National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian's newest museum, with a three-tiered bronze latticed 'corona' facade, climbing from underground history galleries through four centuries of African American history.
Opened in 2016 and designed by David Adjaye, the museum's bronze openwork lattice facade is drawn from Yoruba wooden crowns. The visit begins with the slave trade gallery on the underground C3 level and continues up a ramp through the Civil War, segregation and the civil rights movement to the Obama era, while the upper floors cover music, sports and culture. The Sweet Home Café in the basement, serving Southern food, gets high praise. Admission is free, but during peak season you need to reserve timed entry passes in advance on the official website. A full visit takes half a day.
Opening hours
10:00–17:30 (closed Dec 25)
Nearby sights
- National Museum of American History
- Washington Monument
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Freer Gallery of Art
- National Museum of Natural History
- The White House
- National World War II Memorial
- Ford's Theatre