This collection of African art concentrates on art from south of the Sahara, with the earliest dating before 1700 B.C.E. A high point of the NMAA’s holdings is the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, a collection of more than 300,000 photographs documenting Africa’s peoples, history and art over the span of the last 120-plus years. Much of the exhibition space is underground.
National Museum of African Art (Smithsonian institution) Information
- Public Transportation: Excellent (accessible by Blue and Orange Metro lines)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Open daily 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Tours: Tours are based on objects and themes reflected in the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Visitors and groups of no more than 15 may request an unscheduled tour at the information desk in the museum’s pavilion, subject to docent availability
- Membership: Donor membership is $50 annually and provides the member with recognition as a member of the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) on the museum’s electronic member and donor scrolls
- Other Benefits: An Associate membership ($250/annually) gets you special visiting privileges and invites to opening parties.
