The National Museum of African American History and Culture Brand Guide
A recognizable brand identity is important.
When the museum's voice and character are consistently reflected in its communications, that facilitates understanding. It encourages the development of meaningful relationships between the museum and its audiences. The museum's brand is a reflection of its core values. Used well, it helps to support the museum's mission. Please use this guide as a resource. A brand identity is at its most effective when it is applied thoughtfully and with purpose.
The guidelines detailed here are designed to exist in harmony with the museum's exhibitions and its institutional character. They are also intended to be flexible and functional enough to meet the needs of a living, vibrant cultural institution.
About the Museum
Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than 7 million visitors. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
There are four pillars upon which the museum stands:
- It provides an opportunity for those who are interested in African American culture to explore and revel in this history through interactive exhibitions, public programs and symposia, and publications.
- It 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 share how American values like resilience, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African American history and culture.
- It serves as a place of collaboration that reaches beyond Washington,D.C., to engage new audiences and to work with the myriad of museums and educational institutions that have explored and preserved this important history well before this museum was created.
Brand Values
Authenticity
The museum tells the story of the African American experience with accuracy, honesty, respect and the unvarnished truth. Rigorous scholarship is at the core of its publications, exhibitions and academic endeavors. We continuously work to maintain its originality, integrity, transparency and credibility.
Innovation
The museum is innovative in presenting sensitive subject matter that is essential in understanding contemporary African American history and culture. We incorporate cutting-edge technology to share the African American story with the world. We create an environment for experimentation and for employees to transform the museum experience.
Discovery
Discovery is central to the work of this museum. We are steadfast in our commitment to help people look deeply into the past and the present, to ask the tough questions, and to see how America’s past has shaped the America we know today. The museum encourages continuous learning by staff and the broadening of education and perspectives.
Excellence
The museum focuses on ways to work better, smarter and in alignment with the highest standards. We do not rest on accomplishments; we build on them. We work to deliver the best possible experience for our visitors and stakeholders. The museum endeavors to set new standards in the field, to shatter limitations and exceed expectations. We inspire excellence in our employees. Employees care about their work and the credibility of the museum.
Resilience
The museum honors the resilience of African Americans who overcame tremendous adversity to build America and influence the world over. Just as they displayed great strength, courage and optimism in their struggle for equality and justice, the museum draws on wells of resilience. We use resilience to overcome obstacles in building exhibitions and public programs to the highest quality.
Spirituality
Spirituality is deeply embedded in African American culture and is an essential part of the ethos of the museum. We create exhibitions and programs designed to instill a sense of reverence for and a deep connection to the human spirit.
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Using the Brand and Requesting Assets
The NMAAHC Office of Public Affairs can offer guidance and support in using the museum brand. All uses of the NMAAHC brand must be approved by the Office of Public Affairs, Marketing department. Please submit requests to NMAAHC-Marcom@si.edu .