National Museum of African American History and Culture - the only national museum devoted exclusively to African American life

Opened in 2016 on the National Mall, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Its collections span slavery, the civil rights movement, music, and contemporary cultural contributions, and it operates as a national research and public education institution. The museum’s distinct mission and status within the Smithsonian make it singular among federally designated national museums.