The Smithsonianโs National Museum of African American History and Culture will open with extended hours, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 29.
However, beginning in January, the northwest D.C. museum will launch a new set of visitation guidelines with the introduction of peak and off-peak seasons.
From March through August, the museum will require timed-entry passes for the peak season when visitation is highest. During off-peak season, SeptemberยฌโFebruary, when visitation is lowest, visitors can enter the museum without passes. Passes are required every weekend throughout the year.
Following are guidelines for visiting the museum:
โขโDuring peak season (MarchโAugust), visitors will need a timed-entry pass to enter the museum before 1 p.m.
โขโDuring off-peak season (SeptemberโFebruary), walk-up entry is available every Monday through Friday 10 a.m.โ5:30 p.m.
โขโAdvance timed-entry passes are required every Saturday and Sunday, regardless of the season.
โขโWalk-up entry is available every Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. until close, regardless of the season.
โขโSame-day online passes are available on weekdays during peak season (MarchยฌโAugust) and weekends year-round.
โขโThe museumโs hours of operation are 10 a.m.โ5:30 p.m. 364 days a year. The museum is closed Dec. 25. The museum will have extended hours, 10 a.m.โ7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Dec. 29.
โขโWhen planning a trip to the museum, visitors are encouraged to check nmaahc.si.edu/visit to determine whether they will need to obtain timed-entry passes.
โขโGroups of 10 or more people must reserve group passes every day of the year, during peak and off-peak seasons.

