National Museum of African American History and Culture

The newest addition to the Mall, this eight-story museum continuously draws huge crowds. In other words, it might be hard to gain admittance. The reverential collection pays tribute to the historical figures, moments and events that shaped the African American experience. Exhibits are thorough and plentiful (to truly experience it would take days) and the cafeteria, Sweet Home Cafe, caught the eyes of the James Beard Foundation, which named it a semi-finalist in the best new restaurant category in 2017.