950 Independence Ave.
SW
( 202) 357-2700
The National Museum of
African Art is a Smithsonian museum dedicated to the art of
sub-Saharan Africa. Located next to the Castle on the National
Mall, the National Museum of African Art has over 7,000
artifacts in its collection.
The National Museum of
African Art was originally formed in 1964 as a private
educational foundation devoted to the traditional arts of
Africa. Today, the museum houses over 7,000 artifacts from
sub-Saharan Africa including masks, carvings, gongs and
clothing. These artifacts represent hundreds of African cultures
as well as the work of contemporary African artists.
The permanent collection
is divided into five sections; the sculpture of sub-Saharan
Africa, the art of Benin, the pottery of Central Africa, the
archaeology of the ancient Nubian city of Kerma, and the
artistry of utilitarian objects.
The National Museum of
African Art is known for its architecture as well as its
renowned collection. Along with the Freer Gallery of Art (Sackler
Gallery), the National Museum of African Art is one of the
Smithsonian’s two underground museums. The rooftops of these
two neighboring museums meet behind the Castle to form the Enid
a. Haupt Memorial Garden, the world’s largest rooftop garden..
Hours:
Daily 10:00am- 5:30pm
Admission:
Free
Metro:
Smithsonian
MUSEUM
OF AFRICAN ART
ATTRACTIONS
