WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture expects more than 150,000 people to attend the opening weekend later this month. But free timed-entry passes for that weekend have been so wildly popular that they have all been booked — for a second time.
The museum extended its hours and made an additional 80,000 passes available online Tuesday for the opening weekend after people complained the passes went too quickly the first time they were released, in late August. But this new round of tickets were also quickly taken.
President Barack Obama will officially dedicate the museum on Sept. 24 for opening day. Though there are no passes left for that day, visitors can watch the ceremony from the Washington Monument and on Jumbotrons around the area. The museum’s website will also stream the events.
The Freedom Sounds Festival, which includes performances and interactive activities, will be free and open to the public from Friday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Sept. 25.
Free timed-entry passes are still available for dates in November and December. Visitors can also wait until Sept. 26 to get same-day passes, which are first-come, first-served at the museum or online starting at 9:15 a.m.
