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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

Anacostia Community Museum

Founded in 1967, this Smithsonian institution was the first federally funded community museum in the United States, dedicated to sharing the overlooked stories of the Greater Washington, D.C. region.

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What is the Anacostia Community Museum known for?

It is the first federally funded community museum in the United States and focuses on sharing the untold and often overlooked stories of people in the Greater Washington, D.C. region.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission is free. Additionally, programs and events are free of charge and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

What are the hours?

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the museum offers a variety of events for audiences of all ages.

What can I see at the museum?

The museum features dynamic rotating exhibitions that explore urban community life and social change, including topics such as gentrification, environmental change, cultural encounters, and globalization.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Anacostia Community Museum opened its doors on September 15, 1967, marking a milestone as the first federally funded community museum in the United States. As one of twenty museums under the Smithsonian Institution, it serves as a vital platform to illuminate and share the untold stories of people furthest from opportunity within the Greater Washington, D.C. region. Located in the Anacostia neighborhood, the museum focuses on documenting and preserving the memories, struggles, and successes of local communities. Its exhibitions often reflect the Afrocentric character of the surrounding area, ensuring that diverse voices and cultures are heard and interpreted through a historical and contemporary lens. Visitors can explore dynamic rotating exhibitions that examine urban community life and social change. These displays tackle specific themes such as gentrification, environmental change, employment, globalization, cultural encounters, and modernization. The museum's commitment to an enhanced visitor experience was further solidified in October 2019, when it reopened following seven months of renovations that improved accessibility. The institution remains a public resource where admission is free. While the museum typically operates daily, it has announced a temporary closure beginning January 5, 2026, to prepare a new exhibition, continuing its mission to bring the next chapter of community storytelling to life.

Visitor tips

  • Admission is free and the museum is typically open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Check for closure dates; the museum is scheduled to close starting January 5, 2026, for exhibition updates.
  • If arriving by transit, the museum is located approximately one mile from the Anacostia Metro stop on the Green Line.
  • Utilize the accessible Metro entrance at Shannon Place between Martin Luther King Jr Ave. and Firth Sterling Ave. SE.

Nearby context

The museum is situated in the heart of the Anacostia neighborhood in Southeast Washington, D.C., an area characterized by its bustling Afrocentric community and a history of urban social change.

Sources

Evidence and links