Location, Hours, and Admission
950 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
202.633.4600
202.357.4879 (fax)
Email nmafaweb@si.edu
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except December 25.
Admission is free.
The Smithsonian Institution response to COVID-19
A message from Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
All Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and New York City, including the National Zoo, will be temporarily closed to the public starting Saturday, March 14. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a re-opening date at this time and will provide updates on a week-to-week basis.
The health and safety of our visitors and staff are a top priority, and we are monitoring the guidance of local public health officials and the CDC.
Docent-led tours
Docent-led, walk-n tours are available throughout the week. All tours are subject to docent availability, and last-minute cancellations may occur. Check NMAFA’s calendar for dates and times. Tours meet at the Information Desk in the Pavilion on the ground floor. Additional tours may be offered. Please ask the volunteer at the Information Desk about availability of additional tours.
Museum Floor Plan
Mission Statement
To inspire conversations about the beauty, power, and diversity of African arts and cultures worldwide.
- Museum History
- Video History of the Museum
- Directions and Transportation
- Dining, Museum Store, and Photo Policies
- Support Us
Museum History
The National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) began as a private educational institution in 1964 to promote cross-cultural understanding in the social sciences and arts. Founded by Warren M. Robbins, a former U.S. Foreign Service officer, it was known as the Museum of African Art and located on Capitol Hill in a townhouse that had been the home of Frederick Douglass, the African American abolitionist and statesman. In August 1979, by enactment of Public Law 95-414, the museum became part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
The museum, formally renamed the National Museum of African Art in 1981, opened to the public in a new facility on the National Mall in 1987. Initially focused on the traditional arts of sub-Saharan Africa, NMAfA broadened its collecting scope and programs to include both modern and contemporary artworks, distinguishing itself as the first museum in the United States to include a sustained focus on modern and contemporary African art in its mission.
Through its collections research facilities, state-of-the-art conservation lab, groundbreaking exhibitions, educational outreach and public programs, the museum has expanded the parameters of the field of African art history and presented to the public a rich diversity of artistic traditions from throughout continent. The museum’s programs target audiences of all ages and offer a multifaceted view of Africa’s artistic traditions by incorporating cutting edge, contemporary and urban-focused performances and programs. Artist talks, films and lectures draw African art enthusiasts, area students, artists and collectors as well as individuals from the immigrant and expatriate communities. Let’s Read about Africa introduces children to current and classical literature about Africa; Studio Africa creates a comprehensive learning environment for DC-public schoolchildren by exploring African art and cultures through monthly workshops and hands-on activities; and the culinary program offers cooking demonstrations and tasting events that take inspiration from the museum’s exhibition program.
Warren Robbins’ inaugural vision—to teach visitors how to look at African art in the interest of promoting cross-cultural communication—remains at the heart of the National Museum of African Art’s mission today. Indeed, the museum will remain relevant to its diverse audiences and African constituents as it continues to promote and represent the rich artistic practices of Africa.
A Video History of the Museum
(Best played in fullscreen. Use the expanded button at the bottom right of the video)
Directions
The National Museum of African Art is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian’s Arts & Industries Building and the Sackler Gallery of Art. The main entranceto the museum is located in the Enid Haupt Garden on Independence Avenue.
Map of the Smithsonian Institution
Metro
Smithsonian Station (Blue and Orange lines); exit on the National Mall or on Independence Avenue.
L’Enfant Plaza Station (all lines except Red); exit Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums
Parking and transportation
Street parking is limited and posted times are enforced. Use public transportation or taxis as an alternate means of travel.
We invite you to try Metrorail and Metrobus, Washington, D.C.’s transit system.
Dining
African Art does not have a dining facility on site. There are, however, many places to eat in and around the Smithsonian Institution
Museum Store
Open 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
202.633.0030
The Museum Store offers a wide selection of merchandise inspired by the collections and the arts and cultures of Africa.
Gallery Guidelines
Support Us
Join us today and make a lasting contribution to the future of the National Museum of African Art. In an economy of shrinking federal assistance, your support provides the vital resources necessary to sustain and develop our exhibitions and programs.