Over a century ago, in 1915, there was a call for a national museum to honor African American history. Yet, it wasn’t until 1998 that the legislative push gained momentum, leading to the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s authorization in 2003. With construction beginning in 2012, the museum finally opened in 2016, after years of persistent advocacy. This delay reflects the cultural parameters and systemic barriers that once marginalized Black history in the national narrative.
Today, the museum stands as a testament to resilience and a powerful symbol of cultural expression, sustainability, and storytelling. Incorporating key cultural parameters, its LEED Gold-certified design embraces spirituality and joy while honoring the challenging aspects of African American experience. The inverted step pyramid shape, inspired by a Yoruba crown, and the three stacked trapezoidal forms modeled after a sculpture by Olowe of Ise, connect the museum to African heritage. With roughly 60% of the building underground, the design acknowledges the hidden stories of African American history. In 2022, as the second-most visited Smithsonian museum, the NMAAHC resonates deeply with visitors, preserving history while inspiring forward progress.