African American Museum

We were fortunate to be invited to one of the opening celebrations of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. The day we went many of the artists and musicians, military families, chefs, and actors included in the exhibitions were there. Relatives and friends were taking family photos in front of the exhibits to bring back home.

The lead designer of the 400,000-square-foot museum was David Adjaye from Tanzania. Just as its title describes, the museum contains the history and culture of African Americans. The bottom floors feature exhibits on slavery and early life in America. The upper floors include very encompassing cultural exhibits about prominent leaders and innovators in theater, music, dance, sports, arts, medicine, and the military. In many instances, you see a photo of the featured person and their work. Here is a photo journey of a few pieces of decorative arts included in the museum.

 

 Exterior of the museum. Five stories tall, the building is wrapped in three levels of bronze-coated aluminum panels atop an all-glass ground floor. The panels are decorated with a lattice pattern inspired by ironwork made by slaves.

 
Teapot designed by Peter Bentzon, one of the earliest known African American silversmiths.

 
Dress worn by Diana Ross as Billie Holiday in the movie Lady Sings the Blues.

 
Jewelry designed by Art Smith.

Bedframe designed by Henry Boyd.

 


 

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