Welcome to the National Museum of African Art, where visitors embark on a journey through the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Africa. This museum is the only one in the United States that is solely devoted to showcasing the art of the African continent and its diaspora. With over 12,000 objects in its collection, visitors can explore the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of the many people that call Africa home. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, the National Museum of African Art has something to offer for everyone looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the vast and complex continent of Africa.
The National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is a museum located in Washington D.C., dedicated to the presentation and preservation of the traditional, contemporary, and historical art from the African continent. Founded in 1964, the museum has undergone numerous changes and transformations to become the premier destination for exploring African visual and performance art in the United States.
A Brief History
The National Museum of African Art was established in 1964 by Warren M. Robbins, an American art collector and educator, who aimed to promote an understanding and appreciation of African art and culture in the United States. Robbins purchased his first pieces of African art during his travels to Ethiopia in the 1950s. This sparked his passion for African art, and he went on to collect pieces from all over the continent.
Robbins’ collection eventually became the museum’s founding collection, which was initially housed in a small townhouse in northwest Washington D.C. In 1979, the museum moved to its current location on the National Mall. Since then, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the recent addition of a new entrance pavilion and courtyard.
Collections
The National Museum of African Art boasts an extensive collection of art spanning over 1,200 years of African history. The collection includes over 12,000 objects, including traditional and contemporary pieces of art, as well as artifacts from a variety of regions in Africa. Visitors can explore ancient Nubian sculptures, West African textiles, contemporary paintings and photographs, and much more.
One of the most notable collections at the museum is the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, which features over 500 pieces of traditional African art collected by avid collectors Roy and Beatrice Disney. The collection includes objects from all over the continent, including masks, sculptures, and textiles.
Exhibitions and Events
The National Museum of African Art hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. These exhibitions explore different themes and aspects of African art and culture, and bring together pieces from the museum’s collection, as well as works loaned from other museums and private collections.
In addition to exhibitions, the museum also hosts a range of events, including artist talks, tours, film screenings, and cultural celebrations. One of the highlights of the museum’s calendar is the annual Folklife Festival, which takes place on the National Mall and celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of Africa.
Overall, the National Museum of African Art is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the rich and diverse art and culture of Africa. Visitors can explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions, attend cultural events, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the continent’s visual and performance art traditions.
Highlights of the National Museum of African Art
Highlights of the Collection
The National Museum of African Art boasts an extensive collection of over 12,000 art pieces, including sculptures, textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The museum’s collection showcases the artistic achievements of various African cultures from ancient times to the present day.
The highlights of the collection include works by renowned African artists such as El Anatsui, William Kentridge, and Yinka Shonibare. One of the most popular pieces in the museum is the sculpture “Lion Attacking a Horse” by Senegalese artist Ousmane Sow, which depicts the power struggle between man and animal.
In addition to contemporary artworks, the museum houses an impressive collection of historic artifacts. Visitors can explore everything from ancient terracotta sculptures from Nigeria to ethnomusicological instruments from Central Africa. Every piece in the collection has a story to tell, and together they provide a deep insight into African history and culture.
Public Programs and Education
The National Museum of African Art provides a range of public programs and education initiatives that aim to inspire and educate visitors of all ages. The museum offers workshops, seminars, lectures, and performances to engage visitors in African culture and history.
One popular program is the “Culture for Hire” initiative, which provides companies and organizations with the opportunity to host a private event at the museum. These events can include cultural demonstrations, such as traditional drumming and dance performances, as well as guided tours of the museum’s collection.
The museum also offers educational opportunities for children and families, such as art-making workshops and storytelling sessions. The “Family Day” program encourages families to explore the museum together, with a range of interactive activities available for all ages.
The Future of the National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art has a dynamic future planned, with several new exhibitions and initiatives in the pipeline. One upcoming exhibition is “The Life of Animals in Japanese Art,” a collaborative project with the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art that explores the depiction of animals in Japanese art.
The museum is also looking to expand its collaborations with other institutions, including partnerships with African museums and art organizations. These collaborations will enable the museum to showcase even more diverse art pieces and perspectives from across the African continent.
Finally, the museum is committed to engaging and educating audiences both locally and globally. The museum’s website currently offers a range of digital resources, including virtual tours and educational resources. As technology advances, the museum will continue to explore new ways of bringing African art and culture to audiences around the world.
The National Museum of African Art is a vibrant and dynamic institution that celebrates the art and culture of Africa. With its extensive collection, engaging public programs, and exciting future initiatives, the museum continues to be a valuable resource for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Planning Your Visit to the National Museum of African Art
Location and Hours
The National Museum of African Art is located in Washington D.C., on the National Mall between the Smithsonian Castle and the Museum of Natural History. The museum showcases a variety of African art, ranging from traditional to contemporary pieces. The museum is open seven days a week, from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free.
The museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the Metro to the Smithsonian Station and use the National Mall exit. They can also take the DC Circulator bus, which has a dedicated stop on the National Mall.
It is recommended that visitors arrive early to avoid crowds. The museum is busiest on weekends and holidays, so it is best to visit on weekdays. Visitors should also plan to spend at least two hours at the museum to fully enjoy the exhibits.
Tickets and Admission
As mentioned earlier, admission to the National Museum of African Art is free. However, some special exhibitions may require tickets, which can be purchased at the museum or online.
The museum also offers discounts for certain groups, including seniors, students, and military personnel. These discounts can be applied to special exhibitions as well. School groups can also visit the museum for free, but reservations are required.
The museum offers guided tours for groups of ten or more, which can be scheduled in advance on their website. Private tours are also available for an additional fee.
Dining and Shopping
The museum features a cafe, which offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and desserts, as well as a variety of coffee and tea options. The cafe is open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM.
The museum store offers a wide range of African art, including jewelry, textiles, sculptures, and home decor. Visitors can purchase souvenirs or gifts to take home with them.
In addition to the cafe and store, the museum offers other amenities, including a coat check, stroller rental, and wheelchair accessibility. Visitors can also find information about upcoming events and exhibitions at the museum’s information desk.
Visitors to the National Museum of African Art can expect a unique and enriching experience. With a variety of exhibits, events, and amenities, the museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in African art and culture.