National Museum of African American History & Culture

The 85,000 square feet of inaugural exhibitions for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) tell a 400 year story of African American history and culture, central to America’s history. Twelve galleries take visitors on a journey rooted in history, embracing community, and celebrating culture.

Having opened in September of 2016, the Smithsonian's newest beacon sits on the Mall in Washington, DC, and was designed by architectural team Adjaye Associates, Freelon, and Bond/SmithGroup. World renowned Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) were responsible for the exhibition design. They approached WSDIA to collaborate, and act as creative lead for the Community galleries on the 3rd Floor, through the Design Development phase, while RAA led the way to completion. The 25,000 sf of exhibit space were broken up into four distinct galleries: Sports, Military, Power of Place, and Making a Way Out of No Way.

Viewing the ‘Making a Way’ gallery as a central theme of the whole museum, we treated it as the glue to hold all other galleries together. It took on a non-traditional approach that formally makes a linear path connecting each gallery. Specifically, this pathway displays how African Americans crafted possibilities in a world that denied them opportunities. Exploring themes of agency, creativity, and resiliency.

Here's a wonderful review of the Museum by the Washington Post.

Design Architect:
Adjaye Associates

Architecture Team:
Freelon Adjaye Bond/ SmithGroup JJR

Exhibition Design:
Ralph Appelbaum Associates
WSDIA

Contractor/Fabricator:
D&P
Hadley Exhibits
Pacific Studios
Smithsonian Channel

Consultants:
Luce Group
SH Acoustics
Charles Morrow Associates

Photography:
Ron Blunt
Alan Karchmer

SEGD Merit Award 2017 Winner*

photo by Alan Karchmer

RAA's work in the 'Slavery to Freedom' Galleries, photo by Alan Karchmer

'MaW' skin development, photo by Alan Karchmer

Dozens of hundreds of plan studies to finally land at the one.

Intro to the Sports Gallery, © RON BLUNT

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Representations of Making A Way Skin and Sports

photo by Alan Karchmer

The Hub within the 'Power of Place' Gallery, photo by Alan Karchmer

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The following is a click-through of several Power of Place studies on diverse African American experiences. The first image displays a 'Power of Place' portrayal of the Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard. A Summer haven for the African-American Elite. photo by Eric Long.

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The Military portion of the floor provides a sense of appreciation and respect for the military service of African Americans throughout our history. photo by Alan Karchmer

#APeoplesJourney - A Nation's Story.