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Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

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Washington, United States

africa.si.edu
Art museum· Museums and Institutions· National museum· Museum· Tourist attraction

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Reviews | Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars (8 reviews)

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is located in Washington, United States on 950 Independence Ave SW. Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is rated 4.7 out of 5 in the category art museum in United States. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is the premiere museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa across time and media. The museum organizes internationally renowned exhibitions, produces exceptional education programs, and houses the world’s foremost African art library, photographic archives, and art conservation lab. Our renowned permanent collection of over 12,000 objects represents some of the finest art produced on the African continent. Our Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives collection includes nearly 500,000 images of historical and contemporary images of Africa created by world renowned photojournalists, artists, scholars, and commercial photographers. Today, the museum holds the largest collection in the United States of historical and contemporary African visual arts.

Address

950 Independence Ave SW

Phone

+1 2026334600

Company size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Washington, District of Columbia

Amenities

Good for kidsToiletsNo restaurant

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible entranceWheelchair-accessible liftWheelchair-accessible toilet

Open hours

...
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Ahmed Saeed

The National Museum of African Art is the Smithsonian Institution's African art museum, located on the National Mall of the United States capital. Its collections include 9,000 works of traditional and contemporary African art from both Sub-Saharan and North Africa, 300,000 photographs, and 50,000 library volumes. It was the first institution dedicated to African art in the United States, and remains the largest collection. The Washington Post called the museum a mainstay in the international art world and the main venue for contemporary African art in the United States. The museum was founded in 1964 by a Foreign Service officer and layman who bought African art objects in Germany and multiple houses in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in which to display them. The collection focused on traditional African art and an educational mission to teach black cultural heritage. To ensure the museum's longevity, the founder lobbied the national legislature to adopt the museum under the Smithsonian's auspices. It joined the Smithsonian in 1979 and became the National Museum of African Art two years later. A new, mostly underground museum building was completed in 1987, just off the National Mall and adjacent to other Smithsonian museums. It is among the Smithsonian's smallest museums. The African art museum took a scholarly direction over the next twenty years, with less social programming. It collected traditional and contemporary works of historical importance. Exhibitions include works both internal and borrowed, and have ranged from solo artist to broad, survey shows. The museum hosts two to three temporary exhibitions and ten special events annually. Reviewers criticized the National Mall building's architecture, particularly its lack of natural light. The museum is scheduled for remodeling as part of the Smithsonian's upcoming South Mall project.

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Mavis A

So Much to Learn at this Place! I loved every minute I spent here. Although free for everyone, this place is well maintained and have clean bathrooms! The workers there are polite and engaging. You are allowed to take photos but you have to turn your flash off. If you want to learn about the countries of Africa and its beautiful people, this museum is a terrific place to start. Remember, although free, they do run on donations and I believe this Art Museum is worth your humble donations. Do visit!

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Zen

Beautiful beautiful beautiful... I love museums and this one has some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen. It’s very sensory. With sounds and visuals the lighting all perfect. I could stay for hours. Not to mention the museums are free in DC, So that is a huge plus. It’s a place that keeps you interested at every turn. I took a few photos but there is much much more to see. If you are in the DC area I definitely suggest stopping by. Or dedicating at list one day of your trip to museum hop. The Smithsonian has a few different museums also a castle which is pretty cool as well! The museum was not crowded it’s a great place to take refuge on a hot day or a really cold day. They have bathrooms places to sit and usually a little cafe. Although food is not allowed in or around the exhibits.

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Leavy Peretto

This place was cool. Very cultural, brought me in touch with my roots. Lots of cool stuff to see, and it is totally free. There's a lot of cool stuff happening near by as well. There is the Smithsonian castle and the Arthur sackler gallery right next door. This place is always adding new experiences and exhibits. The shrine in the Asian art section was mesmerizing.

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צדיקה ישראל

A compilation of educational pieces of art. I enjoyed the journey through the various artistes eyes and vision. Visited the gift shop: the agent wasn't as friendly, no greeting as we came in. She barely spoke when we left. Items from around the world, can be found here a bit pricey, different, but nice.

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sic i

Was an amazing experience. Definitely more space to move around and enjoy the exhibits more than some other Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.

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James Walker

I like the modern interior of this museum. Admission is free to the public, which is located behind the Smithsonian Visitor Center 'Castle'. l liked all the exhibits and artworks, particularly the special gold exhibition. The museum is very warm and inviting, was not crowded and peaceful. Numerous areas to rest and reflect, also a plus.

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Eric Salas

The National Museum of African Art promotes cross-cultural understanding in the social sciences and arts. The museum houses a variety of art, paintings, sculptures, and art history. Although there was hardly anyone there during my visit, it is definitely worth a visit, especially for those interested in looking a cultural work that has had a broad influence on African American, and American society in general.

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