Written By Paul Garwood

After a shutdown, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is reopening, restoring a critical space for learning, healing, and pride.

On November 15, 2025, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., is reopening to the public as part of the Smithsonian’s phased return after a government shutdown. Timed passes are again available, and visitors can once more walk through exhibits that tell the story of Black life—from the horrors of slavery to the triumphs of contemporary culture.

The reopening means school groups, church trips, and families can reconnect with artifacts that rarely appear in textbooks: freedom papers, protest signs, sports memorabilia, and more. For many Black visitors, the museum is not just a tourist stop—it’s a pilgrimage site where ancestors are honored and resilience is remembered.

At a time when debates about teaching Black history are intense, having NMAAHC open again sends a hopeful message: our stories matter, our memory matters, and our presence on the National Mall is here to stay.