The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in September of 2016. It is an amazing museum that is worth a visit on on any trip to Washington, DC. That said, it’s still very new and very popular, so unlike other museums on the National Mall, you need a free ticket if you want to go. It’s not difficult to get one but you will have to wake up early.

How to Get FREE Tickets to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

When are these tickets available?

Same day online passes are released every morning on the museum website at approximately 6:30am. The good news is that they are fairly easy to get. The bad news is that you have to wake up early to do it. These tickets are in high demand and they go quickly. Log on at exactly at 6:30am to make sure you don’t miss out! This is the easiest and surest way that you can see the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Certain days don’t require tickets

The National Museum of African American museum has two seasons: peak and off-peak. Peak is from March-August. Off-peak is from September-February.

During off-peak dates, you can walk up after 10am Monday-Friday and head into the museum without tickets. On peak dates, you can walk up after 1pm Monday-Friday and head into the museum without tickets. Walk-up entry is not available on Saturdays or Sundays during either peak or off-peak dates due to the high demand.

How do you get NMAAHC tickets?

The easiest way for visitors to obtain free daily passes is with a smart phone, since almost everyone will have one when they are traveling. You can also use a computer if you have one. The process is exactly the same, but on a different screen.

When you reserve passes on your phone “print at home” will be the only delivery option. This is a little misleading, as you don’t actually have to print the tickets, you can show them on your phone when you arrive. After you check out, check your email and you’ll see the tickets. Just bring those with you on your phone at your assigned time and have fun!

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