The National Museum of African American History and Culture. Image from newsdesk.si.edu
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is finally here. As the last institution to find residence at Washington DC’s National Mall, the 400,000 square foot space consists of five floors housing everything from rare Civil Rights movement relics to contemporary artworks. First proposed by a group of Civil War veterans in 1915, the new museum is one hundred years in the making.
Brush up on the monumental event with these 9 interesting facts from the museum’s opening.
David Adjaye designed it
The building was designed by British-Ghanaian architect, David Adjaye. The idea of upward movement within African American culture is reflected in the structure, as the building appears to rise from the ground. This idea is also evident in the interior, with each story growing further outwards as the structure grows.
There is already a waiting list
The 30,000 visitor tickets available sold out within 45 minutes on the morning of their release. If you haven’t already booked a visit, you’ll have to wait until at least November to gain an insider perspective.
Stevie Wonder performing. Image from yahoo.com
Bush is attending the opening
Among the guests of the opening was President George W.Bush, who actually signed the bill authorising construction of the museum back in 2003.
Ruth Bonner
A bell from the First Baptist Church in Virginia, one of the oldest black churches in America, was rung by Ruth Bonner, the 99 year old daughter of a slave from Mississippi, which marked the museum’s official opening.
Questlove performance
Anti-gun advocator and Black Lives Matter supporter Questlove performed at the opening with his band, The Roots. Stevie Wonder and Public Enemy also played.
Oprah Winfrey is a donator
Massive donations flooded in for the historic landmark’s formation from civilians and celebrities alike. Members of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia donated one million dollars to the museum, and Oprah Winfrey is reported to have given twenty million for the cause.
Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith. Image from yahoo.com
The symbolism of the location
The National Mall, where the museum now sits, is home to most of Washington’s Smithsonian museums. What many fail to realise, however, is this location’s gross history as an auction ground for slaves.
#APeoplesJourney
The museum was trending on Twitter before it even opened. President Obama invited a selection of people for an early viewing, and many of the guests used the hashtag #APeoplesJourney in homage to what they had seen inside.
It features iconic artefacts
Among the artefacts celebrating the history and culture are Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves and a collection of costumes from the Broadway show “The Wiz.”
Ruth Bonner ringing the bell from First Baptist Church in Virginia. Image from itemonline.com
Bill Cosby got a mention
Members of the public have been vocal about Bill Cosby’s involvement in the section of the museum that is dedicated to African Americans’ contributions to film, television and entertainment. However, founding director Lonnie Bunch wants to unveil “the unvarnished truth”, and has decided Cosby will remain mentioned.
Further information on the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture is available at nmaahc.si.edu