Showcasing both ancient and modern art from the African continent, the National Museum of African Art contains a vibrant and eclectic collection. Given how European-centric many galleries can be, the National Museum of African Art is a must-see for anyone looking for a more global perspective on art.
Best and worst time to go to the National Museum of African Art
Many people will warn you away from Washington, D.C. in the summer. This is because, during the summer, this city is one of the most humid places imaginable (blame the people who decided to build on a swamp). However, if you stick to museums during the day, and spend evenings outdoors, a summer visit can be quite pleasant. The Smithsonian museums are ideal for this itinerary. Grouped around the National Mall, you can visit several in one day, and avoid the muggy weather almost completely.
Must see/do at the National Museum of African Art
Although the older pieces of art are fascinating, and provide a very interesting cultural perspective, don't skip the more modern art pieces, usually contained in rotating exhibitions. The Museum of African Art is one of the few museums that rarely charges for rotating or special exhibitions, and it's interesting to see how older, more traditional art compares with what modern artists are doing.
Admission to the National Museum of African Art
Like all Smithsonian museums, the National Museum of African Art is free except for special exhibitions. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm every day except Christmas. Docent-led tours are occasionally available, check their calendar for details.
Parking and public transportation at the National Museum of African Art
As with most destinations in Washington D.C., you are best off not attempting to find parking. Fortunately, the gallery is right next to the Smithsonian Metro station on the orange, blue, and silver lines. It is also accessible using the DC Bike Share program, with two bike docks extremely close the museum; one at Independence and L'Enfant Plaza, the other at Independence and 12th Street.
Food at the National Museum of African Art
There are is no food available inside the museum, however, the National Mall itself is surrounded by a bevy of food trucks, restaurants, and cafés. The Pavilion Cafe at the National Gallery of Art, and the Castle Cafe at the Smithsonian Castle are particularly good, but if you want a real taste of DC, go to one of the food trucks along Route One, pick up an on-the-go meal, and enjoy it at sitting on one of the benches that line the Mall.
Insider tip for visitors the National Museum of African Art
On a nice day, take some time to head behind the National Museum of African Art to check out the Enid A. Haupt gardens. The public garden - complete with meandering paths, benches to rest on, and gorgeously cultivated plants - is an incredible oasis in the middle of a busy city.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at DC cocktail parties.
The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum has a collection of the works of scientist and scholar Benjamin Banneker, who lived in Oella.
The museum features a permanent gallery on Benjamin Banneker and the Bannaky Family, a rotating exhibit in the Community Gallery, a reconstruction of Banneker's cabin, gift shop, and 142 acres with many hiking trails.
