New home for Black history
The doors have opened to United States' first national museum dedicated to the African-American experience. The museum offers tales of triumph and tragedy of the black Americans.
Symbolic architecture
The eight-storey museum, which showcases some of the darkest chapters of U.S. history, is the only bronze-colored building among a host of chalky marble monuments and museums on the National Mall, known as "America’s front lawn."
President Jefferson's slaves
The exhibition on slavery and freedom features stones with the names of more than 600 slaves owned by Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of United States, underscoring his deep involvement with slavery.
Slavery and Freedom
The exhibition on slavery and freedom in the basement is one of the highlights of the museum. A slave cabin (above) from the Point of Pines plantation is one of the artifacts on display which tell the story about one of the darkest chapter in US history.
Chuck Berry's musical legacy
The museum also showcases the accomplishments of the black Americans. Rock-and- roll legend Chuck Berry's Cadillac is an eye catcher. The red beauty was donated by the musician and sits in the museum as the symbol of his musical legacy.
Shattering glass ceiling
The story of first African-American president Barack Obama features prominently among the exhibitions showcasing the achievements of the community. It's symbolic that a museum dedicated to the African-American experience opens during his presidency.
Breaking barriers
The African-American Museum honors the achievers from the African-American community who overcame several hurdles to bring laurels for the country.
Grand museum
About two-thirds of the 400,000 square-foot museum is underground. There are several empty spaces across the museum where overwhelmed visitors can sit and reflect on the exhibits.