Museum itself is incredible. The exhibits are of high quality and well worth the visit. The only reason for losing a star is they haven’t yet figured out how to manage capacity requirements with COVID. Tickets are timed for entrance, but once we got in the museum we had to wait another 30 minutes to actually enter the exhibit.

If I could give this place a 10 star I would! It was an absolutely humbling experience ! Where do you start ? The layout is phenomenal ! You really could take two days to go through everything. If you have the time start on the bottom and work your way through. My favorite sections were the slave house, black panther party section, segregated train and the Oprah section. They have several interactive things throughout the museum as well. I like how they even mentioned controversial subjects like project housing also. All the way up to current events. On the main floor is the food court and the food was delicious! I had the Mac and cheese with collard greens and fried chicken and cornbread. Everything was delicious and the portions were very large. Parking was the only challenge but I parked a few blocks away and walked. There was a line outside but I only waited for about 10 minutes. This was something I had wanted to do for a long time and traveled all the way from Atlanta to experience and it was completely worth it and I will remember it forever. Hopefully I will be able to come back again soon. !

I had an interesting experience visiting this museum last summer. The receptionist was very informative and friendly. The weird thing was what I saw in the train car in the segregation section. After stepping over the threshold into the colored only section of the train, I made eye contact with a man dressed in 1930s clothing with a briefcase on his lap. His face had no shape. Just black. He wore a grey plaid suit jacket and tie and a Frank Sinatra style hat. The train car looked completely different at the moment. Wood trim everywhere with yellow wall paper. It was a bright sunny day outside the windows. Upon hearing the recordings the museum plays on the intercoms, it was like I woke up, and immediately forgot what I saw. The train felt cold for a second before I briefly ran out of the train car and continued on my through the rest of the museum. I recalled what I saw hours later and realized I saw something quite extraordinary. I dont know if anyone else has reported the same siting but I get the sense that man rode that train back in the day. And I saw him...

Opened in 2016, this museum is a must see for understanding and inspiration of African American history, culture, and art over the past centuries and how people and event have shaped our nation. There are 6 levels starting underground with the origins of the slave trade in Europe and the US. As you move up each level, youll be immersed in the struggles for freedom, respect, equality, success, and hope.I recommend AT LEAST 2 hours (3+ if youd like to get the full experience).This museum is on the top of my list when I return to DC again.

Decided to visit THE SMITHSONIAN AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM during COVID... I am so glad, I did. I was able to obtain free tickets to the museum quickly. Parking was 2 blocks away for $25 for the day. The line moved quickly even in the rain. I was able to see all 5 floors in one day. The museum had limited people and it was easy to navigate. I loved the hand sanitizer on every floor. I was able to take pictures and view all exhibits that were opened. This is a must see museum..... EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE!!!!

Beautiful, amazing, informational, and HUGE museum. We were so grateful to have gotten tickets after the Covid reopening. Staff was really helpful and friendly. Highest recommendation!

The exhibits are extremely interesting and informative. Text accompanying visuals are perfect- concise, easy to understand, good for all audiences. Its a remarkable museum that does a great job celebrating African American contributions and culture (upper floors) and also presenting very thorough account of history (lower floors). The museum has strict Covid protocols in place, so you will need to reserve tickets in advance and be prepared to wait in lines in order to enter galleries. I would plan ahead for this and get tickets early in the day so you are sure to have enough time (I waited 40 minutes to get into the history galleries and couldnt give them my full attention as closing time was looming as I entered).

Beautiful, covid19 safety precautions were great. Very enlightening. I only got through 1.5 floors in the 1.5 hrs that I was there. Definitely an all day, multi-day adventure. I cant wait to return!

I visited last year 2019 over The Thanksgiving weekend and I really enjoyed it! The food was absolutely amazing in the cafeteria. It was a touching and wonderful experience.

I give National Museum of African American History and Culture located at 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560 FIVE STARS. So much amazing history for everyone to see. This is one of the many beautiful museums in our country. s

This was such an incredible and humbling experience. If you have the chance to go this is definitely worth it!!

One of the best museums on the national mall rivaling some of the best museums anywhere in the world. Well laid out massive space thats organized and with plenty of exhibit halls to satisfy the most curious intellectual. Easily spend 2-3 hours here to rush through a lot of the information. Worth visiting multiple times especially if youre a local. Really love the underground exhibit detailing some of the most pertinent aspect of African American History and Culture. Extremely immersive and interactive in other exhibits. Well worth a visit for adults and children alike.

POWERFUL!! This place is HUMONGOUS - you will not see it all in one day. I spent 2 hours here and barely got through the basement level. One day I hope to come back to DC and see the rest.

Opened in 2016, this museum is a must see for understanding and inspiration of African American history, culture, and art over the past centuries and how people and event have shaped our nation. There are 6 levels starting underground with the origins of the slave trade in Europe and the US. As you move up each level, youll be immersed in the struggles for freedom, respect, equality, success, and hope.I recommend AT LEAST 2 hours (3+ if youd like to get the full experience).This museum is on the top of my list when I return to DC again.

Beautiful museum. Must purchase a free timed entry ticket days/weeks in advance or else they sell out. Social distancing strictly observed. Some areas can still become too packed in my opinion. There was a 20 minute line to go downstairs, but if you have a stroller or difficulty with stairs, they let you skip the lines and take the elevator. Downstairs was crowded; definitely much less social distancing being practiced. Bathrooms everywhere, very convenient. Escalator and elevator available. Beautiful museum and staff were extremely friendly. All the guards in each exhibit literally greeted me.

Powerful experience! Sad, enlightening, and encouraging all in the same breath! Takes several visits! We digest the powerful experience on the lower level and came back the next day. Saw a lot, still more to see & learn. I am honored at how strong my people are and all they endured for some of comforts we have today and dont even think twice about.

History delivered! A vast amount of information. All people of every race need to visit here and learned who really build AMERICA!!! The 5 star is because they even considered the slaves and a museum to honor them. The Celebrities, the athletes, activest, The President, the fallen black men and women of the military to name a few. IT TOOK LONG ENOUGH!!! Where was this information hidden in our his history classes and social studies WOW UNBELIEVABLE!! This was long overdue. What else are we missing? This was truly a moving moment. Thanks to all the contributors, and donors who made this possible. Theres a lot of pictures, videos and few artifacts. We wanna see more statutes, art work by black artist, and eventually a theater with performances a one of kind show also i didnt see Janet Jackson who should have been there shes always been in control!

A Unique Museum experience! Smithsonian has artfully chronicled African-American history from the Trans-Atlantic Triangular Trade to Present Day America. A must-see for everyone young and old, of African descent or not. You will not be disappointed. Its highly recommended that you budget at least 2-3 hours for the entire museum tour. Theyve curated an impactful collection of artifacts and stories and presented them powerfully. It really helps one understand and piece together some of the outcomes were seeing today. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Very informative. It really helps to be literate. Lots of excitement at announcement of election results.

Truly breathtaking, phenomenal Smithsonian museum. It is free to enter as it is part of the Smithsonian exhibit family. I really loved the concept of taking the elevators down and seeing the 400+ years of history. It is really important to shine the light and educate any museum-goer on the sin of slavery, to the changes and revolution throughout the centuries, and now the empowerment of Black people in recent decades. It is my favorite Smithsonian museum due to this -- the concept, the storytelling, the layout, everything. Given it is one of the newest and most popular Smithsonian museums, I had to get my fiancee and Is tickets in advance. There is quite a long line of folx waiting to get into the elevators to go down, but it is more than worth the wait and trip to D.C.

We had tickets for 1:30. We left Myrtle beach at 4:30 a.m. to get there in time to visit the museum. They were very organized. They made sure each group stayed 6 feet apart. They asked people to ]u)l their mask upso that there nose and mouth was covered. They also would not allow masks with vents. They offered them n95 masks with metal nose pieces.They delayed our entrance until some people came out. They offered us tickets to return since by the time we got in, we had 1 1/2 hours before closing. The exhibits were very interesting and educational. They even had an exhibit about the architecture of the L. B. Brown house in the county where I live. The gift shop had so much to choose from.

Is a large place delving into the history of the African American. From start to finish. It is a lot of information. I would have to take multiple trips in order to appreciate this place more. Cant wait to go back.

To truly learn and understand the contents of this massive museum I fully recommend a two day tour. The slavery section took us 2.5 hours and we didn’t read everything. It is very interesting and requires a calm mind with grace and gentle understanding. You will find artifacts, images and narration. The most moving part for me ( years stung my eyes) was looking at the image of a ship that shows how the slaves were transported from Africa piled up in rows shoulder to shoulder.The upper levels are well displayed but we were hungry and my back was on fire so I just ran to the 2nd level to check out the sports section.Outside there was a selection of food trucks with all kinds of food from burgers, hot dogs, gyros and quesadillas. We went on a Sunday so I am unsure if they are there daily. Take a lovely stroll along the greens and see some familiar and remarkable landmarks.Without a doubt I have to return and add the White House tour to the list.Parking was easy at the Ronald Reagan building we paid $17 for 4hrs.Everyone we encountered was hospitable from the parking attendant to the museum staff and the food vendors. It was truly a wonderful experience. Enjoy!

Emotional, sobering, enlightening and hopeful...the museum impacts your heart and mind. Glad I was able to finally visit and look forward to seeing more.

Very confusing trying to get in, they have a completely different process than all of the other Smithsonian Museums. If you get there less than an hour before closing they will probably be rude to you and not let you in. For every rude employee there was a very helpful employee to even things out. I wish I had had more time to explore the place, but what I did see was very well done and interesting.

This museum has made me feel so empowered and proud to be a black woman. The countless contributions of our ancestors labor, the inventions, education, influence, and entertainment has changed the World! Thank you for creating an outstanding exhibit of the greatness that is African American history.

Excellent..I love this place enjoyed this history right here...A museum with S.W.A.G. The curators did a good job. The food is fantastic. The kids will love it..they wont get bored

I would recommend starting from the lower galleries, this is where I spent most of my time. There’s a lot to take in so take your time

The exhibits are incredible and eye opening to interesting and instrumental history. There is so much to see. If you want to take it all in its best to take a few hours over two to three days to immerse yourself and enjoy this awesome experience.

There is not enough time to delve into the artifacts in detail if you only have one day. Very knowledgeable staff and guides who are sensitive to the visitor especially children for whom some displays are unsuitable. The visitors can be visibly affected and some may be displaying their emotions especially in the lower levels so a somber mood prevails. The restaurant is great and the building is fantastic and the newness is evident. Great views from the balconies.

Wow this Museum is a must see. My wife and I went on Valentines day in the month of Black History. What we saw we will never forget. It is just so much to write about so I wont even try.However, I will say this make time to go to the African American Museum you will not be disappointed.

Beautiful, covid19 safety precautions were great. Very enlightening. I only got through 1.5 floors in the 1.5 hrs that I was there. Definitely an all day, multi-day adventure. I cant wait to return!

It is a large place delving into the history of the African American. From start to finish. It is a lot of information. I would have to take multiple trips in order to appreciate this place more. Cant wait to go back.

Much needed knowledge of our Black history, culture and pioneering in multiple areas that our society still feels today. Recommend multiple visits to fully grasp the magnitude of the African-American society in America.

It was absolutely amazing. Lots of history that captured my attention

This wasnt on the top of my to do list when we visited DC, however we had some extra time on our last day and we ended up going.I have to say that after going, I couldnt believe the amazing experience we had there. This is probably the coolest museum I have ever been to.We started our experience by going down to the lowest level and wound our way up a mile and a half path back towards the main level. This first part of the museum contains a chronological history of African American history and culture. After that we found an amazing rain reflection fountain at the end of that part of the exhibit. Dont miss it. It is sorta hidden in the back corner of that part of the exhibit.After completing that section we worked our way up the escalator floor by floor. Each of these floors has different exhibits of areas like influential people in politics, music, religion, arts, theater, sports, TV, etc.They put together an amazing museum that I was amazed by in every aspect... from the exhibits themselves and the information they provided to the use of space, technology and building design all came together to make for the most amazing museum..Another tip would be to peek out at all the views from each of the holes in the building shell.. you wont want to miss how they made the building architecture part of the museum.. probably some of the best views of DC.Dont miss out on this experience!

The museum was beautiful. I was there was an awesome friend. We was there for about 7 hours I believe and that still wasnt enough time to explore everything. The cafe was amazing most of the food was delicious except for the baked macaroni and cheese and the collard greens which was a huge disappointment. But regards of that it was a great experience that I will be taking the kids.

We were floored with the displays, history, and the amazing details put in place here. We learned so much more than what we already knew. Well done!This museum requires at minimum 2 dedicated days to appreciate on non-holiday weekdays. Very popular location.

I was so happy to get last minute tickets thanks to someone canceling. This museum is very amazing and categorized to take you through time. This should be part of everyones education for sure!

Weve made a few trips and enjoyed it to the fullest. A very powerful learning experience. Thank you Mr. Lonnie Bunch and your supporters!

This museum is usually difficult to get admission tickets, so the trick is to come during winter time. All you need to do is to walk-in. The earlier you arrive, the sooner you will get in.This museum is informative and tells the history, the struggles, and the success of African Americans. A must see! The cool part is that the exhibition is underground.

Visted the museum in May of 2019. It was an amazing experience. The museum is beautiful and well put together. When we went you had to have tickets in advance. My teenage children loved it and learned alot. I will most definitely visit again. Make sure you have a few hours to get through the museum.

This is a fascinating look at the influence of Africans and how their influence shaped American history. It also depicts some of Americas darkest times when the KKK thought it was acceptable to hang a person because of the color of their skin. Wonderful information.. I highly recommend it!

Good day, is this website up-to-date? I am seeing a review dated 4 weeks ago, however the museum is stating temporarily closed until further notice.Kindly confirm the status of the museum, as I intend to visit DC in November. Thank you!

Nothing like this, a unique experience... At lest 4 or 5 visits must be done to check the detail of all the worthy information contained in this amazing building!

Awesome experience! This journey starts 2 floors underground with slavery. You walk through exhibits with complementing visuals and audio. As you proceed through the museum, you are able to experience all the historical events chronologically. Take your time reading the placards, watch a short video, or listen to audio- experience the museum however best fits your learning style. Also, I highly recommend getting a bite to eat at the Sweet Home Cafe where you can experience food from four regions in a cafeteria style format.Overall wonderful experience! Highly recommend for all.

Ive been avoiding this museum despite the raves. As a descendant of slaves, its not something Im anxious to be reminded of. A lot of the truth is horrible in the extreme, the exhibit is a timeline from the 1400s and ends in the first decade of the 21st century. You start in the third level underground and work your way up. We somehow ended up with a docent who explained things well and provided some needed pace through what could easily be a multiple day visit. I was most impressed by the thought and consideration in not only what was presented but how. It was very informative and thought provoking without undue shock value. The horrors werent shouted at you confrontationally, but it was almost as if each individual could determine their own level of detail absorbed. Theres an interactive feature where you sit at a touchscreen and proceed through a series of events in an exercise to provide perspective on how the original people may have considered various actions. We didnt come close to half way through, but I was impressed. We signed up for same day Saturday tickets at 6:30am. Id recommend that as a good way to be flexible and see the exhibit on short notice.

Architecture is stunning. Well designed exhibits, large expansive space but with also close up displays. AV state of the art. Excellent lighting design. Must have tickets on weekends but it is always free. Cafe and meeting areas l. After hours programs both private and public. Opened 2016 so it is one of the newest attractions in DC.

So amazing!! Please go! Theres a few different spots to leave a video recording about what the experience meant to you downstairs, an interactive dance game upstairs and a research lab upstairs as well. Really immersed yourself in an incredible experience!

Amazing I went there January 2020 and it was amazing truly inspirational It’s truly life changing the short movies, artwork and statues absolutely recommend it will open your mind!

No words to describe this amazing museum . One of my favorite . I recommend this museum to every child in the world .It’s really educational and you can learn in a fun way . We got there around 9 am, the Museum opens at 10.00 am and there’s is always a line . You should start bellow ground . You can’t miss the Emmett Till exhibition. This museum is really sad and powerful not only for the history and culture of the African American culture but also for the impressive architecture and design.

I’ve been to the African American museum about three times already and I must say I never get tired of being there. If you plan on soaking up all the information you may want to get there early because it does take a while to go through the whole museum. One of my favorites for sure!

What a amazing experience!! I will warn you my 13yr old found many exhibits to be sad. Overall it was very educational.

Visiting the National Museum of African American History changed my life. It was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. From the moment you walk inside the museum and you begin to explore it, you feel a sense of pride and jubilation. People are everywhere and from all walks of life learning about our history. It makes me proud.

I felt so connected and so at home. THIS IS HISTORY ️.-hated the timed entry pass system, not efficient. Doesn’t take away from the museum though.

This place was amazing. It is beautiful on the outside and beautiful on the inside. You start at the bottom levels which incorporate the history of the slave trade, slave life, the civil war, up to the civil rights movement. The cafeteria is in between the bottom two levels and the top two levels. We found this perfect because the material is so heavy and real we needed to take a minute to really take in everything. The cafeteria is very cool it offers different type of food from different places in the united states. It was also very yummy. Once you head upstairs the next two levels take time to celebrate all the contributions to society and history that were made as well as the influences to mainstream. These two levels are a good juxtaposition to the bottom two levels. The bottom two is very sobering while the top two is up-lifting. I thought the museum was beautiful and truly special. The only reason this is getting a 4 out of 5 stars is the staff was very disorganized.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It was established in December 2003 and opened its permanent home in September 2016 with a ceremony led by President Barack Obama.Early efforts to establish a federally owned museum featuring African-American history and culture can be traced to 1915, although the modern push for such an organization did not begin until the 1970s. After years of little success, a much more serious legislative push began in 1988 that led to authorization of the museum in 2003. A site was selected in 2006, and a design submitted by Freelon Group/Adjaye Associates/Davis Brody Bond was chosen in 2009. Construction began in 2012 and the museum completed in 2016.The NMAAHC is the largest museum dedicated to African-American history and culture. It ranked as the fourth most-visited Smithsonian museum in its first full year of operation. The museum has more than 40,000 objects in its collection, although only about 3,500 items are on display. The 350,000-square-foot (33,000 m2), 10 story building (five above and five below ground) and its exhibits have won critical praise.

I was very disappointed by the museum. There is a great deal of focus on African American accomplishments in sports and entertainment, which be of interest to many, but I would have preferred far more focus on the struggles against slavery and later for civil rights and social justice. Moreover, there seemed to have been many areas that werent explored--for example, the small African-American Museum in San Francisco had a fascinating exhibit of African foods introduced into American cuisine that would have made a nice contribution here; or an exploration of Zora Neal-Hurstons work on the Sanctified Church, as well as an exploration of African contributions through Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Santeria. While there is much to see here, the focus seems incomplete. There was nothing about African speech patterns contribution to the Southern accent, as another example. In fact, reflecting on it now, what seems to be lacking is the African dimension of the African American contribution to the US.

There are no words to describe the experience...history that is being witness and described is astonishing...all I can say is that it is a must go if your in DC!But plan ahead...if your going during off season you should not have much of an issue getting in especially if you go right at the start of the day or about right after lunch.If your going during peak season make sure you get tickets in advance or you might waste your time trying to get in...it’s basically always busy!I would also plan at least 3-4 hours cause there is a multitude of things to see and you might need to give yourself a moment because it can get very emotional.If you can set up a tour...I suggest to because it made my experience that much better!As for the food I was not highly impressed with the taste and the prices were high but that is to be expected I suppose. Still good to go try and support!Get the shrimp and grits or the ribs! The fried chicken, greens, cornbread, and sadly the Mac and cheese were a bit lack luster when I visited...

Beautiful museum architecturally. And content wide showcases the struggles of African American community. Some very poignant exhibits. Covers the laborers, poets, artists, sculptures, sports personalities, strugglers, musicians. The museum interior connects to historic monuments around the National Mall by placing perfect openings in its exterior grilled frame.

Although I literally waited years to see the Smithsonian’s African American museum, I left feeling very disappointed. Of course, the building itself is gorgeous. There are a few original building structures and vehicles, along with well-cast statues, but a surprising number of display objects had been “temporarily removed.”Nevertheless, it seemed that the capture, slavery, and domination of millions of African people over hundreds of years was sanitized in its presentation, and the progress of African American people was overplayed through dramatic changes in lighting and visual displays. Obviously, it’s a museum that every U. S. citizen should visit, but I expected more from the Smithsonian.

This museum was so powerful. It really required the whole day, but I only had a few hours. The space is very intentional in its design, and taking an elevator down to the crowded, dark exhibit of the Middle Passage set a meaningful tone. Walking into the Paradox of Liberty with the list of Thomas Jeffersons slaves was a jaw dropping exhibit. After finally making it through sorrow and oppression, the top floor was a beautiful celebration of African American music, art, and culture. Highlights included Chuck Berrys Cadillac, Harriet Tubmans shawl, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Oprahs couch. Of course the museum is free and also a short walk from the Smithsonian Metro or off the DC Circulator.

I didn’t have to have an apt. We walked up, and got passes online. I was really impressed with the architecture in this place. It’s grand and modern, yet somewhat somber. They have amazing interactive exhibits. I re learned a lot of things and was barely able to keep my composure. The place is full of details and short films. I recommend very much to everyone, because it seems even today most people don’t know the atrocities committed agains Africans and African Americans.

An amazing experience. Really enjoyed our time here. Each level is packed with an amazing experience or re-living of the African American history.It was also great to see pieces of the low country of South Carolina to be included.I am throughly impressed. Will be returning, and for this time of year at Christmas, there was no wait.

I really liked here loved the food and the hot food the mac and cheese also i like how they organized the place also if i could 10 stars I would!

I was dazzled by the ‘Watching Oprah’ exhibition. Her Iconic dresses, Iconic fashion moments, the Oprah effect and all. It’s a Must See! The museum is a very historic and informative. I will definitely be returning because I couldn’t cover all in one day, it’s massive. I highly recommend this tourist attraction to all tourists and locals. It took me days to get the free ticket but i tell you, it’s worth the wait for such a wonderful experience.

No words can describe how powerful this museum is. We were so happy to get a chance to see it.

African American Museum- one of the best museums in my life ! The way and the order that they arrange the history of the African American people are absolutely amazing and impressive.Not only the content of the museum but the all messages, videos and music are touching!

This Museum was full of so much of the African American History that I didnt even know much about. Growing up in the Caribbean, I learned more about the Caribbean side to the story of slavery and the road to freedom. I appreciated this experience because it added to my knowledge of the slavery experience in the US and their road to freedom and the numerous accomplishments made ever since then.I recommend this to everyone, even if you only go there for the food because that was amazing too. The food offered is not just what I shared a picture of. Its a whole buffet/cafeteria area that you can choose and mix what youd like.

Amazing. It is a lot to take in even if you are knowledgeable about our history. Took about 3-4 hrs to see the 1st three floors so plan to spend your entire day here or plan to make multiple visits. Every human should visit and at least visit the lower three floors. I was amazed to hear teenagers asking why signs said Colored only. Segregation wasnt 20 lifetimes ago. The masses are clearly failing at teaching the history of America and celebrating contributions of marginalized people, or some might feel proud because they have successfully sold the lies by changing the narrative to depict a less traumatic and hostile history in some circles.Be open to the experience and feelings, and wear very comfy supportive shoes. Many asked about my shirt while I was in the museum. I felt like it was perfect for the occasion It is a Surly Shirt original surlyshirts(dot)com

This museum is so full of history. I wish that I could have spent another day in it as I did not get to see everything. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. The exhibits were well put together. Its so much to see and you get captivated by it all. If you are not able to get your tickets ahead of time they do have same day tickets but you have to be on at 630am in order to get them they go fast. Im September they will have open door. They will test this for a month and see how it does. This is a must see if you are in Washington.

Plan a 2 day trip. It will take that long. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Everyone should go. This museum makes you laugh, cry, sigh and more. I learned a lot of history that I did not know. The detail that was put into these exhibits were Amazing. Please, you just have to see for yourself

My group was one of the only white ones when I went lol. That was like two years ago so it might not be that way anymore. I’d probably go again next time I go to DC

Very organized to get you in and out to view each exhibit while making sure people wear their masks. Staff is quite helpful, line move expediently and would visit again.

Too many restrictions and not enough planning or coordinating to make it easier to visit the museum on the weekend.

GREATEST EXPERIENCE EVER! The museum itself is a great idea! The exhibits inside are entirely another great idea! I’ve been to the museum three times and I’m sure i will continue to go back every time I’m in DC. Tickets are free - you just need to reserve a free one before you arrive. If you’re military personnel, you don’t need a ticket reservation, just bring your military ID. You need a good hour or two in order to take your time and see everything! Great history!

Good place to remember all those who came before us helping build our country and culture to make make it an amazing melting pot showcasing of talent, creativity and perserverence to become great.

I’ve been to this museum about 4 times and learn more every time. the representation of african americans resonates deeply we myself and those i’ve been with.there’s also a gallery upstairs that is quite beautiful in it’s own light. i’m excited to visit again

There is so much history in here that I could easily spend a lifetime and not see everything. The bottom three floors go back in time and allow you to see the start of the Slave Trade and walk your way to the present. The upper floors focus on the contributions of African Americans and it is truly inspiring. Groups can enter the museum free after 3pm on weekdays. However the museum closes at 5:30pm on weekdays. So if you dont want to be rushed, get tickets so you can spend the much needed time to go through everything.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an informative, inspiring, breathtaking yet gut wrenching site to visit in Washington D.C. I highly recommend everyone to visit and see the unbelievable accomplishments of these great Americans.

Well done. Very heavy experience. Thought-provoking. I loved some of the exhibits. The layout provides a comprehensive journey through history.

Beautiful gorgeous museum!So much to see though inexhaustible for one visit.Would have to come back.

When will this place open again? I’m hoping soon I want to bring my family to visit. I’ve been here in 2014 and I would love to come again. I really miss this place had such a great time.

The museum is amazing. Start at the bottom floor and work your way up. You may need a few visits before you see all that the Museum has to offer, but its work the trip.The food is amazing, good old fashion soul food. Yum!This museum is a must for everyone. There is history here that will surprise even a historian, I was raised by a father who had a Masters in Africa studies and even he would have gained additional knowledge here. Make the trip!

Knowledge is POWER! Readand learn from the past mistakes. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It was established in December 2003 and opened its permanent home in September 2016 with a ceremony led by President Barack Obama.

So much to see! Wear comfy shoes. Get a free day pass online if you want to get in at 10am or you will have to wait until 1pm to walk in without one. We didnt get to see it all, but what we did was amazing! Great history!

The museum is extraordinary. It is the newest of the Smithsonian museums on the mall and it is a beautiful building. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was a happiness and expectation in the patrons. Other museums like the Air and Space and Natural history often have real excitement in the air, especially from children, but the happiness here was noticeable. Perhaps I just caught everyone on a particularly happy, rainy Monday, but I think there is more to it than that. The exhibits are really well done, informative, interactive, with a story, a purpose, and a logical flow. This is a must see museum. I’ll be going back soon to see more. There is plenty to do for all ages on every floor and in every exhibit. Be sure to get a pass online before you come to reserve your time slot. Military and staff can get in without a pass, but it’s best to get a pass regardless. The pass is free, it’s just a means to manage the crowds, much like at the WTC Memorial in NYC. Don’t miss it, go check it out.

This place was a very emotional journey into our countrys history. There was so much to see and read, but at the end I left knowing we still have a long way to go to continue the good fight for freedom and equality for all. I reccomend everyone stop in and see how America came to be.

Great experience. This museum is very informative. I attended the first week it opened but never got a chance to get through the whole museum until yesterday and today. I arrived at 8:30 and stayed until it closed yesterday and did the same today. The museum is massive. The basement is 1.1 mile long full of history. There is no possible way to go through that while museum and take in everything in one day. I learned so much. Its in a great location but parking will be hard to find if you come after 10ish because DC is a tourist spot and many people travel there just to do tourist things. The security guards, info desk clerks and exhibit maintainers are very helpful in regards to directions. The museum is very well laid out with a well thought out somewhat linear path throughout the museum. I definitely enjoyed the experience and would love to go back as soon as I get some free time.

It’s so beautiful!!! Words can’t describe all the beauty & history in this museum. I suggest getting early morning tickets, because they’re so much to see. In all honesty, you really need two days to see everything!!!! I was already proud to be Black, but being in the presence of all that information & history, made me even prouder!!! We were in there 3.5 hours & still didn’t see everything. I’m definitely going back.

The building is absolutely beautiful. They have done an excellent job of taking you back through time. However, the lower level which is the most popular exhibit due to slavery and the Emmett Till exhibit can become quite congested. It is rather somber and can take quite some time to read and see the information due to the large crowds in that area. There are great things to see such as items from Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Nate Turner. There is also a slave cabin and a train car to show the difference in how blacks and whites were allowed to travel. However, I personally would have loved to have seen more with regard to slavery artifacts and I am sure this will grow over time. On the upper level, you will see items from the Jacksons, Parliament, Chuck Berry, Muhammad Ali and a host of other exciting items. The museum requires more than one visit and I will make an honest effort each time I am in DC. Although my friends and I did not have tickets we were lucky to meet a family online who had an extra set and were able to share with us. Therefore, it is important to order tickets. The family with whom we were able to enter ordered their tickets the day before at 6:30 a.m. from the website.On another note the food in the dining hall is very good and the portions are generous, however, you cannot take it out. There is no exit from the cafeteria and the food is not allowed back into the museum. Be mindful of this.

While planning our trip to Washington, D. C., this was my top priority in places to see! I was worried because I had heard it was difficult to get into and I couldnt get passes ahead of time. There are a few different options on how to get tickets from getting far in advance, day of online, and walk up on the day of. We chose to get our tickets the morning of. So I kept resisting the page at 0630 am until the timer slots were available at 0631! I was able to get two tickets to enter for free! Im still astounded that we were able to go see this fabulous museum for free. I get that thats how it is with Smithsonian museums, but wow! We were not able to see the entire museum in one day so we saw C3-C1 from slavery Civil Rights movement to current day with Obama and Oprah. I cant wait to go back and see the rest of the arts and culture! We went to the Sweet Home Café while there and there fried chicken and macaroni and cheese were actually really good, talk about being pleasantly surprised! Overall, I left that museum feeling more proud of being an African American woman than when I walked in! I cant wait to go back and see the rest of it!

We visit and Wao we really like everything, we love walking around and see all this beautiful places, my friends visit and we are planning for another trip to Washington DC . Thanks so much.

I only made it halfway thru before I had to leave for another engagement...and Im already hype about going back for the second half!! Amazing walk thru history that resonates in the present. Your power lies in your history and this museum does a thorough job of covering as much of that history as possible.

Amazing museum but busy and them being busy shows in small ways. For example, the lockers are almost all broken, the bathrooms are out of paper towels, some of the water fountains dont work. There are other odd quirks as well. Not every floor has a bathroom. The lowest floors are too busy to comfortably see everything without feeling rushed. I will definitely be coming back to see the museum again because I dont feel like I got to see everything properly.

Loved it!I only made to see the three sublevels before needing to leave. While it is amazing in its content and has a plethora of information that should trigger you to read, study, evaluate independently, because Knowledge of Self is indeed Power, it is a space to return to multiple times.Its rich in honorable strategic mentions, but if you are diligent about learning and feeling history, you will know, you will feel that its merely a drop in the bucket compared to our insurmountable involuntary and voluntary contributions to this far from united territories of America.

Awesome, amazing & inspiring! I spent a day with my mother going through the museum and saw most everything. Well definitely have to make several trips back to take it all in. The staff throughout the facility were friendly and helpful. Thanks for a great day! If you are going with younger children just know that youll be walking the entire time. No elevators are available except when entering at the start of the exhibits, so please plan well!

Incredible! Life changing! A must see for ALL Americans. My five and seven year old enjoyed it as well! My husband and I became overwhelmed with emotion. Such thought and care went into the planning of this museum. I would love to go again with out my two children so that I can move slowly through all of the exhibits and take everything in. I truly enjoyed each exhibit and the food was surprisingly amazing!

Definetly a place that you need to spend more than four hours on. The top floors is used as a way to celebrate culture. The art and music floors were astonishing! while the bottom floors outline the beginning of a period of enslavement and the constant fight for civil rights. It was shocking what we did, and it confronts me with the sins of my forefathers. It made me uncomfortable with the knowledge it gave me, and I think that is the most important thing a museum can do.

Nice museum! It is quite new... So it has many, many visitors. It tells an important part of the American history.