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

National Museum of African Art

The Smithsonian's premier showcase of African art, featuring the largest collection of its kind in the United States, located on the National Mall.

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National Museum of African Art
africa.si.edu, og_image_africa.si.edu

What are the hours and admission costs for the National Museum of African Art?

Admission is free and no tickets are required. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., though it is closed on December 25.

What is the National Museum of African Art known for?

It is the first institution in the United States dedicated to African art and maintains the largest collection in the country. Its holdings include over 600,000 items documenting African histories, arts, and cultures, including approximately 9,000 works of art, 300,000 photographs, and 50,000 library volumes.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible. The main entrance on Independence Avenue near the Enid A. Haupt Garden accommodates visitors using wheelchairs and strollers.

Are there tours available at the museum?

The museum does not offer daily tours, but free docent-led tours can be scheduled if requested at least four weeks in advance.

What is the history of the National Museum of African Art?

The institution began as a private educational organization in 1964 and became part of the Smithsonian Institution in August 1979. It was formally renamed in 1981 and opened its National Mall facility to the public in 1987.

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 National Museum of African Art is the Smithsonian Institution's dedicated space for African art on the National Mall. The institution began in 1964 as a private educational institution to promote cross-cultural understanding in the social sciences and arts. It was the first U.S. institution dedicated to African art and remains the largest collection in the country. Following its formal renaming in 1981, the museum opened to the public in a new National Mall facility in 1987. Since becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution in August 1979, it has grown into a massive archive of cultural heritage. The museum staff currently care for more than 280 collections totaling over 600,000 items documenting the histories, arts, and cultures of Africa. Visitors can explore exhibitions of art from Africa and the African Diaspora. The collections include approximately 9,000 works of traditional and contemporary African art from both Sub-Saharan and North Africa, as well as 300,000 photographs and 50,000 library volumes. This vast array of works allows for a deep dive into the diverse artistic traditions of the continent. Located at 950 Independence Avenue SW, the museum is designed for accessibility. The main entrance on Independence Avenue near the Enid A. Haupt Garden accommodates visitors in wheelchairs and those with strollers, ensuring that the beauty of African artistry is accessible to all.

Visitor tips

  • Admission is free and no tickets are required for general entry.
  • If you want a docent-led tour, you must schedule it at least four weeks in advance.
  • Use the main entrance on Independence Avenue near the Enid A. Haupt Garden for wheelchair or stroller access.
  • Check the museum's website for events that may require free advance tickets.

Nearby context

Situated on the National Mall, the museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue SW, placing it among the other Smithsonian museums and within walking distance of the Enid A. Haupt Garden.

Sources

Evidence and links