Why is the museum using timed passes for entry?

Thousands of visitors are attending the year long celebration of the opening of the Museum. Due to this level of continued interest, a timed pass system is available to serve as many visitors as possible while maintaining a secure, safe and smooth flow of people into the Museum to ensure a comfortable experience.

What is a timed pass?

The Museum offers free timed passes to facilitate entry and alleviate extended wait times for the public. Passes are timed at fifteen (15) minute intervals and each timed pass has a unique entry code that can only be used once. There is no limit on the length of time of your visit, however, it is difficult to experience the entire museum in one viewing.  If you can, please plan to return to visit the museum.

When will advance timed passes be released?

Advance timed passes through April 2017 are no longer available. Please visit our timed passes information page for upcoming release dates and more information on obtaining advance timed passes.

How many free advance timed passes are allowed per person?

The maximum number of advance timed passes a visitor may obtain within a 24 hour period is six (6).

Can I obtain a free same-day timed pass?

Same-day online timed passes are available only online, beginning at 6:30 a.m. daily. A limited number of walk-up passes are available starting at 1 p.m. on weekdays. The start of the line for walk-up passes forms on the Madison Drive side of the building. Walk-up passes will be distributed one (1) per person. No walk-up passes will be available on weekends due to high visitation. 

Do children require timed passes?

Each visitor requires a pass. Adults need to obtain free timed passes for all small children and infants. Timed passes help us account for the time necessary to enter the museum and go through the security process.

How many times can a timed pass be used?

Each timed pass has a unique entry code and can only be used once.

My group was delayed in arriving at the museum. Can we still enter the museum as a group if it is after our scheduled entry time?

Yes, We understand that group transportation logistics don’t always go as planned. While we ask that you do your best to arrive at the museum by the time on your pass, we allow pass holders to enter at any time after the time stated on their pass that day. The time on your pass helps our Office of Protection Services to maintain safe hourly visitor counts. If the museum is at capacity then pass holders, regardless of the time on their pass, will be asked to wait until the museum has room to accommodate new visitors.

My advance timed pass did not arrive in the mail.  What can I do?

Contact the ETIX Customer Support Center at 1-866-297-4020. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET and Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET. For all other questions about visiting the Museum, please call 1-844-750-3012.

I lost my advance timed pass, what can I do?

If you have lost timed passes you received in the mail and you cannot find your passes within 48 hours of your visit, please contact the ETIX Customer Support Center at 1-866-297-4020. Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET and Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET. For all other questions about visiting the Museum, please call 1-844-750-3012.

If you have lost your print at home advance timed passes, you can reprint them using the instructions found in your initial confirmation email. If you forget or lose your advance timed pass, Visitor Services Representatives are available to assist you at the Museum. Each timed pass has a unique entry code and can only be used once.

Are timed passes required to tour the Museum?

Yes. The Museum has implemented a timed pass system to serve as many visitors as possible while maintaining a secure, safe and smooth flow of people into the museum. Timed passes for the public and nonprofit organizations are free of charge.

Can I plan a tour or receive advice about what to see at the Museum?

Volunteer Visitor Services Representatives are available to provide advice and to help navigate the 12 galleries, the Museum Store, Sweet Home Café and all the opportunities and services that are part of the Museum experience.

Our Mobile App for Android and Apple offers a selection of stories from the Museum's exhibitions and highlights objects from our collection. The app also includes audio stories available in English, French and Spanish. Printed brochures are also available at the Museum’s Welcome Desk at the time of your visit.

How long will it take to tour the Museum?

Please be prepared for large crowds and extended wait times as you enter the museum. It is difficult to say how much time it will take to visit the museum, so much depends on the age and interests of those in your group. There are 85,000 square feet of exhibition space, nearly 3000 objects, 12 exhibitions, 13 different interactives with 17 stations, and 183 videos housed on five floors. The pace at which you choose to tour the Museum will determine the length of your stay.  If possible, plan a return visit to the Museum.

Is there a restaurant in the Museum?

The museum’s Sweet Home Café seats 400 people and features a rotating menu of seasonal offerings served at four stations and includes family-friendly options. The stations are organized to showcase traditional African American cuisine from the following US regions: the Northern States, the Agricultural South, the Creole Coast, and the West Range.

Visitors are not allowed to bring food into the museum and coolers are also not permitted in the museum or on the grounds.

Is there a museum shop?

Yes, there is a Museum shop located on the Entry Level offering a wide selection of items reflecting the experience, architecture, and collections of the Museum. Offerings are selected to encourage visitors to continue their exploration of African American history and culture.

What is available for those who are not English language speakers?

Printed brochures and the Museum’s mobile app are available in English, French and Spanish.

How many people can I bring in a group?

There are no limits to the size of a group you can bring to the museum. Nonprofit organizations including school, student, religious and community-based groups of ten or more must call the ETIX Customer Support Center at 1-866-297-4020. For all other questions about touring the Museum, please call 1-844-750-3012.

What are expected wait times for entrance to Museum and events?

Please be prepared for crowds and wait times as you enter the Museum. Please be mindful that it will take time to enter the Museum through the security screening, orient yourself to the space and begin your Museum experience. 

Will there be a security check-in for the museum?

For everyone’s safety, all visitors are required to go through screening during the security process. You are greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who conduct a thorough but speedy hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Please save everyone time by not bringing any of the prohibited items listed below.

What can I bring into the museum?

The following items are NOT PERMITTED in the Museum:

• tripods
• monopods
• selfie sticks
• guns
• 3D weapons
• knives
• pen knives
• pets
• food and drinks
• scissors
• aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace
• tools
• smoking
• placards, signs, or banners

Is there a coat or bag check at the museum?

There is no coat or bag check available within the museum building. We encourage visitors to leave large bags and packs behind, and to travel as lightly as possible for the best museum experience.

Are there family friendly restrooms?

Restrooms designated for family use are on the upper levels of the museums at each level above the museum’s Central Hall.

Is the Museum accessible and ADA compliant?

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessible. Accommodations include accessible facilities and entrances. There are free manual wheelchair loans on a first-come, first-served basis. Open captioning is included in all exhibition videos. Audio stories are incorporated into some exhibitions through the museum’s mobile application. Our Mobile Stories app is available for download on your Apple and Android mobile devices.

American Sign Language interpretation and Access Services are available by contacting us with two weeks advance notice. Movies shown during regular museum hours of operation offer assistive listening devices and audio-description. T-Loops are available at the Welcome Desk.

Can I bring my stroller, scooter, walker, wheelchair or any type of mobility device?

The museum is accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and mobility devices. There are elevators available to visitors on every floor of the museum.

Are wheelchairs available?

A very limited number of manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for use while visiting the museum. You are encouraged to bring a wheelchair with you due to limited availability. The Handicap Accessible Entrance is located on Constitution Avenue side of the Museum, visitors may ask for assistance from security personnel at the entrance.

Can I take photos and videos in the museum?

The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. Photography of fine art is prohibited. For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. To assist with capturing your memories, the museum provides a mobile application with a variety of images from our exhibitions and collections.

Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Office of Public Affairs and must be escorted by a Museum staff member while in the building.

Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.

How do I get media credentials?

All interview, filming, passes, and tour requests can be made online using our media requests form. You can also download NMAAHC's presskit (zip) and image files for media use.

What Photography or Film Making is authorized for the public at Smithsonian Museums?

The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions. Please make media request to start the process of obtaining permission for photography or film making.

For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Office of Public Affairs and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building.

Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.

How Do I Share my NMAAHC Images and Experiences on Social Media?

NMAAHC embraces social media as a way to stay connected with current audiences, reach out to new ones, and foster dialogue. There are numerous opportunities to share your presence at NMAAHC events through social media. Please check out our Social Media Toolkit for ideas on sharing your experience and follow us on these social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

How do I participate if I do not plan to travel to DC to visit the Museum?

Across the country and around the world, watch parties and other signature events are being organized by local museums, individuals, or corporations as co-celebrants with the Museum for our year-long Grand Opening celebration. You can make plans to attend one of these events or your organization can host a Lift Every Voice event.

I have an object I would like to donate, should I bring it with me?

No, please do not bring historic objects or artwork to the opening or to the museum at any other time. The Museum is working diligently toward the opening day and all of our resources must be devoted to the momentous occasion. We receive on a weekly basis numerous offers of historical and art collections for the Museum to consider and unfortunately we cannot give these offers the attention they deserve. Therefore the Museum is requesting that potential donors hold on to their materials a little longer and reconsider proposing collection donations in 2017. At that time, a collection donation form will be accessible on the Museum website.

How can I participate as a vendor in the Museum Store?

Please see our Museum Store Vendor page for instructions on how to participate.

How do I support the museum?

Be a part of this seminal American moment. Individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, please join us in this historic endeavor. Become a member or donor!

May I volunteer?

Volunteers play an essential role in inspiring and engaging audiences. Currently, the museum is not accepting volunteer applications. If you are interested in volunteering in the future, please visit our Volunteer Program page.