Plan your visit

Do I need a ticket for the museum?

No, admission is always free and doesn’t require a timed ticket. Some public programs require a ticket; check out our Public Programs Calendar (link to the events calendar) for more information.

When is the museum open?

We are open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. We are closed on December 25th.

Where are the bathrooms?

Bathrooms are located on Sublevels 1, 2, and 3 near the elevators on the east side of the building. The bathrooms on Sublevel 2 include baby changing stations. NMAfA does not have a family bathroom or lactation room; for a list of museums that do, visit Smithsonian Entry and Guidelines.

Does the museum have parking?

NMAfA does not have a designated parking lot. Metered spots and paid parking lots are available in the area. Accessible parking is also available near the museum for drivers with an appropriate parking permit. Because parking is limited, we recommend taking public transportation to NMAfA.

How do I use public transportation to access the museum?

The Smithsonian Metro station on the Orange and Blue lines and the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station are the closest stations to our museum.

Is this the National Museum of African American History and Culture?

We are the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA). The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a separate museum, but both NMAAHC and NMAfA are great to visit together.

Is there a security search before entering the museum?

Yes, before entering the museum, our security staff will check your bags.

Are there lockers?

Lockers with a refundable quarter deposit are located on the Street Level to the right of the Pavilion (near the elevators). They can store larger bags, carry-on luggage, wheeled bags, and similar items. Items are stored at the owner's risk and cannot be kept overnight.

Larger bags, luggage, wheeled bags, full-length umbrellas, etc, cannot enter the galleries; either store them in the locker room or don’t bring them to the museum. All bags, purses, and backpacks must be held in front of the body.

Does the museum offer tours?

We don’t offer daily tours, but you can schedule a docent-led tour at least four weeks in advance of your visit.Tours are free. See Group Tours for more information.

Where can I learn more about public programs and events?

Check out our Events Calendar and plan to join us for opportunities to experience African art through our public programs.

Does the museum have a store?

Yes– don’t miss it! The Smithsonian African Art Gift Store offers handcrafted jewelry, pottery, toys, and many other items that can only be found at NMAfA. Bring your African art experience home!

What are the nearest dining options?

NMAfA does not have a restaurant or cafe. However, other nearby museums like the National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Hirshhorn have restaurants or cafes. Check out the Smithsonian’s list of dining options.

Are there elevators?

Yes, elevators are located on the east side of the building.

Can I bring a stroller into the museum?

Yes, the building is accessible for strollers and they are welcome in our galleries.

Can I use a wheelchair in the museum?

Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible. The museum’s public spaces, exhibitions, and programs are accessible to all visitors. The main entrance, located on Independence Avenue near the gate to the Enid A. Haupt Garden, accommodates visitors in wheelchairs and those with strollers. All levels, exhibition spaces, and public facilities are accessible by elevator. Manual wheelchairs are available at no cost at the security desk and from the Visitor Information Desk, both located in the Pavilion, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to return the wheelchairs before leaving the museum. Visitors are welcome to use their own personal mobility devices in the museum.

Does the museum have wheelchair accessible parking?

Vehicles displaying the international symbol of accessibility may park in the designated parking spaces on Jefferson Drive. Metered parking is also available on Independence Avenue.

Are museum materials available in Braille and large print?

Find the Smithsonian Institution guide and map in braille and large print at the museum's Visitor Information Desk in the Pavilion. Tactile and visual description tours can also be arranged in advance by emailing [email protected].

Aira Access mobile information and verbal description service is available at Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Visitors can download the free Aira app on a smartphone, connect to each museum's free Wi-Fi, and use the app to speak to an Aira agent using minutes provided courtesy of the Smithsonian.

Does the museum offer closed captioning or sign language interpreters?

Closed captioning and sign language interpreters can be arranged in advance for public programs by emailing [email protected].

Aira Access mobile information and verbal description service is available at Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Visitors can download the free Aira app on a smartphone, connect to each museum's free Wi-Fi, and use the app to speak to an Aira agent using minutes provided courtesy of the Smithsonian.

Who can I contact about accessibility at the museum?

For more information, including planning your visit, programs, resources, and more, please visit the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, contact [email protected] or call 202-633-2921.

Can I bring my pet or service animal to the museum?

Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome. Service animals must be leashed and attended at all times.

Can I bring food into the museum?

Food cannot be consumed in the museum. If you bring food into the museum, it must remain in its container and in your bag.

Can I bring a water bottle into the museum?

Yes, you can bring bottled water to the museum, but it must remain firmly capped at all times. We ask that visitors not drink water while in the galleries.

What is the smoking policy at the museum?

Smoking is not allowed while on Smithsonian premises. This includes the museums and the surrounding gardens. Smoking includes traditional and e-cigarettes, cigars, etc.

Can I take pictures in the museum?

• Non-flash personal photography is encouraged, as are personal videos.
• Photography is always allowed in the permanent collection galleries, but may not be allowed in special exhibitions. Please look at signs posted in the special exhibitions galleries.
• No tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks allowed.
• Photography and videography for commercial use (including press) must be arranged with the museum’s public affairs office and are permitted at the museum’s discretion. Visit our Press Room for more information.

Can I sketch in the museum?

• Sketching is permitted only in permanent collection galleries.
• Sketching is not permitted in special exhibitions.
• Please be extremely careful with your drawing tools; show respect for the artwork and your fellow visitors.
• Please use dry, non-chalky media only: pencil preferred, wax crayon, conté crayon and erasers are acceptable.
• Drawing boards and sketch pads must be no larger than 18" x 24".
• Loose ink, fountain pens, felt-tipped pens, ballpoint pens, oil crayon, paint (including watercolors), easels/stands, and charcoal or pastel in stick form are not allowed.

What are the expectations for visiting the museum?

• Please don’t touch the artwork.
• Please limit the use of cellular phones in the galleries, unless using them for a cell phone tour of an exhibition.
• Visitors 14 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult.
• Bags must be carried on the front of your body.
• Food and beverages must remain contained and cannot be consumed in the museum.
• Non-flash photography is encouraged, but tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
• Solicitation of any kind is prohibited.
• Unauthorized playing of music/video, sound amplification, and noisemakers are prohibited within the Museum.
• For a complete list of prohibited conduct, see https://www.si.edu/visit/tips.

No Visitor Shall

Carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed on the premises. Federal facilities do not accept concealed carry permits from any jurisdiction. This prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors with valid firearm carry permits.More information is available at Smithsonian Entry and Guidelines

Have more questions about visiting our museum? Check out the Smithsonian’s Virtual Visitor Center to learn about Smithsonian-wide policies and to plan your visit.