Hurry: DC's African-American Museum Releases New Timed Passes, So Get Your Tickets Now

WASHINGTON, DC — Miss out on the chance to catch the grand opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture last month? You'd better hurry if you want to get in soon: New timed passes are available starting Wednesday, and they're sure to go quickly.

The opening of the new museum was met with unprecedented fanfare when it opened Sept. 24, with President Barack Obama providing remarks and many other celebrities and dignitaries on hand. Tickets to the museum were immediately gone and have been unavailable for the next few months. But starting on Wednesday, Oct. 5, you can get timed passes for the first three months of 2017, according to a statement from the museum.

Unfortunately, this means you won't be able to get into the museum this year. Passes for 2016 have all been snatched up.

The timed passes, which are free, will be available starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will be good for January, February and March 2017. You can get six passes per order, and even infants will need a pass. You must arrive 15 minutes early or you won't be admitted.

"The historic significance and high visibility of the museum are attracting an unprecedented number of local, national, and international visitors," the statement notes. "Therefore, a free Timed Pass is necessary for admission to the National Museum of African American History and Culture."

You'll get a confirmation email once you get your timed pass, but keep in mind that this is not the timed pass itself — the pass must be downloaded and printed, or at least displayed on a cell phone screen.

A limited number of timed passes are available for in-person visitors each day. They are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 9:15 a.m. by Visitor Services Staff.

For more information, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu

Image via Wikimedia user Fuzheado