Security and Logistics Information for Dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

UPDATED SEPT. 21

The dedication of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will take place Saturday, Sept. 24, on the museum’s grounds on the National Mall. Due to the size and nature of the event and its location on the National Mall (14th Street N.W. and Constitution Avenue N.W.) large crowds are expected. Security and logistics information follows:

Dedication Ceremony

The dedication ceremony begins at about 10 a.m. There will be no general public admission to the grounds of the museum. However, the public is invited to watch the ceremony from the grounds of the Washington Monument and on Jumbotrons around the site. Visitors can only gain entry to the venue through security screening at access points at 15th Street S.W. and Independence Avenue S.W. (Sylvan Theater), 17th Street S.W. and Independence Avenue S.W. or 17th Street N.W. and Constitution Avenue N.W. The access points open at 6 a.m.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Aerosol
• Alcohol
• Ammunition
• Animals, other than service/guide dogs
• Balloons
• Bicycles and pedicabs
• Coolers
• Drones/unmanned aerial systems
• Explosives/fireworks
• Firearms
• Glass, thermal or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Mace/pepper spray
• Support for signs and placards
• Structures: tents, portable chairs or tables
• Toy guns
• Weapons of any kind
• Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards

Street Closures

In addition to the road closures listed below, motorists may encounter additional public safety-related traffic closures throughout the weekend (beginning Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. and continuing through Sunday, Sept. 25, to about 10 p.m.) and are asked to exercise caution while traveling in the area.

• Constitution Avenue will be closed from 12th Street N.W. to 18th Street N.W. in both directions
• All eastbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 18th Street N.W. from Constitution Avenue N.W.
• All southbound traffic on 17th Street N.W. will be diverted to westbound Constitution Avenue N.W.
• All westbound traffic will be diverted to northbound 12th Street N.W. from Constitution Avenue N.W.
• NOTE: The 12th Street tunnel will remain open during this time period
• 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. to Maine Avenue S.W.
• 14th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. to Independence Avenue S.W.
• NOTE: Access to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center will be via 13½ Street N.W. during this time period
• Madison Drive N.W. from Seventh Street N.W. to 15th Street N.W.
• Jefferson Drive S.W. from Seventh Street S.W. to 15th Street S.W.

Due to these street closures, there will be no public or bus parking near the museum for the dedication ceremony. All visitors to the National Mall are encouraged to use Metro; the nearest stops to the museum are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle (orange, blue and silver lines). At this time, Metro’s SafeTrack project is not expected to have an impact on this event. For the most current information about Metro, visit www.wmata.com.   

Entrance to the Museum

The museum will be open to the public from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and 7 a.m. to midnight Sunday, Sept. 25. Free, timed passes are required for entrance into the museum and will be available through the museum’s website (www.nmaahc.si.edu). There will be no walk-up passes available Sept. 24 or 25.

Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration

“Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration” is a free festival taking place on the Washington Monument grounds to celebrate the opening of the museum. The festival will include musical performances, spoken word, oral-history activities, storytelling and interactive workshops. A full schedule will be available on the museum’s website (www.nmaahc.si.edu). In addition to the access points listed above, visitors may enter the festival grounds at 15th Street S.W. and Jefferson Drive S.W. Sunday, Sept. 25.

NOTE: The information in this news release is subject to change. The Smithsonian and the U.S. Park Police will reissue this news release with updated information as necessary. To receive text alerts, advisories, traffic information and additional updates about the festival and dedication, text MUSEUM to 888777. 

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SI-426A-2016