National Museum of African American History and Culture
Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. The museum helps all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by global influences. It explores what it means to be an American and shares how values like resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African American history and culture.
RAA was asked to design twelve galleries, taking visitors on a historically rooted journey that embraces community and celebrates culture. The History galleries cover 400 years of America’s history: Slavery and Freedom, the Era of Segregation, and Beyond 1968.
The Community galleries tell the stories of Making a Way Out of No Way, the Power of Place, Military History, and Sports. The Culture galleries present Cultural Expressions, Taking the Stage, Musical Crossroads, and Visual Arts.
The national response to the museum has been significant, with visitation topping one million visitors in little over four months after opening, and more than three million in its first full year of operation. In addition to the remarkable visitation, people are engaged three to four times longer than the average museum visit with durations of six to eight hours. It has, according to The Washington Post, “changed the center of gravity on the Mall.”
Size 85,000 square feet
Year 2016
Architect Adjaye Associates David Brody Bond Freelon Group
Project Details
Concept CollaboratorsWeShouldDoItAll (WSDIA), studioSUMO, Pentagram, Lord Cultural Resources
Structural EngineerSilman Associates
Prime Exhibit Fabricator and A/V IntegrationD&P
Exhibit FabricatorsHadley, Pacific Studios
Lighting DesignerLuce Group
Acoustical EngineeringSH Acoustics
Sound DesignerCharles Morrow Associates
Media ConsultantsResident Genius, Leslie Gladsjo, Local Projects
A/V Design and EngineeringElectrosonic
Specialty CastingsStudio EIS
Executive Media ProducerSmithsonian Channel
Media ProductionCortina Productions
MEPWSP Flack + Kurtz, Inc.
AwardsDezeen Award: Longlist, Civic and Cultural InteriorInternational Design Award (IDA): Silver, Interior Design / Exhibits, Pavilions and ExhibitionsRed Dot Award: Winner, Spatial CommunicationSEGD Global Design Award: Merit AwardACEC/MA Engineering Excellence Award: GoldWashington Building Congress, Craftsmanship Award: WinnerFast Company Innovation by Design Award: Honorable Mention, Spaces, Places, and CitiesGOOD DESIGN® Award: Winner, EnvironmentsGraphis Design Annual: SilverInternational Design and Communication Award (IDCA): Gold, Best Scenography for a Permanent CollectionIndustrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), International Design Excellence Award (IDEA): Finalist, EnvironmentsThemed Entertainment Association (TEA): Winner, Outstanding Achievement: MuseumContract | Interiors Awards: Winner, Civic/Public
Photography Ron Blunt
“This museum is groundbreaking and important. I am honored to have walked though it. I hope everyone, of all backgrounds, gets to go experience the magic and authenticity that we did this afternoon.”
@alex_elle
@evan_renise
“Artistry is absorbing all that is, all that has come before, and all that will come, and being vulnerable enough to make meaning of it.”
@ashleynbaylorsoprano
“The work continues.”
@ebonyssali
“This is beautiful, amazing and overwhelming all at the same time!”
@mselll
“Absolutely amazing experience at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture today.”
@pandaschwartz
“I’ve been twice already and feel like I could visit ten more times.”
@thelittlebluebackpack
“An amazing display of the most ugly and beautiful sides of humanity under one roof.”
@anh86
“We learned, we laughed, we cried, and we became reinvigorated about who we are, our purpose and our fight.”
@delbertwatkins
“A museum experience like no other, in design, content, sequence and experience.”
@ginamarieford
“What an amazing, moving, and significant history of America.”
@hochie71
“It gives one a deeper sense of appreciation for the resilience and perseverance of the African American spirit.”
@jazzmatic.charles
“I cried, I cursed, I rejoiced, I danced. What an experience.”
@jujeebeau
“I’m glad that I finally got the opportunity to experience the rich history found in this museum.”
@knmiller526
“The plethora of styles of architecture and exhibits work together to evoke every feeling imaginable.”
@mikearcher
“Resilience in action.”
@sincerelyvali
“Beautiful details lovingly woven into unflinchingly self-defined themes of the freedom making, healing, community, and ancestral communion of my African American people.”
@soulpowercoach
“It was so nice to see all my history in one place.”
@tams.tbr
“A truthful, raw, and much needed education on the struggle that the United States of America was grafted, shaped, and is still shaping. The dignity, tenacity and grace portrayed in the stories of individual and collective African Americans is humbling and inspiring. Hope rises as you climb every floor.”
—Angela C.
“Life changing. Reflective, but not in your face. Beauty rising from incomprehensible suffering.”
—Brenda E.
“You feel the full weight of the past and hope for the future.”
—Geraldine O.
“I went through a wide range of emotions as I visited each exhibit. The one resounding feeling was perseverance and awe.”
—MV J.
“It was riveting and revolting at the same time. A lot of painful information, but it helped me understand the struggles of my ancestors and embrace the challenges of life today … grateful for those who paved the way.”
—Regina S.
“Simple, free and enlightening.”
—Timothy G.
“Across this country, young Black men and women have been infected with a fever of affirmation. They are saying, ‘We are Black and beautiful.'”
@nmaahc
“Sharing that space and those stories with them, especially in today’s climate, meant everything.”
@nifeakingbe
“From stories of survival and strength to innovation and joy — this trip deepened our connection to the greatness we come from.”
@petersburgisgrowing
“Hard to capture in words what a brilliant space this is, from the gorgeous architecture to the thought-provoking, interesting, educational, gripping collections and exhibitions.”
@alysson4ck
“Exploring history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.”
@anna.ton
“Just visited NMAAHC and was inspired by an incredible exhibit showcasing the legacy of Bridget “Biddy” Mason.”
@artikatyner
“NMAAHC serves as a living reminder of history that must never be forgotten.”
@ashleyismyrealtor
“More than a museum, this space holds stories that move, challenge, and celebrate. Honored to witness the depth of Black artistry and resilience firsthand.”
@byeverythingpositive
“I cherish every moment that I spend here with every bit of my heart.”
@christineandbobo
“Each floor takes you deeper into history.”
@demarcusbsean
“From standing alone to raising the next generation, I am reminded that we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
@dr.dotmoore
“This trip brought their studies to life, connecting past and present in meaningful ways. An unforgettable day of learning, reflection, and discovery!”
@flinthillschool
“Today was an eye opener for him and us.”
@joeyfair_therealtor
“Standing on the shoulders of giants.”
@journeytothenba2k
“The art, architecture, interactive exhibits, and detailed history recount so many truths that need to be told.”
@khyal
“It was such an amazing experience to learn about Black culture and how, as a people, we paved the way for so many things in so many different sectors of business, entertainment, and much more.”
@justindionbarber
“Black history = American history.”
@lgallager
“A museum, a movement, a reminder: Black history is living history.”
@perplexing.beauty
“The triumphant history of African Americans is displayed in an emotional, yet riveting way in the below ground level exhibits.”
@r6nsbepros
“A young Black man, standing in the weight of our history — reading the words of those who fought for freedom, change, and dignity.”
@shestheasset
“The whole museum was amazing and profound.”
@thereitispod
“I was speechless, I cried, and I understood and proud to stand on shoulders of people who laid the foundation that I intend to continue to build on.”
@unvmybeauty
“Such a beautifully designed and curated museum, so thorough, so thoughtful, so well researched.”
@veemunny
“Honored to learn, reflect, and grow.”
@wssumbasketball
“Nothing short of amazing. I was able to go on a journey through my ancestor’s trauma, but watching us get to pure victory.”
@zayonceofficial
“I truly felt that I made it home. Because this is a place for us.”
—Gerald J.
“You leave with a deeper understanding of what real freedom means, and the courage it takes to fight for it.”
—Hana W.
“A reverent and enjoyable place to visit.”
—K. T.
“The compilation of artifacts and wealth of knowledge is a history lesson for all.”
—Kenneyetta J.
“My time at NAAMHC was incredible — sobering, sad, priceless, and momentous. It was everything I’ve heard from others who visited and will always be cherished.”
—Renee H.
“This place isn’t just about art and beauty. It’s about voices — voices that went unheard for far too long and, in many cases, still go unheard.”
—Sam S.
“A beautifully designed, exciting experience through Black history and excellence.”
—Tasha W.
“A phenomenal experience witnessing the beauty of the African American experience.”
—Tinuke O.
“I am without words to describe this experience.”
—Wendy W.
“Full of history that needs to be shared.”
—Quinn T.
“We were engaged in learning.”
—Vicky C.
“Deeply moved by the history preserved within these walls.”
@6iix_zw
“Joy, brilliance, culture, and legacy… everyday, all in one frame. And all worth remembering and celebrating.”
@_thehollywillsway
“We spent the day exploring the richness of African American culture, history, music, film, sports, and art.”
@aelnyc
“Walking through Power of Sports exhibit reminded us: we aren’t just playing a game; we’re carrying a legacy.”
@blackgolfclubdc
“Today didn’t just educate me. It reignited me.”
@bringonbert
“Some reflections from my recent visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.”
@cedriccraig
“I left D.C. energized and reminded that culture is curriculum, and our stories still teach.”
@gerrelsayles
“Deepening our understanding of Black history, culture, and the powerful voices that have shaped our world.”
@guidepostwestalex
“NMAAHC does not ask for your attention — it earns it. This place has a way of slowing you down. It tells the truth plainly, and asks you to sit with it.”
@j._french
“Grateful for spaces that tell the full story and invite us to learn, remember, and grow.”
@jusmcg
“The museum was incredible, and incredibly moving.”
@ryanleonard2
“Every exhibit told a story worth remembering”
@3den_br0wn
“Left NMAAHC feeling nothing short of inspired.”
@_kabuckets
“A profound reminder that greatness is our inheritance. The history in this building is heavy, but the ultimate message climbing up from the history galleries to the culture floors is one of spectacular triumph, resilience, and unyielding power.”
@al_cudjoe
“I wasn’t just looking at history. I was looking at excellence, resilience, creativity, and the power of a people who refused to let their stories go untold. Seeing so many trailblazers who broke barriers made me feel one step closer to my own dreams.”
@candicoatedsecrets_talkshow
“Witnessed history today.”
@leee_onna
“Truly an exceptional museum with a layout that’s so conducive to learning.”
@mayor_of_jasonville
“I felt so many emotions after leaving NMAAHC but the one emotion I felt the most was an immense sense of pride and strength.”
@shanea_shayon
“An experience unlike any other. It is a place to think, to contemplate, to reflect. And to celebrate.”
—Akshay A.
“There is something incredibly powerful about the layout. You literally walk through history, moving from the heavy origins of slavery up into the inspiring, modern-day accomplishments of the present.”
—Dorian D.
“Seven levels of all-encompassing, rich history and information.”
—Lorielle T.