Museum Reviews
Went to a family craft activity at the museum. They had several fun crafts to do. The ladies working were so helpful, attentive and fun.Took a quick walk through the exhibit on black artists. (Unfortunately our 3 and 5 yr old were getting tired). There were incredible prints.Great overall experience.
A well curated museum; however, when I visited, the main and only exhibition was around Black Arts Education in DC. While this is important, I expected a lot more from this museum.I thought it would detail the movement of Black people to the city after the District of Columbia Emancipation Act in 1962; discussion of the True Reformer Building and the abundant history of U Street; the exploitation and socioeconomic suppression of the city's residents located East of the Anacostia River; and, of course, a comprehensive appreciation of Black art, music, education, literature, beauty, etc. I'm not sure if the exhibitions are temporary, but I wish that any permanent exhibition truly reflected on the history of the culture, struggle, and beauty of DC's Black residents—not solely on Black Arts Education.
I went to the museum for a weeknight event. It was amazing! They had a DJ, stations to draw and give artistic expression, and amazing artwork—photos, paintings, and writings about DC black history. It was great. The renovations are amazing and the space is awesome! I could easily see someone having a wedding here if they allow it.
a small yet cozy museum with lots of interactive stations for you and your kids. free parking and none was there except my fam in the morning
Always a great visit. Their Kwanzaa events, specifically, are creative and educational.
I grew up going here and Learning about my ppl. I appreciate this museum today.
A wonderful museum. Currently 2 exhibits, the main one around art education in Black schools in DC, including Howard University. Alma Thomas is mentioned of course, but I learned about other greats. The av components were amazing. It may look small, but if you really immerse yourself, it’s not just walk in, walk out. The exhibit I described is there through 3/2/25.
We recently attended the aluminum foil workshop at the Anacostia Museum, and it was such a unique and fun experience for all ages! My kids and I had a blast creating different designs with foil—it’s amazing to see how something so simple can be turned into art. The concept was fantastic, allowing everyone to get hands-on and think creatively.The museum itself is beautiful, though it’s on the smaller side, and parking was limited, so we’d recommend arriving early. While the instructor had some incredible creations of her own, the workshop setup could have been improved. A U-shaped arrangement with supplies readily available for everyone and presenting from the center would have made it easier to follow along.Despite these minor issues, we loved discovering a new way to use foil, and we’ll definitely keep an eye out for more workshops like this at the Anacostia Museum. It’s a gem in the city!
Lovely Smithsonian annex. Also near southern terminus of the Circle Forts Hiking Biking Trail. Awesome and surprising green belt
Went for the Juneteenth celebration. It was very nice. Also had a chance to explore the museum full of culture and information about the area
A fantastic experience of Black art and culture through film, video, visuals etc.
[Visit: March 25, 2024]This little piece of Smithsonian magic not only invites the community in for free (onsite parking free), but all visitors!!! While this is a quaint museum, it is abundant in culture, local history, and intergenerational resilience.In full agreement with the museum's vision and mission, it delivers both BOLD and BEAUTIFULLY 😍. Some may take the museum for granted, but it is an amazing historical reference. Recommended for all local schools, colleges, and universities, including students in town for sporting events, and so on. Adults of all ages, seniors too. A trip down memory lane, where all of the history is not focused on the enslavement era or segregation, but also the profound effects of the people and communities highlighted at the museum.Visitors may take photos, but the museum recommends no video recordings.
Visited 4/7/24 This is a small museum highlighting people from the area. It is free with art stations for children & adults to be creative. They have a Starbucks coffee & tea station
Hiked the short trail behind the museum. Heavy leaf covered paths proving little use. Well blazed walkway.
Super nice, quant place with hidden gems of black and Hispanic history
I discovered this museum by chance and thankfully so. It is the first Smithsonian Museum dedicated to African American History. It was certainly a smaller space than I expected yet I was pleasantly surprised at how well designed the exhibits were and how very interactive and engaging the entire museum was. The garden outside really caught my attention, Lavender, mint oregano and rosemary and some other random flowers that attract giant bees and countless moths and butterflies!!!!!! I must say the landscaping is certainly a highlight. I found the exhibit very interesting, focused on women and environmental issues, gentrification and systemic racism enhancing the effects of climate change in low income areas. Very thoughtfully curated and well managed. The staff was welcoming and the front desk informed me of all I needed to feel comfortable in the space as I walked in. There was plenty of security and a lot of people enjoying the space with their children. The outdoors make a great place for a picnic lunch as well.
One of my favorite museums in DC so far. I really enjoyed their exhibition, “A Right to the City”, which shows how residents in DC have been displaced by urban renewal projects and how they have fought back for their interests and needs through different forms of activism. You get to really appreciate DC’s history and community. Very community oriented and definitely worth a visit!!
