National Museum of African American History and Culture
The nation’s capital features a variety of activities to honor the holiday
Juneteenth (June 19), also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day or Liberation Day, marks the emancipation of Black people who had been enslaved in the United States. Not until recently did this historically significant and culturally relevant holiday begin to gain the notice that it deserves. In the nation’s capital, where Juneteenth has been recognized as an official holiday since 2004, you will find plenty of ways to celebrate Black history, freedom and expression from now through Juneteenth.
In Slavery's Wake – Through June 8
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists – Through June 22
Two years ago, the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired 35 quilts from Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, who holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering and is also a prolific artist, curator and scholar. The scope of the quilts featured is remarkable and groundbreaking in its representation of Black history and culture.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist – March 9 – July 6
Through singular and daring prints and sculptures, Elizabeth Catlett became of the defining artist-activists of her day. Catlett has roots in DC, Chicago and New York but spent 60 years in Mexico, where she created art “for the people.” U.S. and Mexican injustices resonate throughout her work. The National Gallery of Art will display more than 150 of her creations, including rarely seen paintings and drawings.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman – March 12 – July 24
Visit Phillips@THEARC for a distinctive exhibition of the vitality of comic book art. From Brotherman to Batman focuses on 20 Black artists from across the spectrum of comic books, including Dawud Anyabwile (creator of Brotherman), Denys Cowan (co-founder of Milestone Media and legendary Batman illustrator for DC Comics) and many others. Dive deep into how each panel of a comic book page tells a story as well as how these fascinating creatives break the confines of the art form.
Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
See the Emancipation Proclamation at the National Archives
Each year, the National Archives displays the original Emancipation Proclamation and its companion document, General Order No. 3, which granted freedom to the last enslaved people in Galveston, Tx. three years after the Proclamation was issued. Note that because of its fragility, the Emancipation Proclamation can only see 36 hours of sunlight per year, so the display is rare. Stay tuned for confirmed exhibition dates. The Proclamation will be permanently displayed at the Archives beginning in 2026.
More Information
National Archives, 700 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
Home Rule Music Festival – June 21
Now a city tradition, the Home Rule Music Festival celebrates the rich music and cultural scene of DC. Plan for a full summer day of performances at The Parks at Walter Reed on June 21. The festival then hosts a second installment on Oct. 4 at Alethia Tanner Park.
Tickets
The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut Street, NW, Washington, DC
Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way, NW, Washington, DC
Experience Black Lives Matter Plaza
Located along a two-block area of 16th Street NW in Downtown DC, this famous mural features the words “Black Lives Matter” in 50-foot-tall letters, in yellow and all caps, as well as the flag of the District. The area is open to visitors at any time of the day, allowing for reflection on the words emblazoned on the street. Many visitors take photographs of the large yellow letters that stretch down one of the nation's most iconic streets.
Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a state-of-the-art building that addresses nearly every aspect of the African American experience, covering the arts, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, athletics and much more. For more information regarding hours and timed passes, visit the museum's website.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily | Free Admission | Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Continue your experience by checking out Black-owned restaurants in DC.
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