The oculus of the Contemplative Court outside of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, September 7, 2017, in Washington, DC. Now that the reflective space is open, and has become a favorite spot in the museum, it stands for both the strengths and weaknesses of the museums larger form, created by lead designer David Adjaye and lead architect Philip Freelon. The building is conceptually strong, but sometimes weak on details
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African American History Museum's 'Hip-Hop Block Party' Returns for Second Year

African American History Museum's Hip-Hop Block Party Returns For Second Year

Published Mon, May 8, 2023 at 3:22 PM EDT

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting its second annual Hip-Hop Block Party on August 12.

The event will feature performances, interactive art and exhibits celebrating 50 years of the sub-culture. According to the museum, a full artist line-up and list on programs will be made available soon.

The event is free to the public, but requires a ticket for entry and will be held at the intersection of madison Drive NW and 14 Street NW. Tickets will be available online in July. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop the museum will feature outdoor panel exhibitions and artifacts from its collection.

Last year's block party celebrated the one-year anniversary of The Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap. The event was hosted by radio personality Vic Jagger and featured live performances by J.Period, D Smoke, DJ Heat and The Halluci Nation. The party concluded with a dance party featuring DJ Spinderella of Salt-N-Pepa.

"The origins of Hip-Hop and rap rest in community where people gathered together in basements, on street corners, neighborhood dance parties and community shows to tell the stories of the people and places that brought it to life in a language all its own," Dwandalyn Reece, associate director for curatorial affairs at NMAAHC said of last year's celebration.

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