National Museum of African Art

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, out the back of the Smithsonian Castle, showcases ancient and modern African art.

Exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art in Washington DC
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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is well hidden. The facility is built like an underground bunker, with only a tiny portion at ground level. To get to it, you have to head out through the garden at the back of the Smithsonian Castle; the discreet entrance is directly opposite the Sackler Gallery entrance.

But once you’re inside, you’re in for a treat. There are, as you might expect, more than a few ceremonial masks, but there’s a lot more as well. You’ll find tiny, intricately carved statuettes, colorful textiles, modern photography, art made from recycled art, and commentaries on modern life like a cell phone-shaped coffin.

And all the art is displayed expertly. The facility exudes newness. None of the artifacts is crowded. The lighting is beautifully done. And the very effective air conditioning–no doubt helped by the building being mostly underground–makes the museum a wonderfully calming place to escape the crowds and heat above in the height of summer. And be sure to check out the museum’s gift shop if you’re looking for something a bit different.

Photos of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art

Sophie-Merica by Mary Sibande at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
A mixed media piece by South African artist Mary Sibande titled Sophie-Merica (2009). It combines the traditional blue uniform of domestic workers with a Cinderella-like gown that suggests indomitable imagination. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15012344 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Nigerian Mask.
An early 20th-century mask from the Efik peoples of Nigeria. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
The Blue Bra Girls by Ghada Amer at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
A sculpture by Egyptian artist Ghada Amer titled The Blue Bra Girls (2012). Cast in polished stainless steel, the piece was created as a tribute to women who stand up for their beliefs and takes its name from a 2011 Reuters photograph of a veiled young woman whose blue bra was exposed as she was dragged and beaten by police at a protest in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Ek Anatsui Artwork at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art in Washington DC
WASHINGTON DC, United States — Untitled (2009) by El Anatsui. The work is made of recycled and folded metal bottle tops collected near the artist’s home in Nsukka, Nigeria. Located on the National Mall in Washington DC, the National Museum of African Art is the only national museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art in Washington DC
WASHINGTON DC, United States — Located on the National Mall in Washington DC, the National Museum of African Art is the only national museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Fountain in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art
A fountain in one of the multi-level atriums sends light down to the lower levels. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
A face mask by a Lele artist of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the early- to mid-20th century. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15100161 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Atrium.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Shrine figure (ikegobo) by an Edo artist in Nigeria in the early- to -mid-20th century. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14533732 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Dress.
A woven dress. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14240821 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Lalla Essaydi Exhibit.
Part of a photography exhibit by Moroccan-born artist Lalla Essaydi at the Smithsonian African Art Museum. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
A Guinean wooden drum from the early 20th century crafted by a Baga artist. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
A Nigerian Epa helmet mask depicting fertility. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14595439 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Stairway.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
A Nigerian Epa helmet mask depicting fertility. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15254067 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Outside Building.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15065059 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Clay Statue.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14255926 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Lalla Essaydi Mulitmedia Exhibit.
Part of a photography exhibit by Moroccan-born artist Lalla Essaydi at the Smithsonian African Art Museum. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15044852 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Mask Sculpture.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15041951 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Three Masks.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-15003341 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Crown from Nigeria.
An early 20th-century piece titled Crown from the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14585935 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Cosmos Stella Arts Exhibit.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14521030 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Fertility Sculpture.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
183-14502728 Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Sculpture.
Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
The main entrance leads from the Enid A. Haupt Garden. Most of the museum is below ground. Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel

More About National Museum of African Art Washington DC

  • Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world
  • Established in 1964 by Warren Robbins in a Capitol Hill townhouse
  • Became part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1979
  • Dedicated to the study and conservation of Africa’s visual arts
  • The permanent collection includes over 12,000 objects from ancient to contemporary African art
  • Houses the renowned Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection
  • Regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops
  • Offers free admission as a Smithsonian museum

The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) is located in Washington DC and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Founded by Warren Robbins in 1964, it was initially housed in a Capitol Hill townhouse before becoming part of the Smithsonian in 1979. The museum’s mission is the diffusion of knowledge about the visual arts of Africa, celebrating the continent’s rich artistic heritage and cultural diversity.

The NMAfA boasts a permanent collection of over 12,000 objects, representing ancient to contemporary African art, including sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and photographs. One of the museum’s highlights is the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, which features a wide range of artworks that demonstrate the passion, skill, and creativity of African artists. The museum also plays a vital role in the conservation and study of these works, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

In addition to the permanent collection, the National Museum of African Art regularly organizes temporary exhibitions that showcase various themes, styles, and periods of African art. These exhibitions often explore the connection between art, myth, rituals, politics, and the daily lives of African people. The museum also hosts educational programs, workshops, and performances, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Africa’s rich artistic traditions.

What’s Nearby to the National Museum of African Art Washington DC

How to Get to the Smithsonian’s African Art Museum

The museum is under the garden at the back of the Smithsonian Castle. From the National Mall, go through or around the Castle. From Independence Avenue, just go through the gates. The closest metro stop is Smithsonian (Orange and Blue lines); L’Enfant Place (Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines) is only a couple of blocks away. Depending on the day of the week and time of day, there’s some metered on-street parking, but that’s first-come-first-served and can be hard to come by.

Taking Photos at the Smithsonian’s African Art Museum

In general, personal photography is allowed and even encouraged (along with suggested Instagram hashtags). But there are some exhibits where it’s not allowed, so check the signs in each gallery.

Flash isn’t permitted anywhere, nor are tripods. Many of the galleries are quite dark, so plan on using a high ISO.

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Photography Rules
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art Photography Sign

Official Website

Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art

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