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Sight National Mall, Washington, DC

National Museum of African American History and Culture

A sight in National Mall, Washington, DC, free to visit and worth about 4 hours. Best time to go: Weekday morning.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture in National Mall, Washington, DC
Photo: Phil P. · Google

Why go

Smithsonian museum tracing African American history from slavery to today.

It is one of 10 curated places we feature in Washington, DC, alongside 4 sights, 3 places to eat and 1 activity. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with New Year's Eve on the National Mall and National Museum of Natural History. Set aside about 4 hours here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.

Type
Sight · Culture
Neighborhood
National Mall
Price
Free
Time needed
4 hr
Best time
Weekday morning

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 4 beyond Washington, DC. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    New Year's Eve on the National Mall

    In 2025, Freedom 250 projected a 250-foot birthday candle onto the Washington Monument and fired fireworks at midnight.

    Activity · National Mall & Downtown · 0.2 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    National Museum of Natural History

    Smithsonian museum of the Hope Diamond, dinosaur hall and ocean hall; free, and open on Jan 1.

    Sight · National Mall & Downtown · 0.4 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Round Robin Bar

    Circular bar in the Willard hotel where the mint julep came to Washington.

    Drinks · 0.4 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Round Robin Bar

    Circular, green-walled bar inside the Willard, a meeting place for Washington politicians for generations.

    Drinks · National Mall & Downtown · 0.4 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Willard InterContinental

    Grand 1901 hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, two blocks from the White House and a walk from the Mall.

    Stay · National Mall & Downtown · 0.4 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Old Ebbitt Grill

    Historic saloon next to the White House, known for its oyster bar.

    Food · 0.5 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

National Museum of African American History and Culture is a stop on our Capital Cities Corridor route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More sights to see in Washington, DC

4 more curated sights in Washington, DC. See the full Washington, DC guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Washington, DC run from 40°F in January to 88°F in July; June is usually the wettest month. For National Museum of African American History and Culture itself, we suggest: Weekday morning.

Modelled monthly averages for Washington, DC from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Washington, DC weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for National Museum of African American History and Culture, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Address
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Coordinates
38.89106, -77.03261
Destination
Washington, DC, District of Columbia
Website
nmaahc.si.edu

National Museum of African American History and Culture: quick answers

How much time do you need at National Museum of African American History and Culture?

Plan on about 4 hours at National Museum of African American History and Culture. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit National Museum of African American History and Culture?

Our pick: Weekday morning. Insider tip: Start in the lower history galleries; allow 4 hours. Free timed passes may be required.

Is National Museum of African American History and Culture free?

Yes, we list National Museum of African American History and Culture as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Where is National Museum of African American History and Culture?

National Museum of African American History and Culture is at 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA, in National Mall. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.

Which TripsCircle routes include National Museum of African American History and Culture?

National Museum of African American History and Culture appears on Capital Cities Corridor, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add it to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Washington, DC.

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Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.