We are excited to welcome groups from around the country and the world.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture welcomes groups of 10 or more to reserve free timed-entry passes. Please be aware we are operating at a reduced capacity for visitation. To help you prepare for your visit, we have provided the following guidance when planning your visit. 

  • Large groups must form smaller groups of 10 to enhance your experience and maximize safety.
  • Children ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • One chaperone is required for each group of 10 students.
  • Visits after 2:00 p.m. can be less crowded. 
  • Visitors are able to enter the museum until 4:00 p.m. The museum is open until 5:30 p.m.
  • Outside food and drinks cannot be consumed in the museum, including the Sweet Home Café. Refillable water bottles are permitted. The Museum does not have bagged lunch facilities. Visitors may enjoy bagged lunches outside on the National Mall or utilize the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center located at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Groups are welcome to store bagged lunches during their visit in the free lockers on L1. 
  • If you arrive more than two hours past your entry time, entrance is not guaranteed and is based on capacity.

Tour Bus Parking Near the Mall

There are several areas where tour busses can park on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on bus parking sites, please contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202-426-6841.

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Families, Teacher-Led and Other Adult Groups

Our visitor and guest services team will be available to support your time at the museum. The maximum group size per day is 200. If you have a group larger than 200, please contact NMAAHCgrouprequests@si.edu. 

Group passes are released on a rolling basis, on the 3rd Monday of the month at 9:00 AM EST.

Month Available         Release Date 
May 2025                        Monday, March 17th, 2025
June 2025                       Monday, April 21st, 2025
July 2025                        Monday, May 19th, 2025
August 2025                   Monday, June 16th, 2025
September 2025            Monday, July 21st, 2025
October 2025                 Monday, August 18th, 2025

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Tour Operators

We look forward to welcoming your visitors to Washington, DC. Licensed tour operators may book through our tour group reservation system. We encourage you to review information on our maximum daily group size and entry time when reserving timed-entry passes.

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