National Museum of African American History and Culture, National museum in National Mall, Washington, D.C., United States.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum on the National Mall in Washington that focuses on the history and culture of Black Americans. The postmodern building rises through seven floors, with the above-ground levels widening as they ascend and forming an outward-leaning shape.
Congress approved the creation of this institution in 2003 following decades of advocacy by citizens and organizations. The building opened its doors in September 2016, making it the most recent addition among the Smithsonian museums.
The building's name reflects its mission to document the experiences and contributions of Black communities across the country. Visitors encounter everyday objects from past generations that show how people preserved and passed on their culture and knowledge despite difficult circumstances.
The building sits on Constitution Avenue near the Federal Triangle metro stop and opens daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Visitors should note that the facility can be crowded at certain times, especially on weekends and holidays.
The outward-leaning bronze-colored lattice panels on the facade honor ironwork created by enslaved people in the South. This three-dimensional crown gives the structure an appearance that shifts depending on the time of day and the angle of light.
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