National Museum of African American History and Culture Reviews

Like other museums, this one takes you on a journey from the origination of slavery to modern day.
It is moving and thought provoking. There is plenty to celebrate as we see the course of time and how far we've come.

Even thought I've been to NMAAHC no less than ten times, it fills my soul every time I go. It is the history that was once invisibilized at the national level, but has been curated in the basements, attics, family bibles, oral traditions, and diaries of American Americans around this nation. It is the celebration and joy found in a culture that has inspired every facet of U.S. culture. It's one of the most important museums in our nation.

Our visit was primarily to the special exhibit on afrofuturism and I loved how deeply it went. There were less known obscure facts about the afronauts, and elevation of the vanguard musicians who truly introduced so many varieties of music. And more serious moments that pull out your heart like the ode to Chadwick Boseman and uplifting of Trayvon Martin's dream to be an astronaut. It's possible as in every visit to feel the tears of joyfulness and emotional in one mere exhibit.

Make sure to see if there are any special events in the auditorium. On this visit, we were able to see a student showcase that the Denyce Graves Foundation was hosting. The performances were absolutely stunning.

Plan for, at least, 3 hours, but a full day if you haven't seen the permanent exhibits and enjoy.

Very well done museum, though we only visited the History bit not the Culture bit.
You enter at street level. History is 3 subterranean levels. Culture is 3 above ground levels.
Not that this is obvious when you walk in – there is no information available, and the signage is non-existent. It is one of these new age museums that is basically fancy blank walls everywhere, with everything hidden. Irritates me.
We eventually figured out what we are supposed to do, and headed down the escalator to the first lower level.
They control the numbers into the history piece, and initially you have to queue. Then you head down to the lowest level and work your way back up, following a controlled one-way path through all the exhibits.
Its basically one level per each of these:
• 1400s to 1850s slave trade
• 1850s to 1960s segregation
• 1960s to now the ongoing struggle
Extensive detail in sections 1 and 2, not remotely judgemental very factual.
Left with a lot of knowledge about the extensiveness of the slave trade and the way America’s growth depended on it, and also how widespread it was in Europe. Experiences what it was like to be enslaved. Before 1400s, Africa traded with the world as equals, before Europeans started hunting and capturing people as slaves.
Learned a lot about the struggle to make freedom a reality, and the whole segregation era.
The 1960s+ section is more preachy and yet struggled to define what is actually now still be done (which I guess tell you the answer).
Highly valuable experience for the first two sections.
Have no idea about the culture bit, wasn’t interested.

This museum has been on my "bucket" list for many years. The pandemic delayed my trip, but this year, I made a special effort to secure tickets.

From my initial entry into the museum, I knew this was going to be a special trip. I walked up to the information desk and asked the employee, "As a first timer, where do I begin?" She answered by saying, "The museum is decided into two main sections, History and Culture. Which are true most interested?" With a slight pause, I said,"Let's start with history."

She showed me where to take the elevator 3 stories down at the start of the History section and work my way back up to the main level.

Even though I visited at 2 pm on the 4th of July, the museum was not overly crowded.

The exhibits were well documented and presented in a way to allow a person to take all the time they needed to absorb the content without feeling rushed or in the way.

The most impactful display to me was the exhibit of the segregated railway car. To visually see the difference between the "colored" and "white" section allowed me to "experience" the shame a person felt during that time.

Please take the time to schesule a visit to this museum. The tickets are released one month in advance. I would recommend setting aside 2, 3 hour days, at a minimum. You will not be disappointed.

A remarkable museum! There’s so much to look at, listen to, and experience, that my feet gave out after 5 hours of marveling.

Every inch of this museum tell a story. Easy to get around. The structure itself is a must see. Through provoking journey through American history.

I'm a museum novice but I enjoyed the exhibits. They even had one on Oprah! The civil rights area with the interactive lunch counter was awesome.
BUT I couldn't believe they don't really offer guided tours ("subj to resched" so probably not reliable, sadly). Also it's quite dark in some parts & I have pretty good vision. Just an incredible amount of info to take in on your own without guidance!! But I do plan to return one day IF I can get tix via their terrible process!

I’m still speechless. I took my time exploring each exhibit and was able to learn, laugh, celebrate & cry all in one trip.

Plan on spending the entire day here so get your ticket for early in the day. And be on time...they wouldn't let us in even 5 minutes before the scheduled time (not even to go to the restaurant--which is delicious and reasonably priced) and we saw people who arrived after their scheduled time get turned away. Plan your visit, it is impossible to see everything so if there is something you really want to see or learn about plan it ahead. It was quite crowded but well worth it. A must see.

Incredible museum tracing the history of African Americans. There is so much to learn, and the exhibits are really well done.

This museum is wonderful and enormous! There is really too much to do in just one day, and we found it very crowded, despite timed tickets. I wish there were more interactive exhibits, but the ones they had were excellent. Overall, it's a museum worth visiting.

We have been to Washington over the years mostly for work. This time we took some time for ourselves. A chance encounter with a fellow wedding guest led us to this museum. It was beyond fabulous both in depth and execution.
The lower levels stretch back in time, and are dark and oppressive as befitting the history it covers. As you rise up through the building there is more light and stories of hope. The upper levels more celebratory.
This is a museum for everyone, interesting, educational and entertaining. A shout out too for the splendid cafe, we had both lunch and a mid afternoon restorative snack.
Tickets are free but must be booked online. We did ours the night before with no problems.
Added bonus are some splendid views of the Washington monument which is also free and worth a visit if only to look down on this splendid museum.

We went on a Sunday. There were many staff present. The museum entry was free. We went as a church group with some of our youth members. The museum was packed with lots of information. The group enjoyed themselves.
We opt to buy food from the many food trucks that were parked outside.

Great museum. Even from the outside!
Explains much of the history of African and African American people since slavery began up to current influence in American culture.
Very interesting and good for everyone to better understand the US culture and history.
And to help reduce discrimination and try to avoid these atrocities.

An excellent experience at a well-curated museum, featuring much more than expected. A little hard to navigate but well worth the visit.

We enjoyed a day at the museum,the first time the museum were closed down early due to weather warnings.We were allowed to return at a different date. I recommend 2 days to see every thing.We had lunch it was ok,not best soul food,but ok a snack. The museum share a history to all.

One of the best museums I visited - and probably the most sobering. The layout is very unique, and you will get emotional by the end, for sure. Give yourself a couple of hours here, do not miss.

This is a really amazing Museum and I think anybody and everybody should try to make an attempt to see this Museum. First and foremost it's actually beautiful, both in terms of its exterior and interior. Some of the content is inspiring, while some is pretty heavy, especially when it comes to slavery. But that is a story that is part of the African American Experience, and it should be appreciated by all. This is one of the most well done museums in this smithsonian's collections and I urge anybody who has the opportunity to visit to go

My wife and I - tourists from the UK - visited the NMAAHC on a Tuesday morning in May. In a nutshell, it's a very good museum. We reserved tickets as soon as booking opened a month in advance. The museum was full when we entered.
Having come to the end of a 10 day tour of historic Virginia that took in other sites that explored both slavery and the postbellum denial of the basic civil rights of African Americans, we had a deepened understanding of why the contents of the museum are so important and so fresh to so many Americans in general and to African Americans in particular. The only shame is that the visitors to the museum on the day we were there were disproportionately African American. Everyone of every race could benefit from visiting.
The museum is well designed, splitting the history section up into three chronological levels that explore the experience of African Americans from slavery through to the present day.
The first level, focused on slavery (facts, personal narratives, artefacts etc), is of course very troubling. If you're not sure why slavery was such an utter moral abomination, then buy yourself a ticket. My only criticism is that the exhibition almost totally glided over the large role of Africans in enslaving other Africans and selling them on to European slave traders. Europeans bore the lion's share of responsibility for this evil trade, but they weren't the only slavers. This level was also quite crowded - stewards were controlling numbers carefully, but it's perhaps unavoidable given the volume of visitors.
The middle level, focused on Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement, is shocking for how contemporary these events were. The exhibition communicates vividly the sheer physical courage of the civil rights activists who led the struggle for true freedom for African Americans.
Perhaps it's a white person's perspective, but the top level ends on a relatively hopeful note. African Americans should never have had to travel this journey, but the museum shows that they did so with courage and dignity. The Obama presidency is surely a signal of progress. What has happened since is depressing, but perhaps progress is always a case of taking two steps forward and one step back.
If you are taking a family with children, the upper levels of the museum, focused on the contribution of African Americans to contemporary national life in music, sport, entertainment, the military etc are very good for younger visitors.

Washington is city of museums . In my opinion this one is one of the best.
Most of the museums in dc ar free but should registered in their website for exact day and time in advance.
I suggest to book a time a few days sooner to sure not miss it( for white house you need to book three weeks in advance for this museum may be one week sooner).some museum give limited tickets(again free) every day morning .
It takes about 2 hours minimum.very meaning full, incentive and encouraging.
I enjoyed the mottos and atmosphere.

I appreciate the immensity of all the culture and history; the way this museum is curated and laid out is overwhelming and not in a good way. Video screens and music along with recorded spoken narrative all layered on top of displays with their own texts- I couldn't focus on the objects/subjects of the displays. The floors were organized by very general concepts and subdivided without helpful wayfinding to understand how to process through the galleries-
The folks working there were lovely and helpful and the common areas are large and easy to navigate. Free plentiful lockers were very welcome.
The food in the restaurant was not great and very pricey.
The museum is right on the mall which is really convenient.
I hope the curators might refine some of the displays to be more targeted and provide other options to learn about the correlating content.

A museum to visit. A journey full of pain, from slavery to the present. Greatly disposed. Congratulations to the museum for the work and research it has done to introduce us to African American history and culture. Slavery, "Freedom," civil rights movements, and more. All in the first person. It's very impressive.

Best place I have ever gone to, me and my wife love it here. The art was very cool, especially the train coach that they had.

I would say that the experience is very beneficial for anyone. It is a well-put-together museum, and its design is very beautiful. There were some interesting exhibits, such as the casket of Emmet Till, or the segregated railcar. It was also a nice touch to make the museum lighter as we ascended. It was dark on the bottom level, but it slowly got lighter as you moved up the floors. Unfortunately, I was on a schedule, so I didn’t get to see the cultural part of the museum, but there are lots of historical artifacts to make the museum great. It gives you an understanding of the struggle and the long process that you must sometimes go through to initiate change.

This new museum that you still must book a visit in advance is very popular and highly appreciated. I recommend that you check if you can get a ticket for the same day, it is possible to get one. So, do not give up if you cannot find one some days before your visit.
The building is very modern, and not very nice in my view. This in in sharp contrast to all the old museum buildings and the modern Native American museum. The interior is much better.
The museum gives you a very depressing tale of the Afro-American in the US. This story is very well known even for a Swede, but all the details make livider. Then I was young I thought that the southern states in US and South Africa were equally bad. There are many different aspects that are illustrated but, in my view, often to rhapsodic.

This is a tremendously worthwhile museum. It stands in contrast to other museums and monuments even in design. It is surprisingly candid in its criticsim of racism in the U.S., something atypical for a federally funded museum. The museum alternates from troubling and disturbing history to a celebration of contributions to American life, science, business, sports and the arts. Repeatedly gems in the collection appear with no fanfare, like the original Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. A KKK outfit stands across from a set from the Oprah show. The museum sometimes seems confusing, like history itself is. The films featured in the museum are a terrific addition, too.

Great museum! Very well done. It might take two days to really do it well. Be prepared, the first part in the sublevels is heart-wrenching and disturbing.

For me it is definitely the most beautiful museum in the city. The interior describes the entire history of the black people from the arrival of black slaves to the present day. Only in English is the whole culture narrated from rock music to literature. In this museum there is a large part of history from the United States

The museum is quite large and was busy. Was able to get a ticket the night before my visit. There was no waiting to enter, but there was about a 45-minute wait to enter the lower levels. Next time I would start on the lower levels and work upwards.

Awesome museum so much to see you can spend an entire day there. I highly recommend the sports area this was amazing

This visit has been on our bucket list since they opened. We had timed tickets for 1pm and stayed until closing at 5:30pm. Just not enougn time. From our calculations, we plan to return at least 2 more days to get through the whole museum. Is it a must see and must not rush to truly appreciation.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture was recommended to me a few years ago when studying American History at College.

I finally managed to go during my visit to DC and would definitely recommend the museum. It covers a wide range of history and its various topics, both positive and negative.

We had been waiting to be able to visit the museum for awhile and had the opportunity on a recent trip. I would allow for multiple hours to visit as even over the course of 2 hours, we had really only done the higher floors with a wait for the main history elements. We have a toddler so started with the cultural pieces first. The museum is interactive and the displays were really well done. The military exhibit in particular was well designed and focused. We are excited to go back when the kid is older and spend more time to see the parts we didn't have time to fully explore.

We had a long weekend trip to DC this August with our 11 year old son. Visiting NMAAHC was TOP on our list and it did not disappoint. From the rebooking timed tickets to the friendly staff upon entry to the delicious lunch (on our 2nd visit), we highly recommend. Not to mention the beautiful building design and the thoughtful arrangement of content. Our son is educated in the UK and doesn't get the standard US education. The subterranean floors were dedicated to the shameful history of slave trade and subsequent treatment of enslaved people of Africa through the ages (in the US). Lots of videos and interactive panels kept the 11 year old engaged. The above-ground floors highlight Black excellence in all facets of life. It is such a joyful, abundant display that we broke our visit over two days to take it ALL in. At the moment, there is an Afro-futurism exhibition as well that should not be missed. Make the trip to DC for this museum and make sure not to miss it if you live in the DC area.

I have looked forward to visiting this museum since it opened. It was such a disappointment. The history gallery was poorly lit and overall poorly designed. Most of the displays are very difficult to read. The font size is too small, some displays cannot be read as they are obstructed by window frames, the glare from spotlights made many displays impossible to see, and some of the lettering is in weird 3D font that is impossible to read. On top of that, movies are played at an unnecessarily loud volume making it impossible to focus on the written content. In addition, only superficial information was provided (high school level at best) with a lack of contextual background. I learned very little and was mostly frustrated by the inability to read the displays. This museum is a disservice to the African American community. It desperately needs a thorough redesign and improved content.

Very moving museum on the history and culture of African Americans in the US. Covers what you would expect with sympathy and dignity. It is free but you need reservation to enter. A must see in DC.

This museum is definitely worth going to and there is an astounding amount of exhibits highlighting African American history and culture. I obtained an entry ticket on my phone while standing outside the museum. Once inside the museum, it was quite crowded. We asked at the front desk where to start and was told it didn't matter whether we started up or down. We worked our way down from the top floor. In retrospect, I would have preferred to start in the basement. The exhibits were crowded and there was an overwhelming amount of displays in them. From an educational standpoint, it might be better to edit the exhibits down, make the print descriptions larger, and rotate the exhibits. Visitors might remember better what they saw. There was a huge emphasis on sports and entertainment figures and fashion. The history galleries are in the basement and the exhibits are difficult to see and read about, not just because of the history, but because the light is dim. I'd either like the museum to have been physically bigger so exhibits could be displayed and better viewed and read about or better curated for the size of the building.

Without a doubt one of the must-see museums in Washington. Well organized and extraordinarily interesting. To see.

We visited here after discovering that timed tickets are available on the morning from 8.15am if you can get online, otherwise you face a long wait.

We spent the whole day here. We started at the top where exhibits are dedicated to Black Culture around the Arts and Music, TV and the theatre. On the next floor down it looks at the history of Black people in sport and there are some fine exhibits from Muhammad Ali and other great sporting athletes. You can find out about the history of the Harlem Globe Trotters, Golf, Soccer and American Football and Baseball. All very informative. On the first floor we looked at exhibits relating to dance and the arts and there was an interesting exhibit about the Green Book, which displayed hotels and Inns where black people could stay when touring across the states during the Civil Rights marches.

When we hit the ground floor we thought the tour was at its end until we saw an escalator to the basement, where there was a wealth of material about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the fight against slavery, the history of Lynchings, the Civil war, the issue of segregation, the Jim Crow Laws and the Civil Rights movement of the 1950/60's. There was so much information but we ran out of time before we reached the end. However, the trip was remarkable and essential viewing for any visitor interested in Black history and Culture and the fight for equality, which persists today. There's also an exhibit about Emmitt Till which again is very informative.

Don't miss - and get up early and try to obtain a ticket, even if it takes all week.

I barely missed being able to come to this museum when I first visited DC in July 2016, so I knew I had to make it a priority to visit when I was here in October 2022. Be sure to put aside a lot of time for this one; you easily could spend a whole day here. If you can, try to get there in the morning as soon as you can, because it gets more crowded as the day goes on. Start at the bottom level at the main exhibits, which have three floors, each documenting a different period of time for African American history (first covers the beginning of slavery up until reconstruction, second covers the civil rights era from the 1950s-60s), third covers the 70s to present day). It's really awful seeing what African Americans went through, and how alot of significant changes didn't happen until fairly recently.

There are three more levels outside of the main exhibit that cover various subjects, such as sports, music, popular culture, etc. We didn't have enough time to go through all of this, as we spent most of our time in the main three levels, but there was a lot of interesting stuff to see on these levels.

Excellent museum, definitely recommended. Make sure you reserve your free tickets online before you go (it's required).

Pace yourself and don't envision you will see everything on one visit, as the collection is vast and highly informative and engaging. The restaurant has excellent food but lines can be long - there were no vending machines or other eating options when I visited. I believe you can now reserve tickets with less lead time than before.

This place is absolutely amazing. There's a lot of walking. In order to see everything ai recommend getting there in the morning. I took a lunch break after the 1at 2 levels then continued on after I had a chance to rest. The Emmett Till was the most heart wrenching.

Great museum experience! Very well organized and laid out. Spent over 3 hours at the museum learning about the maltreatment and suppression of African Americans. Very somber experience yet educationally rewarding.

Spent the morning in this museum having heard great things. It’s so important to have a museum about African American history. We arrived at 10:30 with timed entry tickets booked well in advance. Entry is free but you have to book.

The first few rooms were packed and it was a complete overload of information. It got much quieter as we worked our way through the lower levels then up to the top floor. The exterior and certain areas of the museum are very well designed, others felt a bit too small and crammed full of displays. My favourite parts of the museum were the pop culture / music section on the top floor and the water reflection room.

We ate in the cafe which was pricy but nice. The decor was a bit boring compared toi the rest of the museum. The hot food looked great but we only had snacks and drinks because it was too early for lunch.

I only have two real complaints of the museum that made me knock a point off. The first is that they let far too many people in at once. What’s the point of the timed entry tickets if you still let 100’s in at once? You could barely move in some areas, due in part to the layout of the displays.

My second complaint is the toilets need to be cleaned far more regularly, especially given how busy the museum is. The bins were overflowing and it took three tries to find a stall that wasn’t covered in paper tissues and plastic bags. All they need is a cleaner going round on the hour and it would make a huge difference.

A flawed must-see. The three lower levels tell a gripping history of how African Americans got here, and give a good idea of what life was like as an enslaved human. Alas, the Culture section upstairs is an incoherent, noisy jumble. There is a deafening racket of hip hop, whether you like it or not, or are even visiting the Music section. Artists of widely different genres are grouped together in ill-considered pairs. There are posters with a few paragraphs about each artist, but few true artifacts, and no information deeper than, say, the first paragraph of a Wikipedia article. Artists of the past 20-30 years are featured at the expense of people of much greater stature. If you're looking for Miles Davis's trumpet, paintings by Jacob Lawrence, an original handwritten Duke Ellington score, a costume worn by Josephine Baker, or the Nicholas Brothers’ tap shoes, they are either not here, or so haphazardly placed as to be unfindable. I hope that other Smithsonian museums, such as the NMAH, will share their bounty and expertise to improve this section.

Trip Advisor asks a would-be reviewer to identify a favorite part of what's being reviewed, I can't really identify a favorite part of this remarkable museum. All of it was remarkable and deeply moving. It forces the visitor to look at America's social, economic and political history in a new, and rather painful, way, emphasizing the very basic role slavery played in almost every aspect of our history.

A CAVEAT. I see that Trip Advisor suggests 2-3 hours to visit the museum. I can't imagine getting through the permanent exhibition galleries in so short a time; there is just far too much to see, read and hear. At the least, one should reserve tickets for an early entry and plan on staying until the 5:30 closing.

At the risk of being excessively colloquial, if this museum doesn't "blow you away" you weren't paying attention.

I've waited years for this museum. I anticipated exhibits of greatness that would leave me in awe and wanting more. What I experienced was a museum that didn't give me the wow I was expecting.

The exterior of the museum is beautiful and makes a statement! That statement is lost as you enter the building. Wasted space awaits you. There is an info desk with an attendant issuing maps as you pass by. The maps guide you to the various floors and areas of the museum.

There are elevators and escalators, as well as stairs and ramps that lead to the exhibits. This is a plus for large groups of people or those of us that need accommodations.

We arrived when the museum opened and thought we were getting ahead of the crowd. No such luck! There were masses of school groups. Teenagers running around, crowding most of the displays that required reading. Some of the areas were narrow and tight for the number of people squeezed into them.

As we ventured to other areas, I was disappointed to see some of the displays did not clearly identify what I was seeing. For instance, there was a picture of Prince and a costume near his picture. The costume did not belong to Prince. This happened quite a few times. Some displays needed updating because those persons are no longer with us.

On the concourse level there is a beautiful fountain that rains from the ceiling. It is so peaceful and unique. This is a must see! On other levels there are several interactive displays that are very informative. The museum has great potential. It just needs a few adjustments.

Super lovely experience. This museum is filled with all sorts of artifacts and facts about African American history. The design of the building is beautiful and there are a few interactive exhibits as well. I definitely recommend stopping by.

This was our first time to this museum and we are so glad that we were able to visit. Tickets are limited and they go fast, so plan way ahead to be sure to secure them. The museum was well laid out and the various exhibits were very interesting. Being from Georgia, the music exhibit had lots of names from the Peach State, which was pretty cool. Chuck Berry’s Cadillac as you walk into the exhibit is striking and sets the tone for the exhibit.

The exhibit relating to the incidents of police brutality and other killings of African-Americans (without repercussions to the offenders) were visceral, as they should be.

The exhibits range from historical struggles of the African-American community to the heights that members of the community reached. It was somber, impressive, sad, elating, and so many other emotions within one building.

Our only complaint is the entry procedures. Our tickets were for 10:00 and we finally made it inside around 10:30. It happened to be very cold and windy the morning that we visited, which made the additional 30 minute wait outside even more miserable.

The cafe, as with almost every other cafe inside of a museum in the city, is very very overpriced. If you can, visit a local restaurant instead.

Amazing experience, some of the very beginning parts were quite lengthy, very detailed museum. Loved all the icon pieces that went according to its time period. The Afrofuturism exhibit has the more modern day items including items from Prince, Michael Jackson, and Jimi Hendrix, and who could forget the Black Panther costume. Go early to get your free passes to the museum and avoid having to "wait" to see any part of the museum. Don't forget to check out upstairs where you can do a virtual simulation to be part of the Harlem Step team.

The museum presents the journey from slavery to present day for African Americans, beginning in the basement of a slave ship and progressing upward on each floor to present day athletes. It was very crowded, and requires reservations. The building with is wire mesh screening is also evocative. Folks of different ages will experience it differently. Those of us who lived through the 50s and 60s and are still alive, remember much of what is portrayed of those times in the museum. For younger folks, those images might be more painful. It is an important museum, not to be missed. Take your time, at least 3 hours.

We learnt a lot from this really informative museum.
I liked how no nonsense the museum was in discussing slavery. There was no hiding the issues it dealt with them directly.
The 3 floors we visited detailed the history, lives and culture of African Americans. There were plenty of artefacts and interesting boards with loads of information on.
We were there for 3.5 hours (granted this included a coffee and cake!) and didn’t see the upstairs!
The cafe was pretty good and sells hot food (and has a cook book which tells you how to make all their nice food!) and really good cakes.

We got there about 5 minutes before opening. There was a bit of a queue but nothing compared to the queues we saw later. It is free to enter which is just amazing.

It was a great museum.

There no tickets available for the general public for a month. However, if you purchase a tour through a private tour company for $50+ there is availability that day

We finally got hete and we were not disappointed . A moving and very important museum that is excellently organized and amazinly informative. A must see museum for all Americans!

Some colleagues and I came here while we were in town for work, and I truly regret not spending more time here - this museum is absolutely gigantic! There were so many interesting exhibits that I could've spent a whole day here and not have time to see everything. The museum is incredibly well-curated, with well-detailed explanations of each item and a deep acknowledgment of the work that still needs to be done to implement true equity. I especially liked the exhibits on Mary McLeod Bethune and women's activism; protests, defiance, and resilience; musical crossroads; and on African Americans in film, television, and theatre.

A great collection of artifacts and information of the history of African Americans in the US from the beginning of African Americans arrival in the Americas until the present. A must see for all Americans.

Very well done. To much to see in one day, if you like history and reading every placard. Very well organised. There is some very interesting information and extremely educational, expecially for a younger generation of kids who are well seperated from so much of the history.

An excellent museum in DC. It shows the visitor the history of african american people since the 16th century in a chronological order from the political, cultural, societal point of view using both audio and visual elements. There is a lot of information and it may take several hours to complete a visit. I strongly recommend to visit the museum early in the morning and have lunch there in order to continue the visit in the afternoon.

Every American needs to be aware of this history. It is not a fun nor even pleasant experience--but an important one. Our group represented three generations--and the exhibits facilitated a lot of important discussions. I recommend that this museum not be toured on same day as the Holocaust Museum! Take a break, think over what you have seen. . . See basement exhibits first.

They were they least friendly staff of all the museums we visited this trip. They were also actively denying access to a disabled person. They would not allow them to use the elevator insisting they go up the ramp and not allowing them to exit when necessary. The exhibit flow in the concourses was poorly designed and if you grew up in the US you probably learned most of the information in school. There were some added details but most was covered in school. Very monochromatic.

My favorite part of my trip was, the Entire Museum...only thing is, if you're like me, I like to review everything & to experience it all/every floor of the museum you need at least 3-4 days. This way you can take your time...my experience a floor 1/2 daily, especially if its crowded. Well, Well Worth the drive from N.Y.

Experiencing the National Museum of African American History was emotional, joyful, and brought me to tears. There is everything you expect and a million more things you didn't think about.
The displays are thoughtful of everyone. They are audio-visual presentations that surround you with the care that they are presented with. As someone with a need to sit periodically, the seating areas are incorporated in a way that didn't make me feel like I was sitting something out.
The food in the cafeteria is very good but expensive.

This museum is very well designed and enjoyable to visit. The cultural contributions of African-American people to our United States are showcased beautifully here. From the ugly truth of slavery to the fantastic contributions of so many artists, sports figures, and political leaders, there is something for everyone to learn about and appreciate. The food choices at the Cafe were varied and delicious. We had a timed ticket and had no issues getting in. Spent 2 hours and could have stayed all day to really explore.
4 stars only because there were field trip kids who were loud and all over the place.

We spent three hours here and still missed a lot. There are thousands of detailed exhibits and we will need to go back again to see all of it. Wear comfortable shoes, my feet began to hurt from standing (not many places to sit and rest). There are three levels grouped by historical eras. We spent an hour on early history, went and ate lunch in the museum cafe (very yummy food), rested, and returned to see the rest of the museum.

Anyone who is visiting Washington DC should put this museum on their must visit list. It is so popular that tickets must be purchased in advance and than be prepared to spend a minimum of 3-4 hours. Or break up the visit into two days if one has the time since there is so much to see and review. If you wish to know the HISTORY of Africans in the Americas start at the lowest level to get a sense of what it felt like to be forced into slave ships, sold and separated from everything and learn to survive in a different country. Than as you move to the upper floors the HISTORY and Culture will progress to the present years. It is a journey of enlightenment. Some of the exhibits will rotate out to make room for different exhibits. Each time we visited the museum there was always something new to see. There are plenty of restrooms, benches and a cafe when hunger strikes.

Not much I can add to what’s been said. It’s a must see. It’s sad and hopeful and crazy-making and honest and at times joyous. And the cafe it no joke legit.

I am so proud to be a charter member! When I initially hear this museum was going to be built, I immediately decided to become a donor.

I invited two friends to join me yesterday who had never been and they were blown away by the historical perspective and the stories told about the African American culture.

I think I can safely say that this is the best museum is DC. Beautiful building from the outside, but an extensive collection of African American history on the inside. The exhibitions are so well thought out and really delicately put together. The highlight for us though was the truly stunning reflection pool and beautiful fountain. A must see if you’re around DC!

This museum is a MUST-DO for everyone, especially those who need a reminder of how strong and beautiful African American culture is.

It would take many hours to thoroughly explore the museum. If I lived close by, I'd try to go once a month and conquer each floor. Tickets are always free, but reserving a time slot is necessary to guarantee a chance to view this wonderful exhibit.

You can learn at your own pace, going to any floor you want, but I recommend starting from the ground up. This would have you begin at the horrendous origins of slavery through the civil rights movement. There is so much to cover, and the crowds can sometimes be uncomfortable to stand in, but fortunately there are places that expand space for guests so they are not all bunched up together.

The museum was clean, no complaint about the staff, and I loved that the history spanned to modern time, showing just how far African Americans have come to fight for freedom through various forms of expression including: cooking, music, fashion, etc.

I didn't see any places to eat, but there were a ton of food carts surrounding the building and you're in the core of D.C where the most popular attractions are based in, so you're bound to find something after walking around.

This is not a museum just for African Americans; it is for every human who desires to learn about history. They can see the brutality of the past, so they can improve in the present, and make a better future. This was a worthwhile visit that will stay with me for a long time.

One of those visits that in two hours arouse emotion, inspiration, sadness, misunderstanding, hope. Beautiful collection, organized so that we are not overloaded with information. Transformers.

A must see while in DC. Looked forward to this being completed and was very pleased with the outcome. The historical portions were very well done and the area showing the contribution of African Americas was incredible and brought back so many great memories. This was a father-son trip for my 70th birthday and I wanted my son to see what the schools did not teach about part of his ancestry. Every American should visit this museum.

I had a nice time going thru History of our strong ancestors. This was my third time there. I had seen it before covid-19 hit the USA. the real negative I have is the Sweet home café. The last time I visited the café food and atmosphere was off the chain, wonderful. unfortunately this time I got the total opposite treatment. the workers were rude and no help, and you got rid of those shrimp and grits, that were the best. We still had a good time but I spent 35.00 for a lunch that was not edible and did not want to fight with the workers, so I just thru it away. Please help the café return to it's Glory days, that used to be the cherry on top of cake after a long visit to the museum. Sad thing I was bragging about it to the family and friends, only to find out it wasn't the same

I have been to this museum before. The exhibit on the lower level is a must. However, even with timed tickets, the crush of people waiting to go through the lower level exhibit, which realistically takes at least two hours, was way too much to truly experience the exhibit. Other parts of the museum should be seen as well.

well-organized historical documentation of varied African-American experiences; Thurgood Marshall and CT given equal billing...?!?!

Good museum, too many kids acting crazy. Some was good writing down notes. 5/9/2023 Huge line to Cafe. Only one open. Good history.

A thorough exhibition of African Americans. We learned a lot about the history.
I recommend around three hours if you can afford.
We also ate in the café, reasonably priced. It closes at 3, well before the museum closes.

I was excited to get to go to the Museum of African American History and Culture, but I was disappointed because the experience fell far below my expectations, perhaps because my expectations were too high. I learned very little, and nothing of value. Many of the "exhibits" are primarily written descriptions, which are much more easily read in books than while attempting to see past the many other people who are trying to read the same thing. Few of the artifacts on display were meaningful to me, e.g., a saxophone, a costume, a car. But if you know nothing of African American History and Culture, this museum gives an introduction and overview that could be useful.

We spent 4 hours just going through the 3 floors of history. The museum is exceptionally well done, well-documented and thoughtfully exhibited. Made me think of the DC Holocaust museum, which is also a must see.

I cannot describe the awesomeness of this cultural and historical experience. I have been to several AA history museums, this was is life changing! The lower levels are heavy with the facts of oppression. The upper levels are inspiring as they showcase the incredible contribution of AA's to the greatness of this country.

This is one of the newest additions to the Smithsonian museum. The building is very nice. Architecture is wonderful. I t is very much visited. It teaches you on how the Black US culture has developed and its contributions to the country. It clearly describes and teaches on human rights, slavery, the dangerous of prejudice and the subsequent exclusion, the civil right movement, and how is possible to move forward, to overcome difficulties, and to achieve what you want in life providing very nice examples of perseverance.

The entrance is free. You have to get tickets online. I got the tickets the day before and it was easy. The museum can get crowded; it is one of the most visited museums of the Smithsonian.

This doesn't look so big from the outside but it is enourmous. Three floors underground to start. I think 4 hours minimum and maybe 6 spread over 2 days. This should be compulsary for teen students. So much to see and learn.

There is probably a lot more that they could put in the museum.

Reservations are required starting 30 days in advance. But off season, you might be able to get tickets 10 days in advance. They will let you in 30 minutes before your appointment.

This museum is huge go online get a timed entry free ticket 6 floors so much amazing artifacts so much history only problem is it's crowed wear a mask also kids are there field trips it's well worth it great gift store little white free cards in gift store of many artifacts so.much history amazing information exhausting so many displays to read visual and stunning

This museum covers the history, culture, and art of African -Americans in a comprehensive and beautiful way. The bottom level takes you from Africans arriving to the U.S. as slaves to President Obama's election. When I visited the museum, the line was long for this area and once inside it was crowded. The upper levels cover culture, and art. It is definitely worth a visit. Plan to spend 3-4 hours.

Gorgeous! so well done- absolutely worth the trip! Give yourself plenty of time. I didn't really get thru it all with 2:45.. so I need to come back!

I cannot say enough great things about my visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum is beautifully and thoughtfully designed, and the layout does an excellent job of reviewing African-American history and culture. There's plenty of help at the museum's information desk to assist with navigating the museum. I won't say too much without giving away the subtle delightfulness the museum considers but don't miss the Contemplative Court, the Emmitt Till exhibit, and enjoy one of the many delicious African-American-inspired meals offered at the Sweet Home Cafe. It truly felt like home to me. I've already planned a return trip with my family!

Awesome museum. One of the best. Amazing history moving and powerfully presented. Very visitor friendly.it would take days to see it all

In-depth history that gives hope. Two years ago we drove the Civil Rights Trail from Florida to Memphis and while it was very emotional and interesting to actually stand in places where history had taken place it was also very unsettling and depressing.
Given certain current events it feels like not enough people have progressed from racism to justice. The Museum encapsulates the long drive that we took and in places reminds us that there is a large segment of society that continues to strive for equality and justice and this brings hope. It is a must see. There is a lot to see and it truly is worth your time.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the most impactful Smithsonian museum. It takes you through the history of slavery, segregation, and the fight for equality, leading to the achievements of African Americans in music, sports, and culture. The exhibits are thought-provoking and emotional, leaving a lasting impression. If you visit one Smithsonian museum, make it this one.

The building is amazing and the way the exhibits have been laid out is clear. Growing up in a country which had colonies and which brought slaves over to the Caribbean to work the plantations, something white people hadn't the stamina to do, I already knew a lot of the information shown but I learned things I didn't know about the experience of slaves after they were freed and how they survived in a hostile nation. The bit in the Declaration of Independence about all men being equal rang rather hollow!

Bold in its architecture, impossible to miss its relevance, nearly the entire museum portion of the structure in below ground level. I am white. I was introduced to facts and accounts that I so wish were not true. Their impact cannot be forgotten. Yet such a gracious culture. So glad I experienced this Museum.

Exceedingly well put together museum. There were contributions from many notable historical and cultural figures. The most emotional item for me was seeing Treyvon Martin's flight suit from the NASA STEM camp he had been to shortly before he was murdered. What a tragedy. His flight suit was right next to Uhura's Star Trek uniform. I loved seeing Louis Armstrong's trumpet and JJ Walker's denim cap from Good Times. It was fun to see people singing along to the different video clips in the music section. It was also a powerful experience to walk through the segregated rail car and see the stark differences between the two classes in which both Blacks and Whites paid the exact same price. Definitely not separate but equal. I thought I would only spend a couple of hours here but wound up staying nearly four, and I only got through four of the six floors. Plan at least half a day for this extraordinary museum, and bring your kleenexes. It was very powerful to see such a huge collection of the contributions of Blacks to the broader American culture and history.

Truly a must see in your lifetime. One could easily spend a whole day here exploring all the great exhibits! Masterfully designed and incredibly detailed. It was a very emotional experience for my family!

The National Museum of African-American History and Culture was amazing, from the sneak peak at Afro-futurism to the utterly devastating presentation of the facts of the slave trade. You can't see it all in a day, so pick your floors and be laser focused, and don't miss lunch in the basement!

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!).

We entered at 11 am and were told to go to the top and work down. Lines on the basement floor were already too long and they were not letting you enter.

Upper floors contain exhibits related to sports, culture, etc. and had some video portions. There are places to sit and listen when you are tired. Many spaces are tight and it can be crowded.

We ate in the cafe - fried fish, chicken sandwich, green beans and potato salad were all good. Adequate seating.

Finally about 4 pm we waited in the line for the underground floor which covered 1400- present day time lines of historical activities related to slave trade, segregation, BLM, etc. You enter have progress . Extremely crowded and very tight spaces even at 4 pm. We had to weave through a lot of people to get to the 1968 to present section which we decided was what we wanted to see since our time was limited by museum closing.

A very impressive museum. Everything about the museum is impressive: the building, the collection but especially the storyline. And actually, this is a museum that you should visit several times. In a very penetrating way, the history of African Americans is presented.

Wonderful experience! We visited the museum 2 days in a row and that still wasn’t enough time. So much to see, discuss, experience, and soak in. Family friendly and enjoyable.

Sweet Home Cafe was a treat on both days as well. Thanks to Ms. Jackie and her team for the great service and delicious eats.

Yes we’d visit a 3rd time if time allowed, but it’s Christmas and a we have a busy schedule.

Reserve parking downtown before your visit and get free tickets online for the museum well in advance of your planned visit.

Cheers!

Get your tickets ahead. They will make you wait....hours in some cases. Not like the easy entrance to other Smithsonian museums. We had to wait sitting on cement benches in the sun.

Absolutely packed with information about the experience of African American people from slavery through the Civil War to the present day. Much of it makes for uncomfortable viewing, as indeed it should. But there's no political preaching here, merely the recounting of the story of black people in the United States. We made two trips and still only got to see the first four floors as there's so much to take in. As a British visitor it helped me understand not only some of American history but also the problem this country still has with racism. Of all the sights and 'attractions' in the nation's capital this was by far our favourite. (Note that admission is free but you must book in advance.) An absolute must-see (but allocate plenty of time).

Wow! We went with the idea of spending a half day at the museum. Ended up staying most of the day with lunch in between. There is so much to see and comprehend that it takes a lot of time to get around. It was well worth the time we spent and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. Younger kids might require a bit of explaining at some of the exhibits. We had lunch in their cafeteria, Sweet Home cafe, and the food was very good! A little expensive but good size portions and lots of selections. Fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork, yams, potato salad, red beans and rice, ribs, Fish just to name a few. A great day at the museum!

This museum wasn’t open the last time we visited the city so it was no 1 on our itinerary for our family vacation to DC this spring break. I don’t know how to do it justice in this review - all I can say is that it is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and I learned so much. There is a lot to take in so I would say to go early and allow yourself the best part of the day to make the most of it.

Came here on mid March on a Friday afternoon. We picked a time slot to enter the museum in advance, However, the museum was pretty crowded that day. The museum contained lots of information and you may need at least 3 hours to see the highlights of the museum.

Really interesting museum. Plan to spend several hours here at least (or split up into multiple visits). 3 hours definitely wasn't enough to see everything. it is very dense with information

I have been to so many museums around the world, from Fiji to NZ and AUS, Namibia, South Africa and all over Europe and few in USA but this one was the best of all of them!! I started the tour at 10 a.m. and left just before closing time. Well done to all involved and made this possible!!
The restaurant was also very good.
What I did not like was the ridiculous price of some items in the shop like a tote bag for 68$

The museum itself was great, really cool things to see and you learn a lot. BUT. The staff were terrible. We were taking pictures of the Washington Monument off the balcony when staff said that we were spitting off the ledge and that they saw it on the cameras. We were just trying to snap some photos and got falsely accused of something we did not do. The museum was great until that incident which made the whole trip not fun. Shame on them!!

This architecturally interesting building hosts a very moving presentation of part of our history. The very informative exhibits trace the evolution of US slavery, segregation, and achievements of African American citizens, complete with an outstanding selection of memorabilia. I highly recommend starting at the lowest level of the museum and working your way up chronologically. We started at an upper level to avoid crowds and found it diminished the presentation.

We were so looking forward to be able to visit this museum, and it unfortunately did not live up to our expectations. Chronologically, the exhibits begin on the lowest floor, but nobody tells you this unless you read it ahead of time. Most people bolt for the upstairs escalators. The content of the museum is fabulous and plentiful, but many of the written descriptions are poorly lit and difficult to read. There is no flow to the various rooms and you find yourself backtracking often. Everything is there, but we were disappointed at how it was put together.

This is such a promising museum but it proved to be an enormous disappoint to me. I expected a coherent linear description of the African American experience in the U.S. but what I found was an confusing jumble. They need to reconsider how the place is laid out. At this time it is confusing and disappointing.

(From 73 yr old "WASP" from way out West): Utterly STUNNING in its Excellence, Depth, Breadth AND (potential) IMPACT! EVERY who considers him/her/themselves "Civilized" and/or caring at all about Humanity's "Future" should experience MNAAH in-depth as much possible!

I took a solo tour of the museum and it was beautiful, I kept wishing my husband was with me to experience it. I wish they have pre recorded audio tours because it could get a little overwhelming. Overall, it was a good feeling being there and I’m excited about the ton of history I got to experience

Each floor gave you interesting information about history, unlike any I've seen before. I took my time, didn't schedule much else for the day and I'd suggest it. It's a huge museum and don't want to miss any of the exhibitions.

I am so glad we listened to a previous tour guide and started at the bottom floor and worked our way up. Very powerful. I highly recommend visiting the Contemplative Court to take time in a quiet place to process what you’ve seen and learned. Has motivated me to learn more about this history.

As a modern museum, it is very dynamic, with various sections. They leave no room for doubt about the historical theme, very sad actually, that awakens mixed feelings about humanity. They also touch on culture, entertainment and great African-American figures. We were lucky to receive tickets the same day. It is super well put and is a must see

This museum was amazing. It tells the story of African Americans in the United States, from the time of slavery through to the present day, and also highlights music, culture, and pop culture. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed and very engaging—our whole family, young and old, enjoyed the experience. We also had lunch at the museum café; while it was a bit pricey, the food was delicious.

This museum is a must see if you're in Washington DC. Advance tickets are required, must be booked on line, available 30 days in advance. Best recommendation is book for 10am when museum opens, line up early. Once in, go downstairs to the concourse first. Best exhibits are there and by 11am the area is choked with visitors making it very difficult to appreciate what is displayed. The third floor also has great exhibits and is less crowded. The fourth floor has a wonderful art exhibit and the second floor has immersive activities and is the least crowded.

It is a very large architecturally also beautiful building near Monument with a great free exhibition from past to present

I went straight to the top floor, spent most of my time looking at the music section, and then the art section. Loved it all.

Although the organization of the museum can be confusing (we backtracked and saw a few exhibits twice), the content is comprehensive, interesting, engaging. The breadth of the African American influence is well-demonstrated. The exhibits tend to be geared to an adult viewer. Not sure I would take a child under 10 and expect them to appreciate the experience.

Great option for travelling with teenagers. As it's free, we spent 45 minutes looking at the top floor (music and film) before going to the restaurant, which has lots of choice, though is quite expensive. Then we went back upstairs to continue our tour, looking at the sports exhibits. Probably there for just over 2 hours. Really good museum, well laid out. There was a queue to get into the historical/slavery exhibit on the lower ground floor, otherwise I would have gone in there too. But time & teenagers meant I couldn't!

This is an extensive museum (seven floors of exhibits) in a beautiful building. Timed entry tickets are free. However, if tickets are booked, check the website at 8 am as the museum releases another batch of tickets for the same day. Start with the history gallery on the lower three floors, which covers slavery and freedom, the Civil Rights movement, desegregation, and more. On the upper levels, we enjoyed the Sports Gallery, Musical Crossroads (with Chuck Berry's Cadillac), and Taking the Stage exhibits. We spent over two hours here but could have spent more time as we didn't see everything. Also, the restaurant on the lower level Sweet Home Cafe is one of the best of the Smithsonian museums.

We went from open to close and there was still SO MUCH we had to just glance or pass over in order to make sure we saw all the open floors! There were some exhibits that were “Coming Soon” that I’m very excited for. We could have spent ALL DAY at the basement just reading, watching, and looking at everything in there because it has multiple levels too, but the other actual floors had so much of the pop culture history that I’m glad we paced ourselves. The cafe had some really great options for lunch and we even got discounts as donating members of the museum! 10/10 Can’t wait to go again😁

The layout of this museum is perfect by design. As you travel from the basement to the top level you're traveling through the time and experiences of those who lived through those periods. It's educational and direct without casting shame or judgment. It's respectful and informative. I will visit again next trip.

Very enlightening experience. Get your passes online before you visit. It can easily take 3 or 4 days to see the museum. You can buy a nice lungh at the museum

while it's free you need to sign up on line for a time slot. A very popular museum. We spent more than 4 hrs. inside and were just amazed at what we saw and learned. Some of it just heart wrenching and shocking.

Plan for more than the 2-3 hours suggested. We ran out of time before completing everything. Tried, without luck, to get tickets the next day to complete out visit. So many great exhibits.

This museum is beautiful. It was very well done. The exhibits are lovely. But I found it frustrating getting caught at “dead ends” of a lot of the exhibits. A lot of people bottlenecked at the end of an exhibit trying to come back to the front. Seems like there should be a smooth flow of traffic and an exit at the back of each exhibit to eliminate the bottlenecks. So traffic flow was an issue on a fairly busy day.

I was disappointed. This is a very large building, but most of the space is devoted to great halls, and theaters, and shops, etc. Only a VERY small portion is devoted to the exhibits, and they are cramped and crowded. Also, the layout is poor -- it is hard to navigate through without backtracking and I got lost and saw exhibits from later dates before earlier dates. There were some omissions, in my view. Lynching and the fear it generated got little space; there was no mention of redlining.

The exhibits seemed overdone too; there was too much detail and not enough focus on the main historical events.

I am spoiled after visiting the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama -- a much better museum.

It was very dark in some areas and very crowded but upstairs has a great schooling of history. It was also cold, bring a sweater ladies.

Amazing. So glad we finally made it. So much to see and just take in. Truly a point of pride to visit this museum with my son and show him our history. Only downside was how crowded the museum was in spite of timed tickets.

This museum is great to take you from pre slavery to current times. There are extensive exhibits that take a huge amount of time to read and or listen too. You can really only take about 3 hours of standing and reading plus the overwhelming info in one day. I was only able to walk through the history galleries and wish I had a lot more time. I was not aware of any guided tour and I stopped by the info desk when I entered the museum. Plan to go early and plan on maybe having lunch in the museum and then continuing on after lunch.

NOT TO BE MISSED. 2 hours is not nearly enough but I'm more than happy to have reason to come back for more another time. Start from the bottom and work your way up, you get the full experience. It is a LOT to take in emotionally (and I'm white, I can only imagine how it feels for Black americans ) but soooooo important. After you finish the bottom to main floor route, head on up to the upper floors for even more. The one on music and cultural influence was incredible, and there were other exhibits we didn't even make it to and as it was we spent a good 4 hours in the building.

Hands down my favorite museum I went to on my trip. Shout it out loud that this is a museum you need a full day for. Or at least don't make any hard fast plans the day you do this museum. I went for 5 hours and I didn't even make it to all the levels. That being said it is so well put together, so informative I will suggest this museum over and over to anyone who will listen. You do need timed tickets though so make sure you reserve those (it's free just need to make a reservation). The layout is easy to follow. Lots of places to sit down if needed. GREAT cafe if you're hungry. The gift shop is ok, lots of book options.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers an enriching, immersive experience through its extensive exhibits. It provides a deep and moving exploration of African American history, culture, and contributions, making it a must-visit destination for education and reflection.

The museum starts you in the basement and takes you through the course of time over three levels from the time of slavery through emancipation and the civil rights movement. The basement had low ceilings and was quite crowded, which I wonder if it was done intentionally to give you the sense of the crowded slave ships. There were times that I was moved to tears. The upper three levels had entertainers and sports, which were interesting and illustrated the struggle for equality, but less vital to the visit if you are strapped for time. Reserve your tickets ahead of time so you can get in.

I was always intrigued by the beautiful architecture of this building and didn’t expect much. I was absolutely blown away by the displays. They are interesting, informative and really well done. This is possibly my favorite museum on the Mall now. Start from the top floor (4th) and work your way down.

The bottom three floors are exciting but very dense and less interactive than most of the American museums we visited.
We didn’t hang less on the upper floors, especially since they contain a lot of information seen below.

Very moving indeed. Clearly laid out in a beautiful space and every sobering experience.
Perhaps a little more on how far there still is to go in terms of health, legal and education al equality...........?

An informative, meaningful, and often poignant museum celebrating the fascinating history and culture of African Americans. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter. Tickets are free and I recommend reserving them online prior to arriving at the museum. There are 3 huge floors filled with exhibits inside the main structure, and several underground concourses also with exhibits. Plan at least 2 hours if you want to see everything. Every aspect of African American studies are featured, including the contributions made by African Americans to society as well as the rampant discrimination that this community faces. These stories need to be told, and this museum does a wonderful job at telling them. This is one of the most enriching experiences I have been to, and I definitely recommend it!

We spent a couple of hours here and found it very interesting. Start at the bottom first this covers the awful beginnings of- slavery. We know it occurred but when you read more and see shackles and so on it’s pretty heartbreaking how evil humans can and have been to other humans.
It goes on to segregation, activism and as you get to the higher levels fabulous achievements in many areas.
I only have dropped the review to a 5 as the layout is a bit odd.. we had covered some of it and wanted to nip to the cafe and there was no way of getting back without walking through the whole thing again.

This is among the most well done museums I have ever been to. I ran the range of emotions while touring it from sad and mad to inspired and amazed. I wish every American could tour this museum to learn the history of African Americans in the United States.

A nice spot where I understood the full history of the United States. I really encourage you guys to visit this museum if you're on a trip in Washington, it's really a must-see.

By looking at the history of America through an African-American lens, we finally understand where race matters and how it's divided us. The floor about sport and music were amazing and even if the slavery part was a little heartbreaking, it's still something we can't just take our eyes off and in overall, it was awesome.

An undeniable experience that no one should let go.
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Stunning venue with numerous very informative audio visual inputs. Exceptionally well put together every floor and exhibit presented a fascinating and thought provoking insight into African American culture.

Our visit was topped by a visit to the restaurant where we had the buttermilk chicken which was unbelievably good.

Friends staff and very friendly co-diners.

Highly recommended.

This museum is huge with lots of exhibits but it is very well done. Since we have an adopted African American son, we definitely wanted to make this part of our vacation (and we would have went even if we didn't have him). This museum should be a must stop for all Americans as the history presented here isn't just African-American history. Some of the things presented are uncomfortable and unpleasant but a part of our history which must not be forgotten. The museum is beautiful inside and out. You do have to get timed entrance tickets in advance of your visit. The cafe has the best food of any museum we visited. The fried chicken dinner was perfect for my wife and I to share with 2 pieces of fried chicken (white meat) and your choice of two siees (we had cornbread and macacroni and cheese) and was decently priced. You could easily spend a day or a week here, We spent about 4 hours. I don't think we saw everything in the museum but we felt we covered a good deal of the museum, We didn't read every single exhibit but we basically saw everything and all of us enjoyed the visit. I highly recommend a visit.

We came here since it was right next to the Washington Monument. It is a a sobering history of the African American experience. It doesn't really point fingers and place blame because it was more than simply a European or White American issue since many of the slaves were actually captured by Africans. It shows more of the blackness of the human heart to treat other human beings as less important than others because of the color of their skin or any other factor. The food in the Sweet Home cafe is very expensive but quite delicious!

Everything to love, even though much of it is heavy. It used to be you had to book a timed entry but I would still advise it as there are days where capacity is met. The person who took our money advised to start at the top and work down, not for the order of less cllmbing but because the lower floors were filled with school groups and were hard to navigate so starting with a little more space made for a much better visit. It is just so varied, awe inspiring artiifacts, state of the art interactive experiences, subtlty and simplicity when appropriate. We spent four hours and rushed through much of it. A great mix of lament and celebration.

The latest addition to the mall's museums dating from 2016. Two parts: historical in the basement and on the top thematic floor with the place of black people in American society. Very educational and interesting. Lots of people from classes mainly. Avoid the cafeteria.

Mind blowing! Don't miss a chance to walk through black history. You will be so glad you did A game changer!

This is an amazing museum. Many great exhibits dating back to when slaves were first brought to America up to the present day. The cafe serves great comfort food, The only issue we had with this venue is the availability of restrooms.

Patrons are encouraged to visit the facilities before they start the museum tour. That is great coaching as the next available restroom is after you completed viewing museum exhibits. It is also difficult to exit the museum tour, grab a bite to eat and return to the tour.

I have been to museums all over US and Europe and this is one of the best.
Go early to not fight crowds and do in the order they recommend. Plan on several hours to make the most. Store and cafeteria good too.

I didn’t know what to expect and almost didn’t go. Stayed for 4 hours. So glad I did and I learned so much. The way the visit was structured it was an experience : the museum visit and learning started in floors below ground and through gradually walking up ramps you ascended to street level and then could visit upper floors that more focused on celebrating accomplishments and achievements. One of the most well-planned museums I have visited. Great use of video footage and exhibits throughout to contribute to the overall experience.

This was my favorite museum. It is a beautiful building. The tour takes you from Slavery to the 1st Obama Presidential term. The museum also has a soul food restaurant with vegan choices also. It’s a little pricey, but the food is good. If you want to get in faster, you must go online and reserve a time. You will get an email with a ticket. All the museums are free and have gift shops.

It's much bigger inside than it looks on the outside. We spent two hours on the "History Galleries" and that wasn't nearly enough time to see and absorb all of that exhibit alone. One could easily spend a full day in the museum as a whole. Whoever designed the layout of the exhibits deserves credit for making visitors feel as much as read and see the African American experience. The history exhibits attempt to answer a lot of the standard questions: Who. What. Where. When. And how. What's missing is the "Why." That is left for the visitor to ponder. We'll go back to see more of this very good museum next time we're in DC.

Museum of beautiful architecture. Unfortunately, it further exposes the suffering of slavery in the United States, a painful wound for all. There should be a space to show the richness of black culture, the various contributions in many fields of American life, music, literature, gastronomy. After all, joy has no place in this museum.

We were really looking forward to visiting this museum, and while the exhibits themselves were thoughtfully curated, the overall experience was a bit disappointing.
Even with timed entry in place, the museum felt very overcrowded. Many of the exhibition spaces were quite small, and the high number of visitors in those tight areas made the experience feel claustrophobic at times. It was difficult to linger, read, or fully engage with the displays. The exhibits themselves- much of the text was quite small and often placed in hard to read locations; sometimes too low or in low lighting which made it challenging to absorb the information.

I also found the concourse layout somewhat confusing, with unclear signage with sometimes no obvious route to follow, which made navigating the space feel a bit disjointed. We spent four hours in the museum and barely saw any employees to ask for assistance once in the exhibits.

That said, the content itself was clearly created with care and expertise. With some improvements to crowd management and accessibility this could be a much more enjoyable experience.

The most truthful place in this country! The thoughtfulness and integrity put into each display makes me very proud and pleased.

the building itself is an excellent design and well fits the subject. note that once you get down to the subterranean history floors via elevator or ramps, you will need to take the ramps up 3 floors. the walk is not bad.

A very, very long wait to see the museum but so worth it. An incredible collection everyone should tour to face and feel what truly happened to so many.

Toward the end of last year, I really envision visiting this Museum. For a moment I thought it would be like any other museum that I would only go in and enjoy.
As left my meeting early, I took an Uber, as I was about to arrive, the driver said, do you a ticket, I said no, so explained that you needed to get one in advance. I said, no worries, I do not loose anything by trying, it was raining.
I got off, went to the front door, the security asked me if I had a ticket, I said no, so he gave me one, God is great.
Once I enter I asked where to begin, so they said from the bottom and up.
I strongly suggest you go there and enough time, there is so much detailed and interesting history and what you can learn, that it is incredible.
I was not able to see it all and I will certainly be back, but everything I saw and learned about the history was impressive.
They an awesome shopping store also.
Once again, I love it, make sure you make the time.

Iwent back with my Family this time and they love all the history, the facilities and service by everyone.

I have traveled all over the world and this museum is the best museum I have ever been to. The chronological journey from the dark basement to the well lit top floor and the symbolism of darkness to moving up to light is not lost. The end (top) floor is outstanding complete with the Mothership itself from P-Funk! The exhibits themselves are so well researched and there is so much to take in, you could never read them all. We have been twice now and both times were amazing. I am convinced the bad reviews are people that have never been there. There are thousands upon thousands of artifacts in here, I cannot imagine how they catalogued them all. This is a must see.

Very powerful and moving experience and learned a lot I did not know. The design is also really cool and in line with the theme of the history.

I think we got a bit lucky. From what I’ve read, I expected long lines outside and inside the museum but there were none. Our timed entry pass was for 12:30, but we walked in at noon. With that said, we still spent 4 1/2 hours exploring this museum. We started on the lowest floor and worked our way up. It was an emotional, immersive journey. Don’t miss.

A great, fairly recent, new museum that offers a wonderful education on the experience, contributions, and history of African Americans. You need a reservation and afternoons (at least on the weekend) are crowded, so be sure to book in advance. We did not get to see everything in the 2 hours we spent there; I would estimate that 3.5 are needed (or 2 trips). Beautiful space and accessible as well.

There is so much to discover in this museum beyond what one might expect. I spent several hours and learned much more about a major part of American history and events that occurred during my lifetime, and are part of today and the future.
I had a little trouble finding the correct link for the timed ticket reservation that you need for this museum. Possibly because it was a busy time. A guard at the tour entrance to the museum directed me to a QR code for the tickets and I get one for that afternoon.

There are a few "must-see" places in a city like Washington DC, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is an experience in every sense of the world. The museum challenges you, confronts you, and makes you think long and hard about this great country and how it has handled its original sin. Some people think we should not talk about the unpleasant aspects of America, but this museum is a glorious repudiation of that thought. We spent two days taking it all in and it made us feel a wide range of emotions, but the main one is one of PRIDE. I believe anyone who truly loves this country should see and experience this museum. Go now and thank me later.

It feels terrible to rate this low, but I honestly wasn't blown away. Maybe because I'm 1) from the south and 2) like to think I'm pretty woke, but I don't think I learned anything new in this museum. Given the huge demand, crowds, and hype, maybe my expectations were set too high.

Don't get me wrong, it's a good museum. Other than the first floor exhibit being way too crowded and small for how fast they let people in, everything is well laid out and follows a timeline of oldest to most recent. It's a lot of reading; I wish they has more displays and visuals such as video or even infographics. Nonetheless, you should still go, but if you can't get tickets, the other museums are great alternatives.

Before going here watch a powerful movie called ‘The colour purple’ which will give you insight into the amazing Harriet Tubman.

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...

This museum is very impactful and memorable. It just felt really cramped and crowded. We even booked a time to attend, but the place was really too busy with people to be able to read the captions or see things in detail.
It was a very moving experience and the layout/path of the museum is really well done.
Friends told us to eat in the cafeteria as well and we loved it - massive portions and you can buy a whole bottle of wine for lunch if you'd like.

shows how far we have come. Both history and culture exhibits. Could use more wayfinding signs to help go through exhibits in a logical order.

This is a must do museum. With so much history to see we didn’t allow enough time to see everything, you should allow at least 4-6 hours.

I’m an old white man who grew up in segregated Texas. This museum illuminates the story of slavery – not just in the USA, but worldwide while not trying to play on “white guilt.” The 3-floor history tour, cleverly, starts on the bottom floor, so the visitor walks UP from slavery to emancipation through civil rights to modern times. Two floors are devoted to Community and Cultural life and are vivid examples of the huge influence the African American community has had on life around the world. There is more to see than my 3-hour exhaustion limit, but there’s a cafeteria where you can get recharged for my visiting time.

This is by far one of the most extensive history I've seen put together in a seamless manner. We really needed to allot over 3 hrs for this museum, if you are limited for time, head down to the lower concourse for African American history starting in the 15th century leading up to present day including the civil rights movement. The history galleries are well organized. This was an amazing experience for all. The most overwhelming experience I had was visiting the Emmett Till memorial.

The museum has lockers on the ground floor to store your belongings. Remember to pre-book your time-entry passes and arrive on time!

Learning in the spaces does not end. The museum is incredibly well done and tells numerous stories both those that have been told often and those that have not been told broadly. It is an emotional journey at times through the spaces. I recommend starting in the basement and working your way up and through the magnificent interactive displays.

Wow. All the smithsonian museums are good, but this one is totally amazing. Beautifully done. It goes from the 1400's up to today. Clear and easy to understand. If there is a negative, it's that it's almost too much to take in. But, again, wow. Do not miss this experience. I majored in history in college, grew up in the south, and taught for 35 years, and I learned so much from this museum.

There is so much to see here! There's 400+ years of history along with excellent interpretation of the cultural evolution over that period. It's easy to forget what a huge part of American life (both heartbreaking and joyful) is borne of the African experience, and this place will definitely expose you to something along those lines you don't already know.

Starts on lower levels with the heartbreaking stories of slavery and segregation but the upper levels then are a celebration of what black culture and individuals have contributed to make the world a better place. Beautifully curated in an stunning building.

This is an excellent museum. Probably one of the best I have ever been to -- and I live in London. So well designed and informative, covering so many aspects of the African American experience, from history, sport, music and film and TV. I have studied a fair bit of modern history but seeing how slavery started and spread was so interesting. Should be part of the curriculum, not just in the US but in European countries so they are aware of the part they played in the slave trade. Amazing building design too.

I tried to get tickets on a previous trip to DC and couldn't, so when I had some extra time on a day trip, I snagged the next available spot for this museum. Its quality and collection is as outstanding as the other Smithsonian museums: detailed, comprehensive, moving, educational. Do not expect to take it all in during one visit.

Thankfully someone else told me before going: descend BELOW the entry level when you arrive, to take in the three history sections first. (This wasn't made evident by the museum upon arrival.) These sections sweep from the 1400s to the Obama administration. This is intense history: if you can visit with someone else and process together afterward, I would recommend that. I was particularly touched by the Emmitt Till memorial and the restored Tuskegee aircraft. I was VERY grateful for the Contemplative Court when I exited the history sections, to be still and let it all settle emotionally. That's also a good moment to visit the Sweet Home Cafe.

Since this was my first visit, I spent less time on the upstairs levels, but loved the exhibit themes: sports, military, music, dance, etc. This museum is also beautifully designed and in a great spot on the Mall, so there were plenty of opportunities to savor the view in ascending.

This museum deserves its accolades. Make sure to visit.

The National Museum of African-American History and Culture is a top of the line museum!

There are 4 floors to see. You can begin your experience on the bottom level where the story of a “stolen people” is told. You work your way up to the fabulous collections which highlight the contributions of African American people!!! These achievements hard earned achievements have really only had about 60 years to blossom through a degrading institution called “slavery.”

There is so much to see and feel and reflect upon. It took me 2 days and a second visit to begin to engage the brilliantly displayed exhibits!

There are references to: Jim Crow, Black Codes, Segregation, civil rights, education, industry, sports, music, and the people who persevered to help build the nation. There are references to the African American people who built the U.S. Capital and so much more!!!

The gift store has free information cards to take as well as books, dolls, statues, jewelry, clothing and wonderful Knick knacks for purchase.

You need to plan to have had a hearty breakfast, break for lunch and a dinner plan. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk a great deal.

Reservations can be made online. The Smithsonian has formulated one of the finest museums in the nation.

This is a place to visit at least once in your lifetime!

A very emotional tour. Lots of information to consume and process. Presentation displays are beautiful and artfully done and much to be appreciated. The experience brought me to tears but I'd recommend.

FABULOUS! Spent 3 hours in here. Hugely informative and so well done - honestly the best museum I have been to in a long time. Huge shout out to Diane and Jackie the most incredible guides, their dedication and knowledge blew us away!

Great time with our camp kids on a Saturday morning. Just a great day learning past and present history of our country. Would definitely come back because there's so much to discover and LEARN!

One of the best museums I have ever been to. How the museum was organized from the first time Africans were enslaved and brought to America to the present day is very impactful. The special exhibits are also very good one time I was there they had an Oprah Winfrey exhibit that was amazing. Highly recommend it to all.

This was the highlight of our time in Washington DC - and surpassed all the other experiences we had. From the sombre and reflective to the inspiring and overwhelming - each of the exhibitions held plenty to ponder, absorb and impact. Navigating around large student groups can be a little frustrating when a solo visitor wants to learn and listen - but this is everyone’s place and a timely reminder of acceptance and inclusion. Booking your tickets online 30 days in advance is well worth the few minutes of preparation to walk straight in.

Amazing museum. We got there early, went straight to the history galleries, and were glad we did. This is definitely the highlight of the museum, and becomes crowded enough that they limit the number who can go in at the time. Beautiful space for reflection at the end. Had lunch at the museum, and ran out of time/had to race through the other exhibits. I think we had planned for about four hours and we could have used another 1-2 more. It can be appreciated in half a day, but if time permits on a trip, or if you live in the area, give yourself a full day to see this museum. Highly recommend!

This museum is huge. It covers so much you could use a couple of days to do it real justice. It is sometimes tough to get tickets as it is under such great demand but so worth it.

The space is a vast and beautiful space. It highlights African American history and culture that has often historically been sadly neglected. This is a museum that you can visit again and again, you will always find something new to learn and explore. Absolutely fascinating.

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.

The story of slavery in the Americas has outstanding detail. Give yourself most of a day for this great museum. Or plan to come back.

We got online tickets in advance - you can enter up to 30 minutes before the time on your ticket. The museum is packed with information. It does a great job of moving through history in the bottom three floors and culture in the top two floors. It's pretty easy to follow the tour path - except the Emmett Till memorial is tucked away and easy to miss. Do NOT miss it. It's just pass the Bus and diner experience. We spent 3.5 hours here.

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.

I ran into this place by luck because I wanted to go inside the Washington Monument but it was out of tickets and didn't realize this place was so close by so why not give it a try. It's hard for me to put into words because there's a lot to tell but it was packed and it has exhibits on 3 floors. I wasn't sure if you were allowed to take pictures but I managed to sneak one or two. It's really worth the trip because there's so much to see and learn and I think if anyone has an opportunity to see this place they would really enjoy it.

This place is awesome and very vibrant. Glad I went to this museum. I love the architecture. Love the exhibits. Kept me on my toes and wanting to see more. Enjoyed the history of music.

I tried to get the free timed tickets for nearly a month and thankfully they opened up for the day after we wanted them, so a little juggling of the schedule was necessary. This was a must see museum at the top of our list so everything else was worked around these tickets. Our tix were for Friday at 11am. We didn’t wait more than 15 minutes outside.

We stopped at the info desk for what to see first and like many, the lower three floors were suggested as a starting point. After waiting on another brief line you’re brought down to the lowest level starting in the 1500’s I believe. We spent nearly two hours here before moving to the next floor. There’s so much to see as others have said. The short films we found helpful and there is overlap so if you miss something there’s likely an interactive or something to read so as not to miss anything. We clearly knew we’d have to save the higher floors for another visit.

On the way out the guard suggested we see the pool before exiting. This took only a few minutes and was serene.

We had lunch there where items were $8-18 each. The Mac and cheese and fried chicken was tasty and juicy. It’s self serve/seat with a big open area to spread out but crowded.

The gift shop was a bit small and the line was 30 deep! Thinking they didn’t have enough cashiers. Was too bad as we wanted to buy a few things. I’ll have to check for an online shop.

Mind boggling for its elegance and architecture with a wonderful collection. This museum is modern, accessible and easy to navigate. The staff were freindly and helpful (I visited twice) although one of the security hards seemed to think her job was to be a bit rude to visitors. Allow at least two visits to scrape the surface and either get there early or avoid the lower galleries in the afternoon as they get very crowded. Would love to see more fo the work from their home movie project.

Definitely worth the time. Very well put together from the 1400’s explaining the very beginnings of African slavery through today. Lots of reading and takes 2-3 hours minimum. Loved the history portion and the musical culture exhibits.

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

My first time there. It ain't how fast you get there just as long as you show up. So I showed up solo

Another sad but great experience. They have four lower floors that cover the history of slavery going back to 1400. The upper floors highlight African Americans from music, sports, entertainment, etc. it was very nicely done.

This can be an emotional roller coaster, with all the tragedies and triumphs Black people have faced over the centuries! If you really want to do it justice, plan on visiting over several days or ONE LONG DAY!

Plan to stay a while. The place is huge…7 stories. Go to the visitor counter first and get an intro. Start on the bottom floor and work your way up. The bottom floor starts from the beginning and tells the story of slavery. It will be heartbreaking. The things these people had to endure makes you wonder ….why? We thought the bottom floors were better than the top floors. 3 levels below the main floor and 3 floors above the main floor. We were there 3 hours and didn’t see everything. We ate at the restaurant. Many reviews like the restaurant. There are a lot of selections but it sure was expensive. It was convenient but not worth the price.

We planned on only spending about 2.5hrs here tops and ended up spending the entire day. We decided to start from the lower level and work our way from slavery through present day. There were so many levels, so many rooms and so much information to soak up. This is definitely one of the best museums and I recommend you take the family…all colors, races and ethnicities!
Oh and might I add the cafe was amazing too! The chicken thighs and Mac and cheese we simply delicious

This explains the roots of slavery and who did what. A very thought provoking museum illustrating the devastating trail of slavery.

Very nice Museum, has every thing that has to do with Black History in it. Please start your tour in the basement of the building and work your way up the building. Be prepared to walk a lot, I mean a Lot of Walking. But it is worth it, an excellent museum.

There is a great balance of somber history, uplifting nostalgia, and hope provided for the future. There are four floors and a three-level concourse. You will need a few hours to properly experience this amazing museum.

We pre-ordered free tickets, because it saved time and it does sometimes sell out. As a white woman I was very moved by the exhibits, the history of African Americans in the US and the large number of African Americans who were walking through. It felt like I was watching a pilgrimage in many ways and I was often crying, both through the heartbreaking saga of slavery and through the descriptions and artifacts of hard-won progress. The history section has several floors and there is a tremendous amount to look at and read. There is more to the museum but I think I would break it up into two days or have a stop for lunch....

I highly recommend that any person of color go to this museum! There is so much to see that you won't see it all in one visit. I've been here twice now and have discovered and seen things that I never saw on my first visit. The staff here are excellent and friendly. I plan on going again - for a third time lol!

While in Washington D.C. I went to The National Museum of African American History and Culture. The actual building itself was intricately designed and was a fantastic feat of architecture. The layout of the museum was designed to represent African history and the idea of experiencing it chronologically from the slave trade to more contemporary pop culture. The first floor detailed the slave trade and early history that many people are not accustomed to knowing. The bottom floor was super informative and fascinating, although much of their history is considered sad. A main enjoyment of the museum was the chance to see Emmet Till's coffin. Another enjoyable part of the museum was seeing a train car that was used during the period of segregation. The National Museum of African American History and Culture included objects like chains, shackles, collars, living quarters, and information that would help people comprehend their living situation when they underwent slavery. Along with that, first-hand accounts such as slave journals help students perceive coerced labor (slavery) through their perspective, which is not expressed enough. My overall experience at the museum was supper enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone.

A really great museum. It has so much to see and read and learn. You start in the lowest level of the museum which is beneath the main entry floor. The history floor (3 of them) take at least one hour, it took both of us two hours to complete that part. The remaining top three floors took an additional 90 minutes and then we ran out of time. Much to see, excellent history, love the pop music and film and tv items on the top floor.

This is one of the best museums that I’ve been too! Informative, thought-provoking, and interactive. The museum is well-preserved and well-maintained, which some museums are not. A cultural experience that shows the resiliency, as well as the cultural impact of African Americans. I highly recommend!

Building is beautiful but the exhibits leave something to be desired. I love the outside of the building and can’t wait for the Latino museum to be open. The curation here though is okay and our son wasn’t in to it

Tickets- get them in advance. Ours were for 10:30am but they let us in a little early because there was no line.
Go thru security- ours was quick because we didn’t have a backpack.
Use the lockers if you can because it’s a long hard walk if you are carrying everything.
Started at the first history exhibit, lowest level. For us it was the most difficult part- physically, mentally and emotionally. They really should have places to sit and rest but they don’t. The history starts in africa and goes thru how slavery became racialized. Good to learn about all the slave revolts. Took us about 2 hours so we stopped for lunch at their Sweet Home cafe upstairs. Tasty food! Fried chicken with extra sides $27. Fried fish with 1 side $18.
Back to the next exhibit- the civil rights era, then the present. Now there were some places to sit and watch short films about the history.
Elevator up to “culture” with exhibits of art, music, theater, dance etc. We missed the sports because by now we were exhausted! If you really want to see everything, plan for 2 visits. Because there really is that much to see.

Although entry to the museum is free, you do need to grab a timed ticket online. You are able to do it at the door if it's not too busy. The building itself is one of the more interesting ones in the National Mall. It is located on the Washington Monument end of the mall.
Like the other museums, you pass through security to enter the building. You can grab a map at the information desk. Although you can start anywhere, it is recommended to take the elevator down to the basement and work your way up.
The basement is where history starts with slavery. It has information and articles from the ships and the whole trade. It then goes into American Slavery and the lives of the slaves. It helps you understand the complex history of African Americans in America.
As you go up the building, you move forward in time. It goes into the end of slavery and the discrepancies in treatment between people. It follows the achievements of many African Americans in spite of prejudice. The upper levels are more into art, culture, and achievements of famous African Americans.
Although a bit different from the other museums, it shows the history of what was done and the importance of the fight for equality. It was interesting to see the reality of things you've heard about.

A lot of history uncovered that is not mention in schools. Cannot all be done in a day. Wonderful place. Start at the bottom and work your way up.

For starters, visitors have to tiptoe around the litter and debris outside the building. For a relatively new structure, it was poorly maintained and filthy, as if it had never been cleaned. The exhibits were disappointing and mediocre. It appeared that no thought had been put into the design of the building or its exhibits. There are better museums in the US that tell the story of American history for everyone.

This museum was awesome. The wait time even with the timed tickets was long but worth every single minute. I went with my husband, teens and young adult sons. Pool We started at 10:30 and finished when they were closing at 5 and still wanted more!! So much history!! Moved to tears on more than one occasion. The history was deep!!! The interactive portions were still closed due to COVID. We can’t wait to plan another trip to go back. I feel you could visit multiple times and learn something new each time. Layout/flow on 4th floor was a little weird. Food in the cafe was amazing I just wished they stayed open a little later than 3. Gift shop was pricey, but they all are!

Wow, is the only words I can say to explain this exhibition, one of hte best I have ever seen, worth every single moment, I would warn peopl e tath it is quite graphic and in your face, but I also belive that its showing a more realistic contemporary view of the world.
Only thing I found strange in the modernist section I saw little of not of poeple like levar burton and nichelle Nichols, but more around oprah.

The staff were really nice and helpful, but this was my first experience in the smithsonian

This is an exellent popular museum and large. Interesting exhibits which show the journey of African Americans.I loved the cultural entertainment floor showcasing the best talent of past and present. The restaurant is very popular and gets busy but it is big enough with lots of tables. The food is wonderful especially the cakes! There is a shop situated on the ground floor which sells books and an assortment of souveners.

This is my second time visiting this museum since b4 the Pandemic. I was able to view exhibits this time that l was not able to view the first time that l had visited.

Great museum, great information about African American/Black culture & history throughout the years

Wonderful museum to visit for all people to learn about African American/Black history.

The NMAAC is a must see if you travel to DC. The museum chronicles the African American experience from slavery through to present day. It provides a superb educational experience for all ages.

What an incredible museum and one that is by far the largest I have ever been too. We seriously underestimated the time and the size. We spent 2 1/2 hours and could have easily spent an hour to 2 hours more. There is SO much. The only negative is the lack of direction at times. It seems the 3 levels of concourse underground is well thought out and easy to follow, but the upper levels do not have a natural flow. In addition, when we went to the information desk upon entering, we weren't sure where to start and wish they had said go to the concourse level 3 and work your way up. We started on L1 and went up to L3, then down to C3 and up to C1. It didn't take anything away from our visit as the visit was truly incredible. We learned so much and truly enjoyed ourselves.

The people who worked at the museum were super helpful In showing us the way, I love how they had every type of learning style. Visual videos, real artifacts, interactive touch screen that’s accessible to everyone, etc. I especially liked the emphasis on the lack of recognition of African American accomplishments and sacrifices for this country.

A MUST!! You will be here all day. Get ready for a lot of history. Bring tissues as well you will need it. I need to go back. There is so much to see. It is one of most powerful moving experience. If you eat there be prepared to pay a lot.

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.

An overwhelming combination of history, interactive displays and art. It's almost essential to go more than once.

Outstanding trip that I planned for our family reunion group. Everyone had an awesome time. We spent about 3.5 hours at the museum and some are already planning to return...Thanks for a memorable occasion.

Museum was decent. Pros were without question the music portion of the museum. Completely interactive with costumes videos & there’s a section for you to compose your own music. Con is the art portion I expected More but it’s a huge museum with multiple floors. The sports section is prob my 2nd favorite. I didn’t indulge in the basement so I can’t speak to slavery but it’s only a small part of us & not included in OUR history anyway

My overall experience at the NMAAHC was excellent. In order to capture everything at this museum, please allow 2 to 3 hours during your visit. I wish the museum would have had hosts or hostesses out front to give clear directions about the museum. I strongly recommend that you start tour from the basement and work your way up. Also, the movie and tv section was closed off during my visit due to a special presentation and display for the cast of "Blackish." This was bit of a let down because I wanted the full experience of the museum. With each floor and exhibit, it clearly depicts and explains the history of African Americans perfectly.

The main thing that caused a general concern for me was the grounds of the museum. There were food trucks surrounding the museum and people were literally leaving their trash on the grounds. This should be a sacred space and treated as such.

This was my first visit to the NMoAAHaC, and I don't know why I was shocked that it's holidings and displays are vast and would take many visits to truly take in. The museum integrates its architecture with the history -- one starts in the basements and walks long ramps before encountering a sense of the start of freedom. That said, the upper floors shine with the legacy that makes one proud to be American with its celebration of creativity and vibrancy, This is a must stop on one's tour of DC.

Security woman by the Emmitt till exhibit had such a bad attitude it ruined my experience before a heart wrenching exhibit. Museum itself was amazing and most everyone else there was extremely pleasant and clearly didn’t hate their jobs.

This review is based solely on the exterior of the
National Museum of African American History and
Culture in Washington DC District of Columbia.
We came to Washington DC from New York City
primarily to visit this historical museum.
The building is impressive in scale and beautifully
designed, and bestowed upon us a sense of pride.
We secured the free passes required to enter the
museum in advance of our trip. 9/21/2024.
Unfortunately the museum experienced a mechanical
defect of it's AC system and was closed for business.
We were disappointed, but at least we had the chance
to stand on this sacred ground.
We intend to return and enjoy it's full historical experience.

We learned a long time ago not to expect to visit more than 2 museums a day. If you do finish earlier than expected, the Museums of American History and Natural History are right next door, as is the Washington Monument. This museum covers music, community, art, literature, military, segregation, social justice, and more. It's incredible. We spent 2 hours on the 4th floor alone.

This is a fantastic museum that will take all day to go through. Start in the basement levels because they are hard to get into later in the day, and work your way up. It walks you through the history of our Black Americans and the geopolitical circumstances that coalesced to create chattel slavery before bringing you to the incredible cultural contributions of Black artists in the modern day. It's hard to see it all, and it can be an emotional gut punch, but it's the most fitting tribute to the Black experience that I've ever seen.

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!

Amazing experience - you've got to visit at least once in your lifetime. But it can be overwhelming too, so pace yourself and allow information to sink in.

We took lots of stops - sat at the various short videos, paused to browse interactive sections etc. This helps your brain process some of the horrors and injustices you are seeing back to back.

We covered the history section, level by level, and decided to leave the culture section for another day. It took us about 4.5hrs.

A wonderful museum attempting the impossible task of covering all aspects of African American history and culture. The layout is unique and important to understand to get the most from your visit. The information desk is very helpful, can provide maps, etc. VERY popular & thronged with school trips in March. We were not even allowed to go down to the history exhibits until the lunch time lull. We spent a lot of time on the culture floor and found many great clips and exhibits - packed! Sadly, we did not have enough time to complete the history exhibits. The exhibits on African origins and the slave trade struck me as quite bland, perhaps trying too hard to tell all sides of the story of what must have been one of the most horrific experiences in human history. Well worth several visits of several hours each.

This place is impressive and it tackles some very serious subjects like slavery and racism incredibly well. The entertainment portion of the museum is so fun. The best food I have ever eaten in a museum cafeteria.

Definitely didn’t budget enough time for this fantastic museum. We had 3pm reservations and I figured we would have plenty of time to walk around the mall before dinner. Nope. Ushered out of the building when it closed at 5:30 and def could have used another 30 min or more. Found museum very educational and enjoyed chronological layout of the museum to enhance my understanding. Very glad we picked this one on our trip. Was quite crowded near entrance at the beginning but thinned out a lot as we worked our way around.

Beautiful building that is located right near the Washington National monument and not too far of a walk from the White House. Well worth the walk to see it up close.

We didn’t want the tour to end. DeAndré was the perfect host. From the inception of the guided tour I felt blessed to be given a tour by what appeared to be one of the greatest historian scholars of American/Black/Cultural/political Washington history. This guy know is stuff and not one time did he look at a phone or a piece of paper to obtain his facts. Dates, statistics, Right off the bat we realize that DeAndré was no ordinary person or tour guide. I felt cheated by my studies because he managed to impart so must knowledge in three on the tops at hand. He had an answer for all questions, water to Quench our thirst, made us aware of restroom locations and even gave tips on preserving battery life for our phones. At the end of the tour I was pissed that all I had was 40 bucks in cAsh to leave him and the driver for a tip. Was he gave us was worth so much more. Thank you DeAndré.

You need more than one day to visit this museum. It's very well displayed, tons of information, done tactfully. I'm sorry i only had one day.

The museum offers new ways of undestanding african american history through different times and its impact in the world

The museum is filled with stories, experiences, and artifacts that go to the soul. This is an absolute must experience for any human to understand the depth of racism and oppression in history. It cannot be seen in one visit so take your time and plan your next visit.
The cafe has some good choices for the hungry and not so hungry.

This museum is a must see to learn about the past and see more clearly the present. The exhibits demonstrate that our country has progressed and has much more work to do in educating all of us on the history and impact of racism and the dangers that "fear of the other" can have on humanity.

This museum is deceptive from the outside. It looks like it’s three stories high, though there are also several levels underground and by descending to level three and then working your way up, the story of African Americans in the USA unfolds from the earliest days of slavery to the present day. It’s a depressing and often unpleasant story as well, but one that needs to be told. The museum also showcases African Americans in sport, music, the Arts, politics and industry and there are many stories of great achievement and happiness, though throughout, racial discrimination is an integral, and sadly pervasive element of the achievements. A phenomenally important museum and another must-see on a visit to Washington DC.

It is no understatement that the National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of the best museums I've been to in my life. As someone who prides themselves in visiting a variety of museums, this one takes the cake. The curation is fantastic, I feel like I learned so much and wish I had spent more time here. When I come to DC again, this will be the first museum I visit. It wasn't too difficult to get tickets if you book them early enough, and they are of course free! The subject matter of the museum of course is very heavy, and I think if you have kids that are older (at least high school) they will be able to appreciate it more. I'd highly recommend this museum and if you are on the fence about visiting - still do it!

The outside facade is just breathtakingly beautiful. All that iron scroll work is amazing. It covered a lot. One can see it all in one day, but only if you're not stopping to read every single placard. The restaurant left a lot to be desired. It took almost 40 minutes to get in. Then the food I had (which I admit was not the main offering of fried chicken, greens and mac-n-cheese) was from the grill and very overpriced. My bill came to $33.50 and all I had was a sandwich, chips, a cupcake and bottle of water. I did order an extra dessert to go, but still. I do recommend the banana pudding. What I loved most about the experience was seeing so many people who were not African-American, there consuming and learning about the contributions we have made on all aspects of this country. I also love the fact that they offer secured lockers to put your things in so you can move around more freely and unencumbered. Many of the museums in DC do not have this.

A wonderful experience. You need more than a day to really take in the museum and all it has to offer.
Please wear a mask and bring sanitizer!!

Coming from Holland. This museum was a must for us. We grew up hearing so much about the Dutch colonial past. Something we Dutch are not proud of. Everything was amazing in the museum. I would recommend this museum to anybody that comes to Washington dc.

This is the newest museum among the Smithsonian museums. Generally, none of the Smithsonian museums require reservations, but for the Air and Space Museum and the Zoo, you must reserve your tickets online in advance. That being said, I made a reservation in front of the entrance and went in. I heard that in the past, you had to line up for over an hour, but generally you can get in.

I try to make sure I visit at least once a year, both to ensure that I can catch the new exhibitions and to remember our legacy and her history. This is always a soul-filling experience with me, both painful and inspirational. What is most important is that we remember, remember the legacy of Black people whether enslaved or from the diaspora, celebrate our contributions, and find hope in the future. Though we've been at least a dozen times, and still spend time in the permanent exhibits because there is always something to learn and do. There are the well-kwown memorialization's of Harriet Tubman and her bible, the coffin of Emmett Till, the run through of the timelines from slavery to our constitutional amendments of freedom, and the civil rights era that hit every time. I find joy each time I visit the more modern hall of the 70s, 80s, and 90s which show music and vibes and key moments of happiness and sorrow for Black people. It is also amazing to go upstairs and see Chuck Berry's car, the sports history of the past and present, and to pay homage to the era and community institutions that will built after the civil war.

This year, the highlight was seeing the exhibit on reconstruction which actually walked through the legacy and history of the Klan, its connection to overpolicing, and the vigilantism of today. It shows the hoodie of Trayvon Martin who was slain while innocently walking through his neighborhood.

Another highlight was seeing the pictures of Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first president who died in 2022. I have often seen pictures of him with both African leaders and Martin Luther King, Jr., but this was one of the first with Malcolm X.

The museum exhibits, historical and cultural, are extremely well-done: very extensive and interesting! We spent almost two very enjoyable hours in the music section starting a 1/2 hour after doors opened. There were not many people and it was easy to view all of the exhibits. (Only complaint was that Whitney Houston seemed to be featured in a very minor way for such a talented singer!) Then, we spent four hours in the historical section: well worth the effort!! During that time, grabbed some beverages from the cafe. Glad that it stayed open a bit past the written closing time to accommodate customers. The staff was helpful if asked questions.

Excellent museum with so many interesting exhibits. Learned so much on my visit. Make sure you pre book a ticket and give yourself 3-4 hours to see everything. A great museum

This museum is a must if you're in DC. It's a difficult task to capture so much history in one museum but it is designed so thoughtfully and intentionally, I was left in awe. Weeks later, I'm still thinking about my visit there. Walking through, you are faced with honest and brutal truths and incredible moments of resilience and joy. I spent five and a half hours in the museum and want to go back so that I can see things I may have missed the first time around. I was happy to see the museum so busy and it also meant that I needed to navigate crowds in some areas and be a bit more patient.

I do wish there was an audio guide option since there was so much to take in. I tried downloading the museum app, but I found it hard to navigate and abandoned it.

Be sure to get your passes in advance and aim for earlier time slots if possible.

Sweet Home Café was delicious. It closes around 3 PM, so factor that into your visit if you plan on a food break.

I enjoyed my trip through the museum. I feel like I learned so much more than I was ever taught in school. I feel like this is a place that everyone should visit. It is important to have knowledge of everything that has happened throughout African American history.

Advance timed ticket necessary. Very thorough, excellent museum covering many facets of the culture and history.

Tips For Maximizing Your Time At The National Museum of African American History & Culture!

What are the opening times of the museum?
Head straight to the website and schedule your reservation based on your group size and date. Yes entry is FREE, but please leave a nice donation, eat at the cafe, and patronize the gift shop.

Should I drive or Uber/Lyft?
I would suggest a rideshare or taxi unless your hotel is within a short walking distance. Your Uber can drop you off right in front of the museum! This way you don’t need to worry about parking and walking a long distance in that heat! Be advised that this is a high traffic area, especially in the afternoon and pick up may take a bit longer than expected. Make sure you have extra water, there are many food trucks that you can grab something cool if your wait is a bit longer.

Do I need to reserve tickets?
I would recommend it! Some people did arrive early and walk up, but they still had to register online and wait until those with tickets completed entry. It’s really simple, just head to the website, pick your time slot, number of visitors with your groups, and make sure you give a donation! Again, this museum is free, support them!

How much time do I need in the museum?
I have no answer for this question, it all depends on each individual person and what area they decide to spend the most time. You will not be able to see everything in one, two, or even three visits, my advice is enjoy the museum and don’t stress about seeing it all, you can’t!

What levels should I skip or save for later?
None, make sure you spend some time on each level, you will be surprised at how the artifacts speak to you personally. I am not much of a sports fan, I love swimming, track and field, but I found myself seeing the section on basketball through the eyes of my son, and spent time marveling while sending him pictures of things I knew he would love. So my advice, check out each level, and have fun!

Should I take My Children?
You most definitely should take your children, there is learning here for all ages and I notice small children are much better behaved in these spaces. They are completely awed by all of the sights and sounds and explore with such wonder in their eyes. This museum has an area that is completely interactive and with children being adapted to technology, they will enjoy this area immensely! There is even a virtual step show to get them moving and stepping like they were performing at the halftime show at an HBCU! Don’t be unnerved, take those kids!

How is the food in the cafeteria?
This is not a cafeteria! The Sweet Home Cafe is a full fledged restaurant with a wide variety of African American favorites as well as many dishes that are the very epitome of what we call food to nourish the soul! Remember there is no charge to enjoy this museum, so go get a piece of fried chicken, cornbread, baked chicken, ribs, catfish, BBQ, sandwiches, greens, mac n cheese, potato salad, cakes, pies, and nostalgic candies! Let me know how much you enjoyed those eats, I sure did! Pick up a copy of the cookbook at the gift shop on your way out!

I heard the Cafe has long lines and the wait is awful.
The cafe seats 400 people, when the lines are long the cafe only lets a certain number of diners in at a time, my wait was about 10 minutes (consider this if you are traveling with others who have special needs and are unable to stand for long periods of time). The line moves swiftly, so have what you want to order already in mind and be mindful, everyone is ready to eat!

Can I take pictures and videos?
Yes! Except in areas where they are not allowed, you will see signs posted and museum attendants will remind you. Please be respectful and follow the rules.

I am visiting with a group that has special needs.
Elevators are available on every level for those with wheelchairs and walkers, or anyone not wanting to use the escalators, this tour requires a lot of walking, I did over 5,000 steps inside easily, be mindful if you are traveling with anyone who will require frequent breaks.

I have a service dog, will I be allowed to enter?
Yes service dogs are allowed, SERVICE DOGS, not your pet wearing a vest from Amazon because you want to take your dog everywhere!

Hope these tips are helpful, enjoy!

Unnerved Traveler

Americans are woefully uneducated about this essential part of American history. This museum is necessary and very well done. Don’t miss it. We all need to understand the neglected parts of our nation’s history.

Looking forward to coming back to this spectacular museum packed with impressive exhibits, fascinating videos, varied displays, extensive history and cultural descriptions, ample seating, interactive displays, original and reproduction artifacts, gift shop, and cafe. Beware that online reservations are required and be ready to stand in long lines. The crowds are a concern during the pandemic but the experience made it worthwhile. You need patience to experience this world class museum. Once you get in, there are opportunities to get away from the crowds occasionally. The architecture of the building itself is especially noteworthy.

The first problem is that the whole experience is jarring. I love Motown music but they changed the songs every 5 seconds and they kept changing the images of people of the screens to rapidly to really absorb anything.

Secondly, they certainly skewed the narrative. For example there was essentially no discussion of how African tribes captured other tribes so sell to Arab traders to sell to white Europeans. This isn’t to forgive white Europeans but a more realistic history would have included the African tribal chiefs and the Arab traders without whom this trade could not have existed.

Thirdly I’d like to have seen more celebration of great black American achievers, who weren’t just in music or sports. The museum focused on discrimination , which certainly existed but let’s also celebrate great black intellectuals. Thomas Sowell is one of the most influential and brilliant economists of the twentieth century, who often gets overlooked because he is a conservative just as Clarence Thomas may not fit into a liberals list of favorite justices he has served on the Supreme Court for 34 years and is a major national thought leader. He is the child of an impoverished single parent family who has reached the greatest heights by brilliance and diligence. I didn’t see him anywhere in the museum.
Let’s be honest about discrimination but also admiring of brilliant and successful people who overcame a lot to achieve a lot, whether their politics fit in with current progressive narrative

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.

It was very enlightening to visit from Japan. While the history of slavery may be known, I believe the history of segregation is not as widely recognized internationally. However, by studying the history by era, we can understand the foundations of these issues, and I have learned a great deal. I think the situation is steadily improving. I sincerely hope that in 20 years' time, the world will be a place where people interact based on their humanity, regardless of skin color.

Easily a Top-5 museum in the city. Booked 11:00 am time. Spend an hour and a half. It’s an amazing one. Really worthy to go.

The content of this museum is amazing and educational. They have superb, telling, relics to tell the story. The layout is a nightmare. I could often see something I wanted to look at but then spend the next ten minutes walking up various ramps and one-way narrow isles to try and get there. Well-worth going to, but make sure you get your timed ticket online, it's free but you need that reservation. Start on the bottom and work your way up to so makes more sense. Great gift shops on the entrance floor (once more, hard to get to as you have to walk around the block) and also the third floor. Great selection of books. A must go but try to hit it off-peak time. Also, the cafe can get crowded with a long line very quickly.

I really enjoyed my trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was an eye-opening experience that sometimes put me outside of my comfort zone, but because of that, I was able to learn more about African American history. At the museum, the descriptions of each exhibit gave an in-depth analysis of what the exhibit was, who it was used by, and how it was used. One of the big topics in the museum is slavery and the slave trade. There are so many exhibits and so much information in the museum about the slave trade, that it becomes easier to understand. To add on, the artifacts that are present at the museum give you the ability to put yourself in the shoes of the person who is involved with the artifact. Reflecting back on the trip, I learned so much more about things I thought I knew a lot about. This trip was very educational and I highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to learn more about African American history.

It was an experience; surreal. I heard and read about African American history and was told of some experiences from family members. But, it was educational experience seeing it in person and learning new facts. At times, I was speechless and in awe. It was interesting to see the past and present day experiences which showed resilience, courage and determination not to give up. I went two days and came early in the morning and stayed until closing. Those days were well worth it and gave me enough time to explore. I took lunch breaks at the cafe on both days. I enjoyed the cafe. My food choices were delicious.

I did not get the free passes, but booked a tour so that I could get to see the museum. It is something that all ages can relate to. I am from Chicago where we have all sorts of museums, but this was by far the best museum that I have been to. There was no lack of detail or inclusiveness. I want to go back again! There is so much to learn and never enough time. It is a lot to take in. Kudos to all that contributed and made this museum a reality.

Every time I come to this museum, I learn something new. Give yourself time as the museum is very large. Start downstairs and work you way up to the various levels. Stop by the reflection pool. The museum has good food but you can also visit the many food trucks that are parked outside

10/10 loved our experience here. As a white woman from a southern state where many marches and sit-ins would have occurred, I found it to be exceptionally impactful. From a practical standpoint, the museum is well designed and flows logically in a way where you won’t miss something important and won’t get turned around. Concourse 2 was our favorite, with artifacts/signs from the Jim Crow era that simply shocked my teens. We liked the immersive experience of walking through the segregated rail car, and especially loved learning about the various methods of the Civil Rights Movement at the interactive lunch counter. Walking through these exhibits is a sobering reminder not only of how much POC in America have suffered but also of how much work there still is to be done. I do wish there had been a little more about redlining, redistricting schools, and white flight because of the way these things are such drivers of the systemic racism that is so firmly embedded in our society today. Anyhow I thought this was just a phenomenal experience and I think it should be on the itinerary of EVERY person visiting DC.

For the people who do not understand this exhibit, it is SUPPOSED to be dark and crowed in the beginning of the experience. You are being shown what it is like to cross the ocean in fear and crowded. By the time you get to the end, so much space and light that it’s a celebration

I understand this and to bad the person who reviewed this last did not understand the concept. I was an experience.

The 3 hours I spent here was not enough! There is so much to take in, every word needs to be read and absorbed. What an amazing museum! I even overheard a couple white women say, “How can anyone deny this, there’s so much history right here?!” I wholeheartedly agree.

Because there was so much, I felt like they crammed alot into the below space, and even with timed entry, it got pretty crowded. I was also not so happy with the cafe, which felt very ordinary with hot dogs and fried chicken and bbq. And they charged almost $5 for a bottle of water!!

This is a space that increases the knowledge about the history of the African Americans and their continuous struggle for equality in America.
I watched many African Americans children and felt that they were inspired by this museum, seem proud about their heritage and the resilience of many generations of ancestors. I would like to believe that this place makes these people feel more understood by others.

Awesome. I could have spent the night here. There’s so much to see that you need a few days to take it all in. I only had 1 day to spend so I must return when in the area again. I love everything about how they put it together from top to bottom starting with the history on the lowest level to the present on the upper floors. The cafe was also excellent for lunch. I will come back so I can take my time. Well done, go see it!

Amazing place need at least 5/6 hours to do it right. Each floor offers such wonderful information. Start at the concourse level first

We were very impressed with this museum. Starting off at the history galleries beneath, it’s obviously a disturbing start, with slavery, but it never gives way to despair and always keeps an element of hope. As you move on through the history of segregation, make sure you don’t miss the divided railroad car, which is a bit hidden. Upstairs, there are all sorts of displays. We managed to take a brief look at the music section before we ran out of time.

You could quite easily spend the whole day here. I strongly recommend going to the cafe. We had absolutely delicious food. Fried chicken with apple salad and sweet potato. It could not have been tastier. All in all, this museum is a great place to go but make sure you book ahead. There are no walk-ins due to its popularity.

So well presented. Very, very sad chapter in our history. Everything was artfully presented and interesting. One of the top Smithsonian museums in DC. Do not miss!

This was my first visit to this Washington museum and I wasn’t disappointed. The presentations were outstanding as it traced the African American experience from the beginning of slavery through modern day. Especially impressive was the presentation of the civil rights movement culminating in the election of the first African American President of the US. I liked the final level on the influence of Black entertainers and how they contributed to changing attitudes toward Black culture. Definitely a place I want to visit again on future visits to DC.

Firstly although this museum is free you do need to book a timed entry. It is a very popular museum and so tickets are in demand. If my memory serves me right they are released 30 days in advance. You have very little hope of gaining entry if you don’t book a time well in advance.

We visited on a Monday when it doesn’t open until midday and 15 minutes prior to opening the line was already quite long.

The museum itself threw me a bit, in that you are advised to start in the basement in order to follow the journey of the African American people in chronological order from the days of slavery up to more modern times, thus you are climbing upwards all day. I don’t know but to me with my experience of museum visits it seemed slightly back to front and should start at the top and walk down.

The presentations on the slave trade are extensive, there is a lot to take in. As someone who has focused on this despicable era of history I didn’t necessarily learn anything new even though personally I took 4 hrs to get through the first two floors. This was partly because of the number of visitors and secondly because, as with most USA museums, it can be a bit information overload. As a consequence I didn’t really get the time to appreciate fully the remainder of the museum.
To see it all properly expect to set aside at least a full day.

It was disappointing to me to see very few visitors of white ethnicity and made me question whether this section of society either don’t want to be reminded of history or feel by the title of the museum it is not relevant to them?

Being from the UK I am fully aware of our country’s role in the slave trade which is very well documented and presented at the International Museum of Slavery in Liverpool which was at the centre of this historical era.
Personally instead of shying away from it, i think every country needs to own their history. America is so proud of the American Revolution and the subsequent Declaration of Independence and yet are only now starting to show the world what happened in their country both to the Black African slaves and the Native American Indians.

I was at the museum for an evening event which was special itself. Prior to the event we were able to view the museum. One hour is certainly not sufficient, but what a rare opportunity to have the museum nearly empty! The building itself is beautiful & massive. Since we had limited time, we spent the majority of it in the Afrofuturism exhibit. This is a temporary exhibit until March 2024 so I wanted to make sure to see it while it is up. Wow! What an incredible exhibit. My favorite part was the small section of Octavia Butler & the piece of paper with her actual writing. My heart. While my experience at the museum was so special, I will certainly need to return with multiple hours to explore the rest! Thank you.

What an amazing museum. Allow plenty of time because there is so much to see and it is so well displayed. It takes a good three hours to see everything and possibly longer.

Finally got to visit the National Museum of African History and Culture this week.

This is a place that everyone should visit if they are traveling to Washington DC. We were there for two and a half hours and wasn’t able to see everything.

I highly recommended wearing comfortable walking shoes because the floors are mainly concrete and there is a lot of standing.

There have been postings on social media about things being removed. We did not see any of that during our visit.

I pray the Smithsonian leaves this museum alone and doesn’t cave to political pressure because what’s in this museum is American history.

Museums are there for Americans to decide if they want to se them or not, not for politicians to decide!

Excellent experience. My family and I have toured various sites exploring and recognising the civil rights timeframe of the 1960’s but this offered African American history from origins in Africa through today in America. It recognised the contributions of a wide variety of people to the civil rights movement and provided a thoughtful and touching look at where our country is today. An incredible building as well, work of art in itself. Though free, Book ahead!

Incredibly powerful moving experience.

Museum is divided into two parts. The lower levels traces the history of slavery and segregation. The upper levels tells the modern stories.

Everybody needs to go and at the very least see the lower levels to learn and reflect on how bad humans can treat one another.

I have been many times to all of the Smithsonian Museums. This has the most powerful and poignant message of them all.

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.

Moving and educational experience. Must do while in DC. I had never been and was encouraged to go by a friend who I respected opinion. I would definitely go back again.

It was good to see the history of our ancestors. Very enlightening. The layout of the floors was phenomenal

Fabulous museum that explains in detail the history of African Americans up to today.
Very complete, very interesting. To do absolutely.
Fabulous
The one downside, not being bilingual, I regret the absence of audioguide.
Long live Google translation but it is not practical.

DC is a great city. Make sure to visit the National Museum of African American History. It's fantastic. As is the National Portrait Gallery, which is much more than portraits. And the Roosevelt Monument. Very moving. Have fun!

The content of the Museum was so informative but made me feel sad to be white. Here on holiday in the US from the UK and so glad it was recommended.
My only negative was that the building was so cold - some people were leaving due to the temperature which was such a shame.

The curating of the museum and the taste of history and culture is something to be experienced. Well worth the visit.

My husband and I had visited the museum a few years earlier and underestimated how much time is needed to see it fully (and were unable to get tickets on subsequent days to continue), so we returned this year. This is an exceptional museum and requires at least a full day, if not two, to properly absorb and appreciate all of the exhibits. When you go, start on the sub-level in the History Galleries because the space is more constrained (intentionally we believe to better evoke the feelings of the historical experience) and quite crowded. As you ascend to the upper floors the space opens, brightens and soars as they highlight the extraordinary achievements of African Americans. The displays are stunning in all areas, intelligently annotated and very informative. Even if you believe you know a lot about African American history, you will learn so much more. A must-see.

Phenomenal, Phenomenal, Phenomenal!

Did I tell you it was phenomenal?

My family and I absolutely enjoyed visiting the museum. There is so much to see so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. It took us about four to five hours to see everything. We also ate at the Sweet Home Cafe and enjoyed the food. There are so many exhibits such as sports, music, education, etc. There is so much history to learn about at the museum. I would HIGHLY recommend visiting the museum. It is truly an educational experience.

What a chock full of black history this is! It was mobbed and not easily followed in some areas downstairs. Upstairs there is a celebration of black music and culture.
Costumes, instruments, photographs.

Traveling from South Carolina I was so proud to see our southern styles helped shaped the culture and displayed in the museum.

No matter what aspect of African-American history you're interested in, there's something that you'll find relevant. I was pleased by the exhibits on broadcasting and military history.

I just returned from a Thursday/Friday visit and enjoyed the NMAAHC Museum in DC very much. I logged onto the website a few minutes before the 8:15 AM same-day ticket release and was able to get a time spot for later that day. I returned the next day, logging on again at 8:15 and there were plenty of spots open for a 10:00 A.M. visit. The museum is vast, 7 floors, with a small gift shop and cafeteria. I would say that you need to allocate at least 3 hours for this museum, but if you like history like I do, maybe spend an entire day with a nice break for lunch in the cafeteria.
I teach history to high schoolers so I was very familiar with the background of the colonial era and slave trade. You are allowed to take pictures in many places throughout the museum; I will be excited to share some pictures with my students in the fall. Things that made a great impression on me: (I perferred the history sections that reside in the lower levels of the museum) the slave auction block and vivid descriptions of the auctions, the Reconstruction era, the beautiful memorial to Emmett Till, and the train car that provided visuals and showed the legacy of segregation. A couple things I would modify in the museum: (1) the Civil Rights Movement section was great but I believe it could have been larger. (2) The minute attention to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was a glaring error in my opinion. It shows the obvious bias of the museum curators and directors; should a conservative African American great legal scholar who fails to fit the liberal agenda/ideologies of the museum get cut out of the displays? The "greats" should ALL be included, whether one believes in their political leanings and decisions or not. All in all, great museum and everyone should add this to their list of sights when they come to Washington, D.C.!

I believe this is the best museum that I have ever visited. The building is stunning and comfortably air conditioned. Despite a large number of visitors it flowed nicely. I realized how superficial and inadequate my understanding of European and American history as it pertains to slavery, Jim Crow, segregation and voter suppression. The exhibits, videos, and artifacts were thoughtfully presented chronologically starting in the basement and engage you in a fascinating 5 century history lesson. The courage and resilience of those individuals who fought for civil rights is stunning. For me, the photo of the solitary 15 year old black girl (Elizabeth Eckford) stoically attempting to enter the Little Rock High School in 1957 surrounded by screaming white mob was mesmerizing. Her strength and composure in the presence of such hate brought me to tears. The special Emmett Till images and coffin were also deeply moving. I would get your tickets for 10 am and budget at least 4 hours to fully appreciate this gem of a Smithsonian Museum experience.

This is one of the most well thought out museums I have ever been to in my life. I loved the timeline aspect how the museum is laid out. It is a HUGE place so pace yourself. Be prepared to walk and walk walk! And then be prepared to read and read and read. It is a lot of information but it keeps you engaged at all times. People have the option to explore the museum through different time periods but starting from the bottom and working your way to the top is the recommended way to do it. I will say it will get crowed and some things you will have to wait and see. Be advised some exhibitions are heavy and will take you on a emotional journey. I highly recommend taking your time through those spaces.

Fabulous range; great museum. Got online and reserved tickets for timed entry; was glad to go in late morning on a weekday -- not crowded till after about 3:30 pm.

There is far more to see than you can in a day, so pick some areas. We covered a lot (my first visit, reconnaissance) by doing the lower history floors for a few hours, then stopping for lunch (not cheap, but substantial and tasty), then skimming the upper floors with some mini dives into music culture, etc.

Don't miss the contemplation room -- a good decompressor.

Absolutely amazing place. Go early in the day!!

Going here was a last min change of plans. So wish this was my first stop of the day. This could have easily been my only stop of the day.

It's much bigger than I expected. Go early in the day before the crowds build up.

Go downstairs first. 3 floors of stuff. Then hit the galleries on the upper floors.

I went later in the day. Bypassed the welcome desk and went to the upper floors. Had no idea the underground portion existed. Upper galleries were amazing. Sports, entertainment, military, religion, Tv, radio, theater, music.

On my way out, I see lots of folks heading to an escalator going to the underground.

I go to the Welcome desk to inquire. The one I by passed at first! Learned that the main exhibits are downstairs.

It's about 2 in the afternoon. This underground gallery is 3 floors and is absolutely packed. There's A LOT to see. With all the other folks there it's kinda hard to really stop at everything. I'm already running low on steam from previously exploring other museums. So I'm feeling overwhelmed and tired.

My next visit to DC, I'm going to this museum early in the day. Hopefully beat the crowds and take my time.