National Museum of African American History and Culture

Happy Anniversary, National Museum of African American History and Culture!

We look back at some of the events that have take place in the National Museum of African American History and Culture's first year.
September 28, 2017, by Effie Kapsalis

A year ago on September 24, 2016, the Smithsonian gained a new museum — the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Since then, 2.5 million people have visited the museum. In honor of their historic opening, we look back at photographer Michael Barnes' favorite images from the year.

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Group of people standing in front of metal-clad museum.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture Staff, June 01, 2016, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2016-05542.

African American woman in dark glasses surrounded by crowd, waving.

Oprah Winfrey entering the celebration of the opening of the The National Museum of African American History and Culture, September 24, 2016, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2016-06116.

Large crowd in a hall eating and drinking.

Collection Donor Preview at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, September 17, 2016, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2016-6825.

2 women peering up at screen, one with her hand covering her mouth.

Chef Carla Hall and Museum Curator Joanne Hyppolite at the lunch counter in the National Museum of African American History, September 23, 2016, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2016-07021.

Group in front of metal spaceship with lights.

Preview Tour with John Legend, Jesse Williams, 9th Wonder, Rapsody, Robert Glasper, Brittany Packnett, in front of George Clinton's Mothership, National Museum of African American History, September 23, 2016, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2016-07136.

A dancer bowing between exhibition cases.

Member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Troop in the Music Hall, National Museum of African American History, February 6, 2017, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2017-00461

Woman with tongs picking up food.

Sweet Home Cafe Featuring Guest Chef Carla Hall, Black History Month, February 17, 2017, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2017-01048.  

Group of people in front of projected image.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Opens “More Than a Picture” Exhibit, May 5, 2017, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2017-02200.

A piano player and drummer performing.

NMAAHC – “Jazz Vespers: A Concert of Sacred Sounds: Featuring Cory Henry’s Revival,” April 22, 2017, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2017-02547.

2 women on stage with projected image behind them and people filling crowd.

“My Soul Looks Back: A Conversation with Jessica Harris,” Oprah Winfrey Theater, May 22, 2017, by Michael Barnes, Image # 2017-02872.

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