm glad to see that some exhibits that once contained items are now empty. The pieces were rightfully returned to their people and countries in Africa.
Incredible museum with traditional pieces to contemporary vibrant artwork, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. We liked how spacious the facility is, and we can't believe it was not busy, a museum of this caliber would be packed in other major cities. The basement level has an underground connecting tunnel to the Asian museum, we liked the convenience, and it's an easy way to see 2 impressive museums.
Make sure you check out the incredible current exhibit "From The Deep" and the African Movement class happening the first 3 Saturdays of July, August and September - such a great way to start the weekend. A bit of dance, a bit of art and then we headed out for brunch!!
This museum is filled with tons of colourful and unique art involving recycling old items. The free admission here is very nice. There are three different sublevels with each one having a different theme you can check out. Personally, my favourite art piece here was the ring made out of gasoline cans. The gift shop also had a huge variety of souvenirs made in Africa at a good price. I am glad I checked this place out and you definitely should too! Highly recommend!
Beautiful museum. The tapestry to share memories was a nice touch and the black and white photos…nostalgic. The gift store is a must visit.
The From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson exhibit is so interactive and amazing. The Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits are so vibrant and beautiful. This museum is a must from the top to the bottom. The gift ship has lots if made in Africa products. I went on a Friday around 1pm. Was not too busy. Was easily enjoyed.
950 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
Washington, D.C. 20560
Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
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