The National Museum of African Art is home to the largest publicly held collection of contemporary African art in the United States, as well as the famous Walt Disney- Tishman African Art Collection of more than 525 pieces of the finest traditional African sculpture. The three-level underground museum on the National Mall features textiles, household objects, architectural elements, decorative arts and musical instruments. Its diverse collection is drawn from many of Africa's more than 900 cultures.
Drawing materials, such as pencils or conté crayons, are permitted. Photographs may be taken in the permanent collections but not in the temporary exhibitions.
(walk-in; meet at Pavilion info desk)
Tours subject to docent availability and may be pre-empted by a selected exhibition tour:
• Sat. and Sun., 11 AM and 1 PM
• Daily, docents may be available to give tours; ask at the information desk.
(walk-in; meet at Pavilion info desk)
• Ask at the information desk Saturdays and Sundays, between 11 AM and 1 PM, about tours of selected exhibitions.
Note: All tours subject to docent availability.
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-4640 (voice) or 202-357-4814 (TTY))
• Dutch, French, German, and Spanish
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-4640 (voice) or 202-357-4814 (TTY))
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-4640 (voice) or 202-357-4814 (TTY))
Note: FM Assistive Listening Devices are available to amplify tours for visitors with hearing impairments; ask at Info Desk for details.
The Museum Store offers a wide selection of merchandise inspired by the collections and the arts and cultures of Africa.
Although the African Art Museum does not have an on-site café, many Smithsonian museums do.
