National Museum of African Art

I like this museum overall.
I visited on 10÷10÷15. It’s located in Washington, DC among other Smithsonian museums. It’s one building with a few floors. A nice thing about this museum is that there’s no entrance fee. Looking around I noticed that there was a lot of cultural and historical art (African Mosaic) and contemporary art (The Cosby Collection and Dante’s Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell Revisited) so this can cater to a lot of different tastes.
I gave it a 4 mostly because of the African Mosaic. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the art that was displayed. I just found that the organization was inconsistent. Although the theme of primary colors throughout the exhibition was cohesive, there’s a section, for example, labeled «Masks» even though there are masks displayed outside of «Masks». The same for the «Artists» section. Isn’t the whole gallery full of artists in a sense? That was one thing I had trouble with. Something else I noticed was the lack of historical and cultural descriptions on some pieces, however, a lot of information about the sponsors. This made it seem like they were saying «Hey, look what we have! We have a lot of African stuff!» It didn’t take away from the beauty of the art, but it was something to think about.
Despite this, I would visit again to see the rest of the museum.

I went here when I was in D.C. to see the «The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell Revisited» exhibition which featured artwork from contemporary African artists that deal with heaven, purgatory and hell. They had set up the three levels of the museum as hell, heaven and purgatory. There were paintings, videos, sculptures and art in other mediums.
I wondered into another exhibition titled «Chief S.O. Alonge: Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin, Nigeria». It told the story of a king who realized the importance of photography and a passionate photographer who photographed the king and then went on to photograph his people. A lot of the photographs reminded me of the black and white photographs from my part of the world.
In the end I ended up staying for way more time than I initially planned for, but I am glad I did.

I am so happy this museum is available. I attended an author talk and visited The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell Revisited by Contemporary African Artists. I am most likely going to begin volunteering, fantastic space.

The highlight of my latest visit to DC with my alumni group was when I stepped away from the Capitol Hill portion (been there, done that) and went to the National Museum of African Art.
What a beautiful collection! I am never disappointed at the choices they make and story they are trying to tell with each curated piece. I was absolutely mesmerized and spent two hours just staring in awe. It’s been too long. I remember when they first opened over 20 years ago. I was there. And I am estatic to be able to come back periodically and be emotionally moved and inspired every time I visit.
The rethinking of Dante’s Divine Comedy has to be the smartest and most thought provoking piece I have seen in a long time, anywhere! I really need to go back soon. I’m sure a second viewing will inspire even more. Just go!

This museum is captivating as soon as you enter through the doors with its open space and spiral staircases that leads to levels after levels of great African Art. This is one of the more updated Smithsonian Museums so its African Art with a modern twist. Very interesting exhibits and its small enough that you can manage to walk through it very quickly. Definitely a worthwhile visit to explore some of the most unique modern and historic African Art in the world.

I love this place and must again see it. I was here with my church Gateway to Heaven of Jacksonville and the gave us a private tour and boardroom lesson. I was great to see all of the different works. I was most impress by the information I learned in the boardroom secession. The museum has so much culture and artifacts. If you are in DC and need to see some great art please visit it and the other Smithsonian museums.

I was really disappointed. I didn’t catch the artistic vision here with the whole hell and heaven exhibit. I actually totally hated it and couldn’t wait to get out.

This is one of the best museums on the Mall!
The exhibits are beautifully curated (ala The Metropolitan Museum of Art) and so informative. The temporary exhibits — The Divine Comedy and the Benin art– must not be missed.
It’s a shame that so many people miss this museum when they visit DC.

Washington DC has some wonderful museums and, mind you, the majority are free. This is a nice one to add to your see-​and-​do list. It’s part of the Smithsonian collection of museums in the area.
The displays are laid out over multiple floors and subfloors and organized by regions of Africa. As with most museums, besides the permanent collection of paintings, photos, jewelry, sculptures, masks and other works, there are also exhibitions that change over time so each visit will be different. They also have scheduled events like music and film screenings so check the calendar.
This museum doesn’t seem to get the large amount of foot traffic but for a visitor this can be a good thing because it allows you to spend whatever time you like enjoying the works.
There’s also a nice gift shop down on the bottom floor.
Get out of the sun for a little while and soak up some culture.

This museum looks small on the outside but it is huge, with sub levels below ground.
First the décor and the layout is beautiful. You can tell that this floor plan was well thought out. From the positioning of the art to the color of the walls that help accent the items on display. Ever work of art is presented with key information (title, artist, year) and below that, a detailed summary.
The massive masks and ivory horns craftsmanship were very impressive and they provided me a glimpse of the past. It was interesting to see the change in art, especially after European influence. I definitely left the museum with a deeper understanding of African culture.

Free tours during business hours. Also there are events that take place in this museum, so look online to see if there’s a public event that peeks your interest. The facility can be used for private events, check online for details. This facility is about a block away from the metro station and on the bus line if you are travel by public transportation.

I truly love learning and seeing new things. It just so happened we were visiting the museum right during there anniversary celebration. We saw a African drum presentation which was excellent. The museum is so rich in history. We explored every inch and enjoyed it immensely.

The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art has some of the best social events in this area. .
Open bar+ free makeup from Ecco Bella + Cultural Experience= WINNER in my book. The crowd was diverse, eclectic, fashion forward, and anything in-​between to tell you the truth.
Museum of African Art is always having some party on the low that is really something you will remember in years to come! Last time I met Kato runner up from the 5^th Season of Project Runway, cast members of the Fela production a few years back, these parties are full of surprises. Some parties are free, while others like Africa Underground are about $ 25. But well worth it! Becoming a member and giving very minimal donations here and there, they reach out and give you a heads up on events that they throw.
This particular one back in February of 2014 Earth Matters, Fashion Matters. A show case for African designers that use socially conscious African textiles. Les Nubian performed. There was a fashion show featuring designers from all over West Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia etc. The guest speaker was Michael Moussa-​Adamo– Ambassador of Gabonese Republic. The emcee was DMV local Katie Rost, a member of the The Vogue 100, a chosen group of exceptional and influential women from around the world.
Towards the mid-​end of the program there was a trunk show in the museum gift shop. I absolutely loved the ethnic timeless leather ‘doctor’s bags’ from ZAAF created by Abai Schulze. All I can say is for this Spring/​Summer get on the mailing list, become a benefactor and enjoy the cool and rare attractions of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and what it has to offer!

I remember going here probably 1.5 years ago, or more, to see an interesting Moroccan exhibit and that was 5 star. The rest of the museum was pretty decent. Well, I have recently returned and enjoyed the exhibits just as much. They have some odd one from South Africa (see the music video, very odd) as well as a man who went from Cape Town to Cairo via bus, car, train, etc. and took difficult to take photos along the way. Both of those exhibits were great. The Liberia exhibit was ok, kinda passed by quickly and enjoyed a few of the masks.
Overall, check it out. It is fun to move between here and the Ripley Center and Arthur Sackler museum as they are connected underground! Cool!

I visited this museum two years ago with family members. Definitely worth a stop. You can take the Metro and get off at L’Enfant Plaza, and the museum is just a short walk away. You enter into a spacious lobby with different pieces of artwork lining the walls. The large windows face out into the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Garden, which you can take a walk through as well. As you continue through the museum you can travel downstairs where there are more galleries, as well as a gift shop that has some of the most delicious chocolate from Ghana that you’ve ever tasted!
Staff are very friendly and accommodating.

Absolutely wonderful. You don’t have to be an art buff to appreciate this place —I’m definitely not — but if you’re into experiencing new things and like learning about different cultures, you’ll love this museum.
I got a little lost wondering throughout here… there were three floors, and its pretty dim lighting. There’s a mix of paintings, artifacts, relics, and masks on each floor. Each piece is accompanied by a lengthy description, so you can understand the significance of the piece and what it was used for. If you think Africa is a monolith, and everything and everybody is the same, this place will show you that’s definitely not true. You’ll see that the masks used in Benin are nothing like the ones used by the Yoruba peoples in Nigeria. It’s an awesome history lesson.
As an African-​American woman, this place truly gave me chills! It was so powerful seeing the ways in which my ancestors expressed themselves — everything is symbolic. Modern Western society mystifies Africa and her peoples. Let’s be honest… most people tbink simple tribal masks are ‘scary’ and ‘barbaric’ because of these teachings. What I loved most about here is the fact that those types of walls are torn down. You’ll be able to look at and appreciate African art for what it is. A totally harmless and beautiful expression of the various diverse cultures on the continent.

No lengthy review for this one– the exhibits are well-​planned and well-​chosen, the layout is easily navigated… and I think I don’t like African art. If you do, however, you should most certainly go.

The bf and I visited the African Art Museum in mid-​April, after a lovely day of walking around and seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom around the Tidal Basin.
I loved this museum — the interesting showcases of artifacts like masks, spears, and other relics; the interesting descriptions of the historical significance of all these pieces. It’s a rather large museum, comprised of three floors, and has very interesting pieces of art from various periods and countries in Africa. African art is something that I know very little about so it was nice to become more educated on the subject.
And best of all, it’s conveniently located very close to the Smithsonian metro stop on the National Mall.
I will certainly visit again.

I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the African Art Museum in DC. Upon arriving in DC, I knew this was the first and only Smithsonian Museum I was interested in seeing. After studying African history and visiting Ghana, I am a sucker for anything African, especially art from other African countries.
The museum is spread out over 3 floors, underground. So you enter on the ground floor and then there is the first, second, and third underground floors. Like other reviewers noted, you should start from the bottom and work your way to the top. The bottom floor only had a few exhibits when I was there; it seemed like it was used more as a reception hall. All the pieces are spread out nicely, but organized efficiently into categories. My favorite exhibit was on the third floor, they had art from all different countries and the general theme of this floor was «Africa matters, art matters, Earth matters.» The art pieces on this floor were tied into the soul or the personal connection each of us has with the continent.
On the other floors there were various pieces and artifacts like masks, bags, swords, and jewelry. The gift shop on the first floor is also well stocked on various pieces from Africa. Of course, having went to Africa I would never buy something for triple the price in the gift shop, but I was more than happy to make a donation. I think it’s sad often times we neglect the history of Africa and choose to focus on that of Europe and Asian. We forget that African history is so entwined with American history. I’m truly glad I got to experience this museum.

The good news about this museum is that its FREE to go in everyday. The last time I was here was about 2 years ago and I was a bit bored back then.
This time around (Oct 2011), that same feeling remained as I am walking from one exhibit to the next. There’s really nothing spectacular about the artifacts here. Sure, you will get to learn something new, but it wasn’t awe inspiring.
For whatever reason, they also had some Chinese empress exhibit here. Not sure the connection between the African art and Chinese art, but somehow they put some Chinese stuff in here. But I did like it as it showed Chinese royalty around the turn of the 20^th century.
But other than that, there are lots of traditional African arts such as many face masks, costumes, weaponry, and some shrunken heads too. I did like the variety of stuff they had to show, so it wasn’t a complete bore as you walked around.