April 7, 2023
“From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson” Opens April 29 at National Museum of African Art
Exhibition Imagines Powerful Underwater World of African Spirits “From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson” will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of […]
September 26, 2022
National Museum of African Art celebrates Nigerian Culture and Creativity with +234 Connect Festival
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will host +234 Connect, a unique five-day cinematic and exhibition experience celebrating the art, people and cinema of Nigeria, Wednesday, Sept. 28 through […]
September 8, 2022
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art Takes Its NMAFA+ Series to Johannesburg
10-Day Art Experience Will Focus on Reckoning with Our Racial Past through Art In the lead up to the 10th Basha Uhuru Festival, the National Museum of African Art will […]
July 1, 2022
AtWork Johannesburg
Our Shared Future: What Comes First? for the youth of Johannesburg Moleskine Foundation will partner with the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and Constitution Hill for the next chapter […]
February 2, 2022
“Africa Is Beautiful”: Nollywood Stars in Conversation With the National Museum of African Art
Nollywood A-listers talk about art, cinema and the power of beauty as part of the global launch of “Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. […]
January 28, 2022
“Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” Opens Feb. 5 at National Museum of African Art
Exhibition Explores African Beauty Through Portraits of Nollywood Celebrities “Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits” will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art starting Saturday, Feb. 5. Multimedia […]
July 14, 2021
National Museum of African Art To Reopen July 16
New Exhibition “Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time” Now Extended to February 2022 The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art reopens Friday, July 16. This is the first opportunity for […]
December 11, 2020
Smithsonian Receives $13.5 Million From Lilly Endowment Inc. for Religion and Culture Programs
The Smithsonian has received $13.5 million in grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support programs and exhibitions that explore the role of religion in public life. Four Smithsonian museums and […]
July 16, 2020
Statement Regarding Recent Media Exposure
At the National Museum of African Art we are committed to increasing diversity across the museum and all disciplines. Equally essential, we are cognizant of the need to recruit, employ […]
April 14, 2020
NMAfA welcomes new Interim Director: Deborah L. Mack
We are delighted to welcome Deborah L. Mack, Ph.D., as the National Museum of African Art’s interim director! Mack joins NMAfA from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History […]
October 16, 2019
“Heroes: Principles of African Greatness” Opens at the National Museum of African Art Nov. 16
Exhibition Features Multimedia Works of Art by Over 40 Classical and Contemporary Artists From 15 African Countries “Heroes: Principles of African Greatness” opens at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African […]
June 3, 2019
“I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa” Opens at the Smithsonian June 20
Exhibition of Multimedia Works of Art by 28 Modernist and Contemporary Artists From 10 African Countries “I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa” will open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum […]
February 15, 2019
National Museum of African Art Names Charlotte Ashamu Associate Director of Advancement and External Affairs
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art has named Charlotte Ashamu its associate director of advancement and external affairs. Ashamu will oversee efforts to deepen and broaden engagement with a […]
December 19, 2018
“Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths” Opens at Smithsonian April 17, 2019
International Traveling Exhibition Displays 225 Objects of Utility, Empowerment and Spiritual Potency Exhibition Was Rescheduled to April 17 Due to Government Shutdown “Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths” will […]
August 28, 2018
“Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women” Exhibition Opens at Smithsonian
First In-depth Presentation Exploring the History, Techniques and Fashion of Gold Jewelry in Senegal “Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women” will be on exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of […]
August 9, 2018
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art Opens Its Doors for Community Day Aug. 18
Museum Celebrates Swahili Arts and Culture
The National Museum of African Art’s annual Community Day is Saturday, Aug. 18, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s theme is “Swahili Arts and Culture” in celebration of […]
March 9, 2018
First Major Traveling Exhibition Dedicated to the Arts of the Swahili Coast Comes to the Smithsonian
“World on the Horizon: Swahili Arts Across the Indian Ocean” Opens May 9 “World on the Horizon: Swahili Arts Across the Indian Ocean” opens at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art […]
February 5, 2018
Augustus (Gus) Casely-Hayford Named Director of National Museum of African Art
Augustus (Gus) Casely-Hayford, who writes, lectures and broadcasts widely on African culture, is the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art effective Feb. 5. He is a research […]
September 8, 2017
Smithsonian Presents the Haitian Youth Choir in a Free Concert
Chamber Ensemble Also Will Perform The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will present the Haitian Youth Choir Friday, Sept. 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. The 30-voice choir of […]
July 27, 2017
National Museum of African Art Presents Largest Selection of Its Permanent Collection in One Exhibition
300 Works of Art Seen Through Seven Perspectives “Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts” will open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art Nov. 4. The exhibition will be the […]
June 7, 2017
National Museum of African Art Presents “Jim Chuchu’s Invocations”
Media only: Eddie Burke (202) 633-4660; burkee@si.edu Media website: http://newsdesk.si.edu Media preview: Tuesday, June 20; 9:30–11:30 a.m. The media tour will take place in the Points of View gallery. “Jim […]
January 27, 2017
What Role Do Stereotypes Play in American Culture? Smithsonian Symposium “From Tarzan to Tonto” Explores the Topic
“From Tarzan to Tonto: Stereotypes as Obstacles to Progress Toward a More Perfect Union” explores the role racial stereotypes play in American culture. The symposium is free and open to […]
September 21, 2016
National Museum of African Art Celebrates New Smithsonian Museum
Special Events Include Film, Docent-Led Tours and Live Performance The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will celebrate the historic opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History […]
July 7, 2016
National Museum of African Art Will Hold Its Inaugural African Art Awards Dinner Oct. 28
Yinka Shonibare MBE, Ato Malinda and Bob Collymore Named as Awardees The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will hold its inaugural African Art Awards Dinner Friday, Oct. 28 at […]
April 27, 2016
Arts of the Monsoon Reveals Cross-Cultural Connections Between the Indian Ocean Coasts of Oman and Zanzibar
Documentary Commissioned by the National Museum of African Art The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will present an invitation-only screening of the world premiere documentary Arts of the Monsoon […]
April 21, 2016
“Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa” Examines How Time Is Experienced and Produced by the Body
Exhibition Features Six Internationally Recognized African Artists “Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa” will be on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art May 18 […]
March 2, 2016
National Museum of African Art To Host Public Programs for Museum Day Live! 2016
Celebration Focuses on Inspiring and Engaging Young Women and Girls of Color Through Dance, Poetry and Storytelling The National Museum of African Art will join other Smithsonian museums and hundreds […]
January 21, 2016
Modern Dance Ballet Documentary Hamdan, Through the Gate of Tears: Backstage Premieres at the San Diego Black Film Festival
Documentary Commissioned by the National Museum of African Art The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will present the world premiere dance ballet documentary Hamdan, Through the Gate of Tears: […]
December 21, 2015
National Museum of African Art Presents Market Symphony by Emeka Ogboh
Ogboh Brings Nigerian “Open Air” Market to Museum in Unique Sound-Art Exhibition Emeka Ogboh’s “Market Symphony” exhibition will be open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, Wednesday, Feb. […]
December 2, 2015
National Museum of African Art Installs “Indian Ocean Experience” to Its African Mosaic Exhibition
Exhibition Displays Unique Works From the History of the Swahili Coast The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art launches “Indian Ocean Experience” Dec. 3, a selection of works in its […]
August 20, 2015
National Museum of African Art and Smithsonian Libraries Unveil “Artists’ Books and Africa.”
Books As Art Forms Weave Together History and Cultures of Africa The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art and the Smithsonian Libraries present a new exhibition, “Artists’ Books and Africa,” […]
May 8, 2015
National Museum of African Art Presents the Washington Film Premiere of Shield and Spear Critically Acclaimed Film Focuses on Race, Identity and Freedom of Expression
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will present the Washington, D.C., premiere of the critically acclaimed documentary film Shield and Spear Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 […]
May 8, 2015
National Museum of African Art Launches Its First Graphic Novel The Song of Lionogo
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will launch its first graphic novel Monday, May 11. The Song of Lionogo is based on a Swahili mythological figure from East Africa […]
March 16, 2015
National Museum of African Art Launches Its First Online Exhibition
Exhibition Displays Earliest Photographic History of the Swahili Coast The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is launching the online exhibition “Sailors and Daughters: Early Photography and the Indian Ocean […]
March 12, 2015
The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory and Hell Revisited by Contemporary African Artists
First Exhibition to Occupy Entire Museum “The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell Revisited by Contemporary African Artists” will be on view at National Museum of African Art from April […]
February 9, 2015
Ambassador Robin Sanders Discusses New Book Legendary Uli Women of Nigeria at the Smithsonian
Book Highlights the Role of Culture in the Practice of African Sign and Symbolism Systems Ambassador Robin Sanders will discuss her book The Legendary Uli Women of Nigeria with Johnnetta […]
November 24, 2014
National Museum of African Art Statement “Conversations: African and African American Artworks in Dialogue”
The National Museum of African Art’s mission is to inspire conversations about the beauty, power and diversity of African arts and cultures. We began planning for the “Conversations” exhibition two […]
September 9, 2014
Bill and Camille Cosby Loan Private Collection to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art
Selected Works Never Before Seen Publicly. One of the world’s preeminent private collections of African American art will have its first public viewing later this year at the Smithsonian’s National […]
August 14, 2014
National Museum of African Art Presents “Chief S.O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin, Nigeria”
Exhibition Preserves Important Historical Record of Benin Arts and Culture “Chief S.O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin, Nigeria,” opens at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, […]
August 7, 2014
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art Opens Its Doors for Seventh Annual Community Day, Aug. 9
The National Museum of African Art’s annual Community Day is Saturday, Aug. 9, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary and the “Connecting […]
August 4, 2014
National Museum of African Art Hosts Brunch in Celebration of Leading African Women during African Summit
WHAT: National Museum of African Art WHEN: Tuesday, August 5 10 a.m. – 12p.m. WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave. S.W. WHO: The event is hosted […]
May 29, 2014
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art Mourns Maya Angelou
Museum’s 50th-Anniversary Celebration June 3 Will Honor the World-renowned Poet The staff of the National Museum of African Art expresses heartfelt condolences on the passing of Maya Angelou, world-renowned poet, […]
May 21, 2014
National Museum of African Art Opens Its Doors for 50th Anniversary Day Celebration June 3
Music, Performances and Dance Will Mark the Occasion The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art celebrates its 50th anniversary Tuesday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors of […]
March 26, 2014
National Museum of African Art Marks Its 50th Anniversary in 2014 with Year of Exhibitions and Programs
Honorary Campaign Chair Maya Angelou’s Video Launches Celebrations The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014–2015, presenting a series of public programs and exhibits to […]
March 4, 2014
National Museum of African Art Presents “Visions from the Forests: The Art of Liberia and Sierra Leone”
Exhibition Honors the Work of Curator and Connoisseur William Siegmann “Visions from the Forests: The Art of Liberia and Sierra Leone” will be on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum […]
February 21, 2014
Eco-Friendly Designs Come to the National Museum of African Art in “Earth Matters, Fashion Matters”
Media only: Eddie Burke (202) 633-4660; burkee@si.edu The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will host some of Africa’s hottest designers at “Earth Matters, Fashion Matters,” a fashion show featuring […]
December 6, 2013
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art Opens a Condolence Book for Nelson Mandela
The staff of the National Museum of African Art expresses heartfelt condolences on the passing of former President Nelson Mandela of the Republic of South Africa. During the following week, the museum will display a condolence book that the public may sign; it will be sent to the Mandela family.
November 26, 2013
National Museum of African Art Receives $1.8 Million Gift for Collaborative Educational Initiative
The Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art today announced that the Sultanate of Oman will give $1.8 million to support a series of programs celebrating Omani and East African arts and culture. This is the largest donation to the museum to date. This partnership has been made possible by the Sultan of Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.
October 23, 2013
National Museum of African Art Presents “Africa ReViewed: The Photographic Legacy of Eliot Elisofon”
“Africa ReViewed: The Photographic Legacy of Eliot Elisofon,” opens at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, Tuesday, Nov. 21, and will remain on display until Aug. 24, 2014. The exhibition, an extension of FotoWeek DC (Nov. 1–10), celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives housed at the National Museum of African Art. The retrospective exhibition showcases the work of internationally renowned American photographer Eliot Elisofon.
May 15, 2013
National Museum of African Art Presents “Lines, Marks, and Drawings: Through the Lens of Roger Ballen”
Roger Ballen (b. 1950), one of the more recognized photographic artists working today, is the focus of an exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art. On view from June 19 through Feb. 9, 2014, “Lines, Marks, and Drawings: Through the Lens of Roger Ballen” considers the artist’s 40-plus years as an artist photographer through a new approach: an examination of line and drawing in his photographs.
March 21, 2013
National Museum of African Art Presents First Major Exhibition of African Earth works
“Earth Matters: Land as Material and Metaphor in the Arts of Africa” will open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art on Earth Day, April 22, and continue through to Jan. 5, 2014. Curated by Karen E. Milbourne, “Earth Matters” is the first major exhibition exploring the ways in which African artists and communities mediate their relationship with the land upon which they live, work and frame their days.
February 19, 2013
“Africa Underground” Returns to National Museum of African Art for Black History Month
“Africa Underground” returns Friday, Feb. 22, with an evening of eclectic delights at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art from 7 to 11 p.m. Coming on the heels of […]
May 30, 2012
National Museum of African Art Presents “African Cosmos: Stellar Arts”
Exhibition Examines Connections between African Art and Cultural Astronomy “African Cosmos: Stellar Arts” will be on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art from June 20 through Dec. […]
June 3, 2010
“Art by Haitian Children after the Earthquake” Opens June 17 at Smithsonian
Soon after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake, first lady of Haiti Elisabeth D. Préval called on Haitian artist Philippe Dodard and his fellow artists, as well as psychologists, educators and […]
May 6, 2010
South African Artist Paul Emmanuel’s Acclaimed “Transitions” at National Museum of African Art
South African artist Paul Emmanuel’s “Transitions,” an installation of five drawings and the critically acclaimed film 3SAI: A Rite of Passage, will open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African […]
April 22, 2010
“Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art” at National Museum of African Art
“Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art,” a traveling exhibition that tells the story of the beautiful coiled basket, will be on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of […]
