Frequently Asked Questions
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is open daily to the public. To help you prepare for your visit, we have provided answers below to the most frequently asked questions about our museum.
What are the museum's hours?
Monday 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Our museum opens at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays observed as Federal Holidays and is closed on December 25.
What is the last visitor entry time?
Visitors are able to enter the museum until 4:00 p.m.
How do I get there?
Please visit Smithsonian visitor maps for directions to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington Monument and National Mall. The easiest way to visit the museum is to travel by public transportation. The closest Metro stations are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian (Mall exit), and you can view walking directions to the museum via Google Maps or Citymapper. For more information about traveling by Metro, please visit Metro Trip Planner.
Visitors may enter the museum at 15th Street and Madison Drive or at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The Madison Drive entrance is accessible and serves as a bus drop off location. Timed-entry passes will be scanned at both entrances. Visitors must use the main exit located on Constitution Avenue, NW.
Is there parking available for cars and buses?
There are no Smithsonian Institution public parking facilities on the National Mall. The Smithsonian does not provide parking. There are National Park Service designated accessible parking spaces along Madison Drive NW adjacent to the museum. Visitors with disability hang tags or license plates can park at metered spaces controlled by the DC government. Visit the DC government website for more information about their parking procedures and for an interactive map of Red Top Meter parking locations.
The nearest public parking garage is located at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. You may access the parking garage via ramps at 14th Street NW (north and south). Please visit the International Trade Center website for more information. A few nearby commercial lots and garages may also have available parking.
For additional information on bus parking, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202-426-6841.
For all other questions about visiting the museum, contact NMAAHCVisitorServices@si.edu.
How can I find out about street closures and traffic that may affect my travel to the museum?
Please check DC Traffic Advisory for the most up-to-date information regarding any street closures or changes to traffic patterns affecting the area around the museum.
Are you offering group visits?
An individual can reserve up to nine free timed-entry passes for their visit. For groups of 10 or more, please reserve group passes. The maximum group size is 200 visitors per day. Our maximum reservation per entry time is 100 visitors. If you have a group larger than 200, please contact us at NMAAHCGroupRequests@si.edu.
If my group arrives late, can we still visit?
If you arrive more than two hours past your entry time, entrance is not guaranteed and is based on capacity.
Is the museum partnering with any third-party organizations to provide packaged tours including free timed-entry passes, transportation, and hotel?
The museum does not partner with tour organizations or companies.
Is the museum accessible and ADA compliant?
The museum is committed to providing inclusive experiences for all audiences and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations include accessible facilities and entrances. There are free manual wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to request a wheelchair when reserving their timed-entry pass.
Open captioning is included in all exhibition videos. American Sign Language interpretation and Access Services are available for scheduled programming by contacting us with two weeks advance notice. T-Loops are available at the Welcome Desk.
How do I contact the museum with questions?
For more information about visiting the museum, please call 1-844-750-3012 for our automated system or email NMAAHCVisitorServices@si.edu
How can I reserve free timed-entry passes?
Visitors can reserve timed-entry passes online. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the museum. The museum cannot always accommodate walk-up visitors.
We are honored to welcome veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders with one guest to the museum. Upon arrival, please show a military or work ID badge, and register for entry using a QR code.
Please note: museum entry is subject to building capacity; weekends and holidays are peak visitation times. If the museum is at or near capacity, all visitors standing in line will be asked to wait until the museum has room to accommodate them.
How far in advance are free timed-entry passes released?
Timed-entry passes are released up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis. A limited number of same-day timed-entry passes are released online only throughout each day, beginning at 8:15 a.m. EST.
How do I know when free timed-entry passes are not available?
When passes are unavailable, the date is highlighted in gray and the drop-down menu for a visitation time will not appear.
Why am I unable to advance the calendar to future months?
Visitors will not be able to advance the calendar past the current month, when timed-entry passes for future months are not available.
How many free timed-entry passes can I reserve?
An individual can reserve up to nine free timed-entry passes for their visit. For groups of 10 or more, please reserve group passes. The maximum group size is 200 visitors per day. The maximum number of people per group, per entry time is 100 visitors. If you have a group larger than 200, please contact us at NMAAHCGroupRequests@si.edu.
Do children require free timed-entry passes?
Yes, all visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the museum.
I'm a veteran, active-duty personnel or first responder. Do I still need a free timed-entry pass to enter the museum?
We are honored to welcome veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders with one guest to the museum. Upon arrival, please show a military or work ID badge, and register for entry using a QR code.
Please note: museum entry is subject to building capacity; weekends and holidays are peak visitation times. If the museum is at or near capacity, all visitors standing in line will be asked to wait until the museum has room to accommodate them.
Additional Information
How will I receive my free timed-entry pass?
Visitors receive their free timed-entry passes via an Etix email. Visitors should remember to check their spam or junk folder.
How should I present my free timed-entry passes when I arrive?
Visitors can choose to print timed-entry passes at home or present them on a mobile device for scanning prior to entering the museum on Madison Drive or Constitution Avenue, NW.
Can I enter the museum if I arrive past the entry time on my free timed-entry pass?
Visitors may enter the museum after their scheduled time, up until 4:00 pm, based upon capacity.
Are free timed-entry passes used to limit the amount of time I can spend in the museum?
No, visit time is not limited. Visitors are able to stay in the museum until closing.
Who can I contact if I have trouble obtaining my free timed-entry passes?
Please visit Etix customer service or email support@etix.com.
What is NMAAHC doing to ensure the safety of visitors?
The following safety measures are in place to protect the health of our visitors, staff and volunteers based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments. We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow these safety measures to protect everyone’s health. Visitors are not required* to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Please note that we may adjust our safety guidelines based on changing CDC COVID-19 Community Levels. We encourage visitors to regularly check our website before their visit for the latest guidelines. Washington, D.C. is currently in the CDC’s Low Community Level category. During this time, we are implementing the following safety measures:
If Sick, Stay Home
We are asking all visitors who are sick or feel unwell to please stay home. Visitors are encouraged to wash and sanitize hands frequently during their visit. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout our facilities.
Face Coverings
As of March 11, 2022, face coverings are not required to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. While it will not be required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so.
We encourage visitors to maintain a safe social distance of six feet or more between households and groups when possible, but our museum becomes crowded, especially during peak visitation times. Visitors who wish to avoid crowds are encouraged to plan their visit during weekdays.
Proof of Vaccination
Visitors are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to visit. Special events and some after-hours programming may require guests to provide proof of vaccination.
Are there special hours or access points for high-risk visitors?
Not at this time.
Do you conduct temperature checks at the entrance of the museum?
No, temperature checks are not conducted at this time. All visitors are asked to conduct self-evaluations of their health before coming to the museum as there are a variety of symptoms beyond the temperature that should be monitored. All visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, are asked to stay home if they do not feel well.
Do you offer no-touch/contactless options for payment?
Visitors have options for both cash and credit card payments, in addition to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay touchless payment options within the museum. All timed-entry passes are free.
What is your procedure if a Smithsonian staff member tests positive?
The Smithsonian has an established reporting protocol for staff who receive a positive test result and a comprehensive contact tracing program to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We investigate all reported cases, and the results of this contact tracing process trigger additional next steps, including procedures to directly inform affected parties and undertake additional cleaning measures.
What is your procedure if a visitor tests positive?
Any member of the public who has visited a Smithsonian museum and receives a positive test should contact their local public health department, in accordance with the process established by their local jurisdiction. The Smithsonian coordinates with local public health officials to receive pertinent information about positive cases, directly informs affected parties, and undertakes additional cleaning measures.
How long does it take to visit the museum?
Please be prepared for wait times as you enter the museum. There are 85,000 square feet of exhibition space; the pace at which you choose to tour the museum will determine the length of your visit.
When is visitation highest?
Our highest visitation is from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday. During this timeframe, there may be long lines to access the History Galleries.
What are the museum's hours?
The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on Mondays (12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.). Visitors are able to enter the museum until 4:00 p.m. The museum store begins to close at 5:00 p.m. and the exhibitions begin to close starting at 5:15 p.m.
Are the museum store and café open?
The museum store is open daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the exception of Mondays (12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.). Hand sanitizer stations are available for use upon entry and exit of the museum store.
The Sweet Home Café is open daily, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a limited menu, with the exception of Mondays (12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.).
Can I visit the store or café without a pass?
All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the museum.
NMAAHC offers a limited number of Dine and Shop passes to access only the Museum Store and Sweet Home Café between 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. during regular operating hours. Passes are released 7 days in advance at 8:00 a.m. EST on a rolling basis. Visitors can reserve up to 4 Dine and Shop passes per day.
Can I bring food or beverages into the museum?
Visitors may bring a bottle of water into the museum. All other outside food or drink must be properly closed and secured and may not be consumed in the Museum. Visitors may enjoy bagged lunches outside on the National Mall.
Is there a security check-in for the museum?
For everyone’s safety, all visitors are required to go through screening during the security process. All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel.
We’ve installed protective safety shields at bag-check screening stations and registers. We are encouraging visitors to limit the number of personal belongings they bring. This will decrease the time needed to get through security checkpoints and help maintain a safe social distance.
What items are not permitted in the museum?
- Outside food or drinks that are not properly closed and secured in a backpack
- Animals (with the exception of Service Animals as defined by the Department of Justice)
- 3D weapons, guns, or knives (including pen knives), aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace, scissors or tools
- Banners, placards, or signs
- Monopods, tripods, or selfie sticks
Does the museum offer a coat or bag check?
Lockers are available on a first come, first served basis. There are two sizes, large enough to store a backpack, purse other carry-on sized bags. They are not large enough to store luggage. The larger one is 12in wide x 25in high x 19in deep. The smaller one is 12in wide x 15in high x 19in deep. Visitors are permitted to carry their luggage throughout the Museum if needed.
Does the Museum have a lactation space available?
The Museum has a private lactation space available upon request. Please ask at the Welcome Desk when you arrive. The space contains chairs, a table, and multiple outlets. For questions please contact NMAAHCVisitorServices@si.edu.
Does the museum offer guided tours, in-person programming, or events?
Please visit the Upcoming Events page for a list of upcoming programs and events.
Can I take photos and videos in the museum?
Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Office of Public Affairs and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building.
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. Photography of fine art is prohibited.
For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. To assist with capturing your memories, the museum provides a mobile application with a variety of images from our exhibitions and collections.
Please note: visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.
Is the museum accessible and ADA compliant?
The museum is committed to providing inclusive experiences for all audiences and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations include accessible facilities and entrances. There are free manual wheelchair loans on a first-come, first-served basis. Open captioning is included in all exhibition videos.
American Sign Language interpretation and Access Services are available by contacting us with two weeks advance notice. Movies shown during regular museum hours of operation offer assistive listening devices and audio-description. T-Loops are available at the Welcome Desk.
For more information, please visit the Accessibility Options page.
Can I bring my stroller, scooter, walker, wheelchair or any type of mobility device?
The museum is accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and mobility devices. There are elevators available to visitors on every floor of the museum.
Does the Museum have a lactation space available?
The Museum has a private lactation space available upon request. Please ask at the Welcome Desk when you arrive. The space contains chairs, a table, and multiple outlets. For questions please contact NMAAHCVisitorServices@si.edu.
Are wheelchairs available?
Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for use while visiting the museum. Both museum entrances are accessible, the Madison Drive entrance is recommended for visitor drop off.
Are there family friendly restrooms?
Restrooms designated for family use are on the upper levels of the museum at each level above Heritage Hall (entry level).
What is available for those who are not English language speakers?
NMAAHC Maps are available in Chinese, French, and Spanish.
The museum’s mobile app is available in the following languages: English, French, and Spanish.
How do I get media credentials?
All interview, filming, passes, and tour requests can be made online using our media requests form. You can also download NMAAHC's presskit (zip) and image files for media use.
What Photography or Film Making is authorized for the public at Smithsonian Museums?
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions. Please make a media request to start the process of obtaining permission for photography or film making.
For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Office of Public Affairs and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building.
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.
How Do I Share my NMAAHC Images and Experiences on Social Media?
NMAAHC embraces social media as a way to stay connected with current audiences, reach out to new ones, and foster dialogue. There are numerous opportunities to share your presence at NMAAHC events through social media. Please check out our Social Media Toolkit for ideas on sharing your experience and follow us on these social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
- Carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed on the premises. The prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors, including those with firearm permits, but not to active law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms.
- Display or carry placards, signs, or banners
- Destroy, damage, or remove property
- Climb upon any part of a building
- Use loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language
- Loiter, sleep, or participate in unwarranted assemblies
- Create any hazard to persons or things
- Perform obscene or indecent acts
- Engage in disorderly conduct
- Use, possess, or sell illegal drugs
- Bring dogs or other animals, other than service animals
- Take photographs for advertising or any other commercial purpose
- Solicit for commercial or charitable purposes or distribute advertisements, pamphlets, handbills, and flyers
How can I participate as a vendor in the Museum Store?
Please see our Museum Store Vendor page for instructions on how to participate.
How do I support the museum?
Be a part of this seminal American moment. Individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, please join us in this historic endeavor. Become a member or donor!
How may I volunteer?
Volunteers play an essential role in inspiring and engaging audiences. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please visit our Volunteer Program page.