The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture marked its ninth anniversary Wednesday, having drawn nearly 13 million visitors from all 50 states and almost 200 countries since opening in 2016.
The museum plans a block party in September 2026 to celebrate both its 10th anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday. The yearlong celebration will include new exhibitions, publications and expanded educational programming.
“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.”
The museum has received 95 national and international awards for innovation in museum education, digital engagement and curatorial excellence since opening.
This year alone, the museum added more than 700 objects to its collection, bringing the total to more than 45,000 artifacts. The museum’s conservation team completed more than 550 object assessments in 2025.
Since 2017, the museum has digitized more than 21,000 records, all accessible through its website. Staff have transcribed more than 25,000 pages of collection materials since opening, making the materials available to educators, researchers and the public.
The museum has hosted more than 24,000 student groups since opening and averages nearly 300 programs annually, reaching more than 1.6 million visitors in person and more through digital channels.
Information about upcoming celebrations is available at nmaahc.si.edu/10Years.