Book your tickets early! Museums in DC are free and typically do not require tickets to get in, but this museum does (the tickets are free). Passes are released at 8:00 a.m., for time slots 30 days out. Same-day passes are released beginning at 8:15 a.m. The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed December 25). Visitors are able to enter the museum until 4:00 p.m. Did you know? The museum has 3 history galleries underground, in addition to the galleries above ground. Starting at the earliest gallery on the lower floor and continuing your visit to the top floors can be a much different experience than starting at the top floor and ending your tour below ground.