Museum Opens September 24th

Quick Facts about the Museum Opening

Dedication Ceremony on Sept. 24
Freedom Sounds Festival on Sept. 23, 24 & 25
Expect large crowds, security screening, and street closures
Timed passes required for museum entry
No Same-day timed passes Sept. 24 & 25
Mobile Apps Now Available

Check back regularly for more information.

About the Grand Opening

Thank you for your interest in the Grand Opening Weekend of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The historic significance of the newest and 19^th Smithsonian museum – and its importance to all Americans – will make it an unprecedented local, national and international event unlike any other opening of a cultural institution in America or globally in recent memory.

We hope this schedule of events and frequently asked questions for the Grand Opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture assists you with your plans to come to Washington, DC or to take part at home in this joyous and historic occasion. Enhance your Grand Opening Weekend experience with our Freedom Sounds app, available for most mobile devices.

Schedule at a Glance

Entry to all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. is free. The Freedom Sounds festival and public viewing areas for the outdoor Dedication Ceremony, are free and open to the public.

Freedom Sounds Festival

Washington Monument Grounds
Friday, September 23, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 24, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Dedication Ceremony

National Museum of African American History and Culture
Saturday, September 24
9:00 am Gathering and Musical Prelude
10:00 a.m. Dedication Ceremony Begins
1:00 p.m. Museum Opens to the Public

Museum Opens to the Public

National Museum of African American History and Culture
Saturday, September 24, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 7:00 a.m. – Midnight
Monday - Friday, September 26 - 30, 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Timed Passes Required

Schedule Details
Freedom Sounds Mobile App

Timed Passes

Due to this level of interest, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is implementing 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 general public and nonprofit organizations are free of charge. Advanced Timed Entry Passes to the Museum through December are no longer available online at this time. Advanced timed passes starting in January 2017 have not yet been released. A limited number of timed passes will be available at the museum starting Monday, September 26^th.

Learn More About Timed Passes

Security

Large crowds are expected for the Grand Opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Major events in Washington, DC require a high level of security for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Security screenings occur at entrances to the Freedom Sounds festival and viewing areas on the Washington Monument grounds for the Dedication Ceremony and are always required to enter the museum. If possible, do not bring large day-packs, backpacks, or luggage to the museum or its events, as they will be subject to a lengthy search. Please see our list of prohibited items. Please give extra consideration when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Grand Opening FAQ

Lift Your Voice

Host or Attend a Celebration of African American History and Culture in your hometown.

You are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History by hosting or attending a local event in your community. Options include a watch party for the dedication, a program, exhibit or other signature event co-branded with NMAAHC, and a social media campaign.

Find a Local Event

Timed Entry Passes Are Now Available

Advanced Timed Entry Passes to the Museum through December are no longer available online. Advanced timed passes starting in January 2017 have not yet been released. A limited number of timed passes will be available at the museum starting Monday, September 26^th.