National Museum of African American History and Culture
The newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened to the public on September 24, 2016. The Museum is a historic institution dedicated to documenting African American life, history, art, and culture from the beginnings of the slave trade to the present day.
Legislation to establish this historic museum was one of the first bills I introduced when I was first elected to Congress. It took 15 long years to pass that bill, but I am so proud to see this Museum open. It is my hope that each and every person who visits this beautiful museum will walk away deeply inspired -- filled with a greater respect for the dignity and the worth of every human being and a stronger commitment to the ideals of justice, equality, and true democracy.
The Museum has attracted an unprecedented amount of interest, and I have heard from many people in Georgia and across America who want to visit. Unlike other Smithsonian museums, it currently requires a timed pass for admission, which is available free of charge from the Museum. As of October 2016, there are no tickets available online through March 2017. Unfortunately, my office does not have timed passes for the Museum. You can learn more about the process and request a pass by visiting the Museum's website.
A limited number of free timed passes per visitor can be obtained in person at the Museum on the same day of your visit. Passes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:15 a.m., but the line often forms hours in advance. The start of the line forms on the Constitution Avenue side of the building. Same-day timed passes are not available online or by phone.
School, student, religious, and community-based organizations with groups of 10 people or more may obtain free Advance Timed Passes. It is recommended groups provide at least one adult chaperone for every five students under the age of 18. For more information on how to obtain Advance Timed Passes for nonprofit groups, please contact ETIX Customer Support Center at 1-866-297-4020. ETIX hours of operation are: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET and Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET.
You can find a list of frequently-asked questions about visiting the Museum on its website. For all other questions about planning your visit, please call the Museum at 1-844-750-3012.