With generous support from friends like you, we have passed the midpoint in the construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture!

Now we’re in the process of installing of the three-tiered “corona” that will crown the building and surround the main galleries.

Composed of 3,600 cast-aluminum panels finished in bronze-colored alloy, the architecturally-dramatic corona incorporates African and African American design elements — inspired by both slave-made New Orleans ornamental ironwork and the headdress of a caryatid, a human-shaped porch column used by the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria and southern Benin.

Once completed, the corona will visually define the Museum inside and out. Sunlight entering through its panels will gently illuminate the Museum’s wood-covered interior walls. And at night, light reflecting off the corona’s spectacular exterior will make the Museum truly stand out on the National Mall — as it reaches to the heavens to express the faith, hope and resilience of the African American spirit.

Thanks to your commitment, we’re entering the homestretch to the Museum’s 2016 opening.

But we still need to raise $250 million from private sources to complete the building, assemble our collection of African American historical and cultural treasures, and create our opening exhibitions and other programming. And I’m counting on your continued help to make it happen.

Carmen, please consider making a special gift of $50 or more today to help meet this critical goal and ensure that the Museum opens our doors on schedule next year.

The Museum’s opening will mark an important step forward in America’s understanding of who we are as a nation and how we can build a better future together. It will be a place where ALL visitors can learn about the African American experience that is inextricably woven into the fabric of America’s history — shining a spotlight on people, achievements and events that have played such a critical role in shaping our nation, but are too often forgotten or ignored.

Thank you again for your leadership in making this important addition to our shared American heritage possible!

All the best,

Lonnie G. Bunch
Founding Director

P.S. Together, we’ve made remarkable strides toward creating a living, breathing museum that will educate all Americans about African American history and culture, while fostering understanding and reconciliation. Please help us finish the job and open the Museum on by making a generous donation today.