National Museum Of African-American History To Open Soon
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- It's a dream 100 years in the making. The National Museum of African-American History and Culture is on its way to becoming a reality.
WJZ's Amy Yensi has a sneak peek of the facility.
Most of the artifacts are still offsite, but the dramatic facade and its historic location are a sure sign of what visitors can expect.
Standing prominently on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 14th Street, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture promises to be a treasure for all.
"The top of that form is a corona, or a crown," said Philp Freelon, lead architecht. "And you'll see that this form resembles sort of a three layered crown."
The museum has been in the works since 2003 and is part of Smithsonian Institution. The collection consists of 11 galleries carefully arranged in the 400,000 square-foot space.
Breathtaking views of the National Mall set the backdrop for a step back in time.
"Our story starts as early as the early period of 15th century Africa. And we were able to actually get quotes from people from the period -- from their narratives, from documents. ," said Mary Elliot, museum curator. "So you really will see a more personalized experience."
From the horrors of slavery and segregation to the tribulations and triumph of the Civil Rights Movement, the stories of African-American poets, athletes, moguls and trailblazers all will be told and celebrated there.
There's also Maryland state history at the museum. A house where former slaves once lived was salvaged from Poolsville.
From the restored cabin to the state-of-the-art Oprah Winfrey Theater, thousands of artifacts will show the road to freedom and the future.
"I think this museum is going to bring people together to talk about issues that are not just about the past," said Paul Gardullo, museum curator.
The towering space is a work in progress, and a sign of the country's progress. A jewel to complete the crown of culture in the Nation's capital.
The museum will officially open in a about four months on September 24. President Obama will cut the ribbon.
Half of the $540 million project was funded by bipartisan support in Congress. The other half is being raised through private contributions.
