National Museum of African American History and Culture

Opened by Barack Obama in 2016 after a construction cost of over 500 million dollars, partly funded by a 21 million dollar gift from Oprah Winfrey. The bronze-coloured, three-tiered corona of the building is one of the most distinctive pieces of modern architecture on the Mall. Inside, around 37,000 objects trace African American history from slavery through segregation and civil rights to contemporary culture, music and sport. The below-ground history galleries are heavy and moving; the upper floors on culture are lighter.

Practical: Free, but timed-entry passes are often required, especially on weekends and in summer. Book online in advance. Allow at least two hours. The Sweet Home Café inside is one of the better lunches on the Mall.