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Project Information
| Project Location: | National Mall in Washington, D.C. |
| Project Architects: | Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup |
| Architectural Style: | Contemporary with a classical Greco-Roman form in its use of a base and shaft. |
| Project Commencement & Completion Date: | The construction process commenced in 2012 and was completed in September 24, 2016 |
| Building Materials: | Concrete, Steel, and Glass. The most prominent external feature is the bronze-colored lattice-like façade called the “Corona,” which reflects traditional African art patterns. |
| Project Costs: | (NMAAHC) had an estimated construction cost of around $540 million. |
Located on the historic National Mall in Washington, D.C., is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is a testament to African Americans’ rich and complex history in the United States. This architecture embodies the struggles and triumphs of a community and serves as a beacon of hope and cultural preservation. In honor of Black History Month, Join us on an exploration as we unravel the layers of this extraordinary museum. Delving into its history, unveiling its project concept, dissecting its design philosophy, and marveling at its unique community features.
The Birthing of Building Filled with Decades of History
Architectural Concept and Design Philosophy
The concept behind the National Museum of African American History and Culture is to create a space that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires future generations. The architects established a dialogue between the museum’s content and physical structure, fostering an immersive and transformative experience for visitors. The design philosophy emphasized the importance of storytelling, resilience, and community engagement. The architects captured the spirit of African American Culture using architectural elements, drawing inspiration from African art and symbolism.
The building’s exterior features a three-tiered structure that evokes the shape of a crown or a Yoruba caryatid. The Yoruba caryatid is an African sculptural tradition that symbolizes strength and dignity. The design initiative unfolded as the structure defined a series of galleries and public places embedded inside one another, telling a story that captured the building’s essence.
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The National Museum of African American History and Culture mission is to provide for the collection, study, and establishment of programs and exhibitions relating to African American life, art, history, and culture.
Mabel O. Wilson
The Building’s Programs and Design Features
The National Museum of African American History and Culture showcases a range of programs and design features that contribute to its uniqueness and significance. The museum spans five floors, each dedicated to different periods and aspects of African American history.
The museum’s entrance hall, known as the “Contemplative Court,” welcomes visitors with a sense of tranquility and reflection. Its design incorporates a water feature, symbolizing healing and transformation. As visitors ascend through the museum, they encounter thought-provoking exhibitions, interactive displays, and multimedia installations that vividly depict African Americans’ struggles, achievements, and cultural contributions.
The building’s architecture enhances the visitor experience significantly. It skillfully utilizes natural light, filtering through the intricate lattice-like bronze-colored façade called the “Corona.” This delicate meshwork acts as a veil, capturing the interplay of light and shadow and creating a dynamic atmosphere within the museum’s interior spaces.
Another distinctive feature of the building is the “Porches,” horizontal terraces that encircle the museum, providing panoramic views of the National Mall. These outdoor spaces serve as gathering areas and reflect the porch concept as a symbol of community and storytelling in African American Culture.
The Building’s Impact on the Community
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) actively engages visitors with diverse building programs and resources. Immersive experiences, workshops, and guided tours deepen understanding of African American History and Culture across various age groups. Scholars benefit from the museum’s extensive collection of archival materials, manuscripts, and oral histories, alongside specialized databases and research guides curated by experts. Reading rooms with reference materials and digital resources provide quiet spaces for studying, reflecting, and exploring personal family histories. The museum’s Bureau of Archives further supports individuals in tracing their lineage and genealogy through access to databases, historical documents, and expert guidance. Through these initiatives, the NMAAHC fosters community engagement, lifelong learning, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Empowering individuals to connect with their past, gain new insights, and contribute to ongoing dialogue, the NMAAHC provides accessible and comprehensive resources. Educational programs inspire curiosity and critical thinking, fostering appreciation for African Americans’ struggles, achievements, and cultural contributions.
NMAAHC The Sweet Home Café
The Sweet Home Café celebrates the diversity and richness of African American culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from African, Caribbean, Southern, and Creole cuisines. Visitors can enjoy various dishes, including barbecue, fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, gumbo, and sweet potato pie. Beyond its culinary offerings, the Sweet Home Café provides a welcoming and comfortable space for visitors to relax, reflect, and engage in conversation. The café’s ambiance reflects the warm hospitality and communal spirit that are hallmarks of African American culture.
Since its opening, the NMAAHC and its Culture have profoundly impacted the community. It has become a pilgrimage site for people from all walks of life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history, Culture, and contributions to American society.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture: A Glimpse Inside
JOURNAL
Le Chateau De Pierre is an Architecture and Interior Design Journal dedicated to sharing and exploring tips for emerging professionals and educating readers about great architecture and building design concepts. Our publication is designed to inspire and inform both new and experienced Interior designers, architects, and those interested in the field of architecture.
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Resources Credited
“National Museum of African American History and Culture.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 May 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_African_American_History_and_Culture.
WILSON, M. O. (2016). Begin With The Past | Building The National Museum of African American History and Culture (1st ed., pp. 1-142). SMITHSONIAN BOOKS.
