The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art offers an extraordinary window into the heart of Africa's diverse and rich artistic traditions. This five-star institution is not merely a museum; it's a journey that carries you across centuries and continents, immersing you in the vibrant cultural expressions of Africa. From ancient artifacts and traditional crafts to contemporary pieces and installations, the museum captures the creative spirit and resilience of the African continent in an unprecedented manner. Each exhibit tells a unique story, allowing visitors to explore Africa's multifaceted history, culture, and artistic genius. The museum's layout is both thoughtful and innovative, fostering an educational and engaging experience. The museum staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, bringing the exhibits to life through their insightful explanations and guided tours. Additionally, the museum's regular events and programs, including art workshops, lectures, and film screenings, provide a dynamic and enriching platform to delve deeper into African culture. In a nutshell, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is an exquisite blend of the traditional and the modern, the historical and the contemporary. It's a place that sparks curiosity, challenges perceptions, and ignites a newfound appreciation for African art. An absolute must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Africa's artistic heritage!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

What a breath of fresh air! The African Art museum is absolutely stunning and full of culture, fun, and history. This place is incredible and may be one of my new favorite Smithsonians. When you walk in, to be able to see the exhibits you go down. Then, you go down again. Oh, and then down one more time. There are 3-4 levels to look at, and each one is further down into the ground. Just the setup in itself is so different from other museums and you feel how distinct it is. It’s hard to even know what else to say except that this museum is so breath taking and charged with emotion. The story behind a lot of the pieces is heart breaking, but I love that we get to learn more and be exposed in such a special way with this art. All I can say is, you should definitely visit this one. It will take you well over an hour or two, but everything is so captivating and it’s history and art that deserves to be shown and appreciated. Major respect and love for this museum!

Like all Smithsonians, it is excellent and free. They feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary African art. The collections are a bit smaller than many other Smithsonians, so it may take you only a few hours to go through. The museum shop is excellent. I particularly liked the beadwork. One annoyance was that some of their exhibits asked you to scan a QR code to get the explanation. Fortunately, most of the exhibits still had signs. Hopefully, this isn't where the Smithsonians are headed. I don't want to have to break out my phone while exploring the museum.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

950 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20560 Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

World class museum focusing on african art, ancient through present day. In one room expect to see a leather mask from the late 1800s and in another a video art project from a Ghanaian living in the UK featuring the George Floyd incident. This is a thought provoking area where you can visit multiple times without seeing everything. There are regularly scheduled tours, which are very informative and help interpret some of the more complex pieces - check the website before you head out for times.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Incredible museum with traditional pieces to contemporary vibrant artwork, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. We liked how spacious the facility is, and we can't believe it was not busy, a museum of this caliber would be packed in other major cities. The basement level has an underground connecting tunnel to the Asian museum, we liked the convenience, and it's an easy way to see 2 impressive museums.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This museum is filled with tons of colourful and unique art involving recycling old items. The free admission here is very nice. There are three different sublevels with each one having a different theme you can check out. Personally, my favourite art piece here was the ring made out of gasoline cans. The gift shop also had a huge variety of souvenirs made in Africa at a good price. I am glad I checked this place out and you definitely should too! Highly recommend!

The From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson exhibit is so interactive and amazing. The Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits are so vibrant and beautiful. This museum is a must from the top to the bottom. The gift ship has lots if made in Africa products. I went on a Friday around 1pm. Was not too busy. Was easily enjoyed.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Initially, I wanted to check it out just to see what this museum had to offer. We ended up being there for over two hours. It was extremely interesting with beautiful art. Sam, the curator, gave us a tour about the lower area of the exhibits. I'm glad to see that some exhibits that once contained items are now empty. The pieces were rightfully returned to their people and countries in Africa.
Visited on
Weekend

I truly appreciate art and the experience. I really enjoyed the many floors of innovative and remarkable pieces. It doesn't take a long time to walk through and we thoroughly enjoyed this museum and the time we spent there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I went during the day, and they had a special exhibit experience going on known as Nollywood. This really captures the modern and postmodern culture of African Art. I also had a great time on the other floors too. I highly recommend returning.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is one of my all-time favorite Smithsonians, yet few people talk about it. The art and layout are simply magnificent. Half a day could easily be spent here. It is a wonderful place to take guests as well, or perhaps a date.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

A great way to spend a morning or afternoon. The magnificent permanent collection is displayed beautifully and the special exhibits are worth seeing before they close. The gift shop is a great place to find hand crafted jewelry or African art that's unique and affordable. There are books, clothing, baskets and more.

This museum is one of my favorites. The 3 subterranean levels of sculpture, costume and artifacts is fantastic. I wish there was twice as much to see! African art is full of color, imagination, playfulness and an earthy and respectful relationship with the finite resources of the planet. I go back whenever I can.

Make sure you check out the incredible current exhibit "From The Deep" and the African Movement class happening the first 3 Saturdays of July, August and September - such a great way to start the weekend. A bit of dance, a bit of art and then we headed out for brunch!!

My first time at a Smithsonian Museum, I found it to be very entertaining and educational. The staffs we're helpful to direct me to y desired floor. Exceptionally clean restroom, I like the little paper activity qustionaire, overall I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Beautiful museum. The tapestry to share memories was a nice touch and the black and white photos…nostalgic. The gift store is a must visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great exhibitions and amazing ancient African art! A three level museum connected through a tunnel with the Asian Art museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Fantastic and underrated. It’s compact and and absolutely worth your time. The special exhibit From the Deep was INCREDIBLE.

Nice much less visited museum, free of course