National Museum of African Art Launches Africa Underground “Beneath the Stars” after Previous Sell-Out Successes

July 9, 2012
News Release
Beneath the Stars artwork

Africa Underground is back with “Beneath the Stars,” an evening of cosmic delights at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, Friday, July 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. Coming on the heels of a hugely successful fourth Africa Underground in February, this evening event also offers the full museum, giving patrons the chance to enjoy refreshments, dance and experience the museum exhibitions, ambiance and performances from around the continent.

Following February’s Africa Underground, which sold out in days, this installment will include music by DJ T, who will spin African beats from each region of the continent from the Smithsonian’s Haupt Gardens and a designated perch high above Africa Underground. The evening will also feature Eme and Heteru playing music to complement the museum’s latest exhibition, “African Cosmos: Stellar Arts.” 

“Each Africa Underground has topped the past one,” said Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the National Museum of African Art. “As we gather this time under the stars, I fully expect this Africa Underground to truly take off.”

Highlights

  • Guests will get the opportunity to participate in an art-making workshop where they will create a mural influenced by the museum’s exhibition “African Cosmos: Stellar Arts.”

  • Guests can receive temporary henna tattoos.

  • Guests can visit the Souk and experience aromatic coffee and tea from the north region of Africa.

Africa Underground is held four times a year in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Each event is themed and features works of art, cuisine from the African diaspora from area restaurants, specialty cocktails, creative art activities, live performances and music entertainment from emerging DJs or music groups.

About the National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art is America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25. Admission is free. The museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the National Museum of African Art’s website at africa.si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000.

For More Information

For ticketing and additional information the public may visit: africa.si.edu. Note to editors: To attend or to arrange an interview with a specific guest, contact Eddie Burke at (202) 633-4660 or BurkeE@si.edu.

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SI-327-2012

National Museum of African Art