The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will celebrate its ninth anniversary Sept. 24. Since opening in 2016, the museum has welcomed almost 13 million visitors from all 50 U.S. states and nearly 200 countries. In recognition of this milestone, and in anticipation of a historic year ahead, the museum will host a special block party in September 2026 to commemorate both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the museum’s 10th anniversary. The yearlong celebration will feature new exhibitions, groundbreaking publications and expanded educational programming. The public can learn more and sign up for e-mail updates about upcoming celebrations on the museum’s website, nmaahc.si.edu/10Years.
“As we look ahead to 2026, a year marking our 10th anniversary and the nation’s 250th, we reaffirm our commitment to educate, inspire and engage all visitors through the African American story,” said Shanita Brackett, the museum’s acting director. “These milestones are a powerful reminder that African American history is central to the American experience, and we invite the nation to join us in celebrating and reflecting together.”
Since opening, NMAAHC has been recognized as a national leader in presenting the unvarnished truth of African American history through dynamic exhibitions and impactful programming. The museum has received 95 national and international awards for innovation in museum education, digital engagement and curatorial excellence.
In 2025 alone, the museum has added more than 700 new objects to its collection, bringing the total to more than 45,000 artifacts that reflect the richness and diversity of African American life. Behind the scenes, the museum’s conservation team has completed more than 550 object assessments this year. Since 2017, the museum has digitized more than 21,000 records, all accessible through the museum’s website. Its transcription services team has transcribed more than 25,000 pages of collections materials since opening, making this vital history available to educators, researchers and the public.
On the public engagement front, the museum has welcomed more than 24,000 student groups since opening. With an average of nearly 300 programs annually, the museum reaches more than 1.6 million visitors in person and countless more through its digital channels.
About the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than 12 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital presence. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The museum has also launched and is continually expanding its reach with the Searchable Museum portal and other efforts to bring African American history into the world’s hands and homes. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on X, Facebook and Instagram or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.
