National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20560
The only major museum in the US devoted to the arts of Africa, the National Museum of African Art is administered by the Smithsonian and located on Washington DC’s National Mall. Home to 12,000 artworks spanning traditional and contemporary pieces, the museum’s permanent collection features work from across the African continent.
The basics
The National Museum of African Art’s permanent collection highlights include masks, textiles, jewelry, decorative objects, and paintings. Beyond its galleries, it also serves as a major research institution and hosts a conservation lab, research library, and photographic archives. The National Museum of African Art is one of Washington DC’s highlight Smithsonian museums, and easy to visit independently. It also features on numerous sightseeing itineraries, including hop-on hop-off bus tours and private sightseeing tours.
Things to know before you go
Admission to the National Museum of African Art is free.
The museum operates a gift shop that sells objects related to the collections, and which are inspired by African art.
All areas of the museum are accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
How to get there
The National Museum of African Art is located at 950 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20560, on the southern edge of the National Mall. The museum is moments from the Smithsonian Metro stop, served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines. It is also a few minutes from L’Enfant station, served by several commuter rail lines.
When to get there
The National Museum of African Art is open daily, from morning until early evening, except on Christmas Day. It is likely to be most crowded during the summer, on weekends, and during school holidays; visit at alternative times for a calmer experience. The museum offers a changing array of exhibitions, as well as regular weekend movement and art workshops.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African Art is one of many Smithsonian institutions located on the National Mall. Just minutes away is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Opened in 2016, and housed in a strikingly designed building that represents different eras of the African-American experience, it is the only museum in the country dedicated to African-American culture and history.
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