AttractionWashington, DCThe Smithsonian African American History and Culture museum in Washington
African American History Museum Rules: Bags and Lockers
Checked Source: NMAAHC frequently asked questions page (nmaahc.si.edu, opens in a new tab), NMAAHC plan your visit page (nmaahc.si.edu, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
The National Museum of African American History and Culture requires a free timed-entry pass and screens every visitor with a metal detector and a hand check of bags. A bottle of water is allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, knives, scissors, aerosol cans, pets and signs are not. Lockers hold a backpack, and luggage may be carried in.
Every rule at National Museum of African American History and Culture
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Security staff hand-check all bags, briefcases, purses and containers, and visitors are encouraged to limit what they bring. Luggage may be carried through the museum if needed, and no bag size limit is stated. The pages do not mention backpacks and purses.
- Bag: Hand-checked, no size limit
- Water bottle: One bottle of water allowed
- Outside food: Sealed only, not eaten inside
Food and drink
Visitors may bring a bottle of water into the museum. All other outside food or drink must be closed and secured and may not be consumed in the museum. Bagged lunches can be eaten outside on the National Mall. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use. Photography of fine art is prohibited. The museum prohibits tripods, monopods, selfie sticks and similar devices. Working media need permission from the Office of Public Affairs and an escort. The pages do not mention camera lenses, drones, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
The museum is accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and mobility devices, with elevators to every floor. Manual wheelchairs are available free, first come, first served, and mobility devices are welcome.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
Placards, signs and banners are on the list of items not permitted. The pages do not mention flags and binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
Every visitor goes through a metal detector, and anyone who cannot is hand-screened with an electronic wand. A free timed-entry pass is required for everyone, regardless of age.
Bag storage and lockers
Lockers are first come, first served in two sizes, both 12 inches wide and 19 inches deep, 25 inches high for the larger and 15 inches for the smaller. They fit a backpack, purse or carry-on sized bag, but not luggage.
Museum visits
The FAQ describes the museum's general rules. A timed-entry pass is also needed to enter, and passes may not be sold or transferred.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Tripods
- Signs
- Firearms, weapons and explosives
- Knives and pen knives
- Scissors and tools
- Aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace
- Pets other than service animals
- Smoking and e-cigarettes
Questions about National Museum of African American History and Culture
Security staff hand-check all bags, briefcases, purses and containers, and visitors are encouraged to limit what they bring. Luggage may be carried through the museum if needed, and no bag size limit is stated.
Visitors may bring a bottle of water into the museum.
All other outside food or drink must be closed and secured and may not be consumed in the museum. Bagged lunches can be eaten outside on the National Mall.
The museum is accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and mobility devices, with elevators to every floor.
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use. Photography of fine art is prohibited.
Placards, signs and banners are on the list of items not permitted.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions | National Museum of African American History and Culture (opens in a new tab)
nmaahc.si.edu, read
- Plan Your Visit | National Museum of African American History and Culture (opens in a new tab)
nmaahc.si.edu, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the museum's frequently asked questions page and plan your visit page.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with National Museum of African American History and Culture or its operators.