Photos: Smithsonian’s African American history museum celebrates its debut

First lady Michelle Obama, center, hugs former President George W. Bush, as President Barack Obama and former first lady Laura Bush walk on stage at the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Barack Obama speaks at the opening ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sept. 24, 2016 in Washington, D.C. The museum is opening thirteen years after Congress and President George W. Bush authorized its construction. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)

Three people attending the opening day festivities at the National Museum of African American History and Culture did not know each other at the beginning of the day, but ended up spending the day enjoying each other's company Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan) — Three people attending the opening day festivities at the National Museum of African American History and Culture did not know each other at the beginning of the day, but ended up spending the day enjoying each other’s company Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

A man listens to civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis speak during the opening weekend of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith waves to guest in the attendance before speaking at the dedication ceremony for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The crowd listens as President Barack Obama speaks during the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

A man watches the events from the official opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

Scanning the crow during the official opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

This group of graduate students poses for a photo. They are Ford Foundation scholars. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, former president George Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, participate in the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Sept. 24, 2016 in Washington, D.C, before the museum opens to the public later that day. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall featuring African American history and culture in the US. (Photo by Astrid Riecken/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, arrives for the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture September 24, 2016 in Washington, DC, before the museum opens to the public later that day. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall featuring African American history and culture in the US. (Photo by Astrid Riecken/Getty Images) — WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, arrives for the dedication of the National Museum of African American History and Culture September 24, 2016 in Washington, DC, before the museum opens to the public later that day. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall featuring African American history and culture in the US. (Photo by Astrid Riecken/Getty Images)

Former President George W. Bush speaks during the opening ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

A man holds a child in the crowd during the opening dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

A woman in the crowd during the opening dedication ceremony for the newest Smithsonian museum Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

A man observes the opening dedication ceremony on the National Mall for the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

Women in the crowd smile at the opening dedication ceremony of the Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

A man watches from the crowd at the opening dedication ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Kate Ryan)

Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., right, and President Barack Obama embrace at the dedication ceremony for the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

President Barack Obama walks into the Grand Foyer with Lonnie Bunch, Director of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, and first lady Michelle Obama, to speak at a reception for the museum opening at the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Before performing at the opening dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Stevie Wonder tells the crowd, "We can come together." (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — Before performing at the opening dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Stevie Wonder tells the crowd, “We can come together.” (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

Former President George W. Bush speaks to the crowd during the opening dedication ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, Rep. John Lewis and National Museum of African American History and Culture director Lonnie Burch attend the opening of the museum Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, Rep. John Lewis and National Museum of African American History and Culture Director Lonnie Burch observe the opening dedication ceremony of the museum Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

The crowd watches as speakers take the stage at the opening dedication of the National Museum of African American History on Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — The crowd watches as speakers take the stage at the opening dedication ceremony for the National Museum of African American History on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

The crowd at the opening ceremony of the Smithsonian National African American History and Culture counted down and cheered as President Obama took the state. (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — The crowd at the opening ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture counted down and cheered as President Obama took the state. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

Actor Samuel Jackson, right, greets Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. as they take their seats for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Actor Chris Tucker, right, stops to talk with Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., as they take their seats for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., left, greets House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. as they take their seats for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Former Attorney General Eric Holder, left, talks with current Attorney General Loretta Lynch as they arrive for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Actor David Oyelowo arrives for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Actors Robert De Niro, left, and Angela Bassett, stand on stage during a sounds check before the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Singer Dionne Warwick arrives for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Members of Howard University's Marching Band arrive for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — Members of Howard University’s Marching Band arrive for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Baseball great, hall-of-famer Hank Aaron arrives for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Rev. Jesse Jackson greets guests as they take their seats for the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Actor Will Smith, center, stops to greet performers for today's dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — Actor Will Smith, center, stops to greet performers for today’s dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell arrives for today's dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — Former Secretary of State Colin Powell arrives for today’s dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The anticipation is rising as people wait for the grand opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

The stage is set for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's opening weekend ceremony. — The stage is set for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s opening weekend ceremony. ((WTOP/Allison Keyes))

Yvonne and Garvey Clark, 81, wait to get into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture during the opening weekend celebration. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

WTOP's Allison Keyes attends the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's opening weekend ceremony. (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — WTOP’s Allison Keyes attends the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture’s opening weekend ceremony. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

Last minute preparation are made for today's dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, where President Barack Obama will speak. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) — Last minute preparation are made for today’s dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, where President Barack Obama will speak. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The media sets up for the opening event of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — The media sets up for the opening event of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

WTOP's Allison Keyes attends the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Allison Keyes) — WTOP’s Allison Keyes attends the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. (WTOP/Allison Keyes)

The sun rises over the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture as a group of men wait for the dedication and opening ceremony in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Centuries of struggles and strife, decades of planning and pain, and years of hoping for a place that African-American history can call home will culminate as President Barack Obama officially opens the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) — The sun rises over the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture as a group of men wait for the dedication and opening ceremony in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Centuries of struggles and strife, decades of planning and pain, and years of hoping for a place that African-American history can call home will culminate as President Barack Obama officially opens the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opens Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. (WTOP/Dennis Foley)

Actor Samuel L. Jackson, second from left, and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., second from right, pose for a photo during a reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, for the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. At left is Cookie Johnson, wife of Magic Johnson. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) — Actor Samuel L. Jackson, second from left, and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., second from right, pose for a photo during a reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. At left is Cookie Johnson, wife of Magic Johnson. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Kobe Bryant poses for a photo during a reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, for the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) — Kobe Bryant poses for a photo during a reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, listen as Lonnie Bunch, center, Director of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, speaks at a reception for the museum opening at the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: The Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands marching band performs on the South Lawn of the White House during a reception in honor of the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture September 23, 2016 in Washington, DC. Founded in 1946, the band performed during the inauguration of presidents Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, making them the first historically black college or university to perform at a presidential inauguration. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — The Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands marching band performs on the South Lawn of the White House during a reception in honor of the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Sept. 23, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1946, the band performed during the inauguration of presidents Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, making them the first historically black college or university to perform at a presidential inauguration. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Tennessee State University Marching band performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, as part of the entertainment for a reception at the White House for the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) — The Tennessee State University Marching band performs on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, as part of the entertainment for a reception at the White House for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Former Attorney General Eric Holder, left, and Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif. attend a reception at the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, for the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) — Former Attorney General Eric Holder, left, and Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif. attend a reception at the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Former Attorney General Eric Holder poses for a selfie during a reception in honor of the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the South Lawn of the White House September 23, 2016 in Washington, DC. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush will be among the guests to help open the museum to the public Saturday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — Former Attorney General Eric Holder poses for a selfie during a reception in honor of the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the South Lawn of the White House Sept. 23, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush will be among the guests to help open the museum to the public Saturday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Rev. Jesse Jackson walks onto the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, as he attends a reception for the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) — Rev. Jesse Jackson walks onto the Truman Balcony of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, as he attends a reception for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu walks back into the Green Room during a reception in honor of the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the South Lawn of the White House September 23, 2016 in Washington, DC. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush will be among the guests to help open the museum to the public Saturday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu walks back into the Green Room during a reception in honor of the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the South Lawn of the White House on Sept. 23, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush will be among the guests to help open the museum to the public Saturday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 16: Demont Pinder poses with his painting at Google 4 NMAAHC celebrating the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on September 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images for Google) — Demont Pinder poses with his painting at Google 4 NMAAHC celebrating the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sept. 16, 2016 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images for Google)

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 16: General view of the atmosphere at Google 4 NMAAHC celebrating the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on September 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images for Google) — General view of the atmosphere at Google 4 NMAAHC celebrating the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Sept. 16, 2016 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images for Google)

The Washington Monument is reflected in a window of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, during a press preview. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Gloria Jolivet, a niece-in-law to Bo Diddley, left, and Ellis McDaniel, Jr., right, son of Bo Diddley, stop to look at the exhibited space dedicated to Bo Diddley at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, during a press preview. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Museum Director Lonnie Bunch, left, talks during a media tour of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Washington. The museum's grand opening will be on Sept. 24. (AP Photo/Paul Holston) — Museum Director Lonnie Bunch, left, talks during a media tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture on Monday, July 18, 2016, in Washington. The museum’s grand opening will be on Sept. 24. (AP Photo/Paul Holston)

Construction continues on The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Tuesday, June 9, 2015. The building is scheduled to open in 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) — Construction continues on The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Tuesday, June 9, 2015. The building is scheduled to open in 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

In this photo taken June 9, 2015, construction continues on The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, scheduled to open in 2016. . A record number of U.S. tourists visited Washington last year. The city’s tourism bureau, Destination DC, announced Tuesday, May 3, 2016, that the nation’s capital welcomed 19.3 million domestic visitors in 2015. That’s up one million from the 2014 total, and it shows the continuing strength of Washington’s tourism industry after the Great Recession. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

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