In less than an hour, museum supporters snapped up all 28,500 tickets to the opening weekend of the National Museum of African American History and Culture after they went on sale Saturday morning. By Sunday afternoon, the only passes available were for weekdays in October.
Those who were quick enough to reserve the free tickets signed up for the date and a 15-minute window of time when they will be able to enter the museum, which opens Sept. 24. Officials hope this system will cut down on long wait times expected in the museum’s early months. For those who didn’t nab tickets, the museum will give out same-day passes starting Sept. 26. They will be distributed first-come, first-served starting at 9:15 a.m. daily.
Given the high demand, spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas said the Smithsonian will discuss expanding access to the museum. It may consider extending hours, which are listed as 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“We’re thrilled at this level of interest,” St. Thomas. “We would like to make sure everyone who wants to come is able to come at some point.”
The remaining tickets can be obtained at nmaahc.si.edu or by calling 800-514-3849 or 919-653-0443 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.