The goal was to raise $270 million in fundraising, and it looks like the National Museum of African American History and Culture was able to surpass that with $273.6 million raised from corporations, foundations, and individuals, reported Washington Business Journal. In an interview with The Washington Post, Founding Director Lonnie Bunch said that he expects to reach $300 million by the time the museum opens on September 24. These funds will go towards programs, endowment, and construction costs.
Prior to the museum’s opening, there will also be what Bunch described to The Washington Post as a "mini-inauguration." This will involve a White House reception, dinners, and a performance at the Kennedy Center. To cover the costs of this celebration, $8 million has been raised.
• African-American history museum surpasses fundraising goal [Washington Business Journal]
• African American Museum prepares for ‘a mini-inauguration’ [The Washington Post]
• Meet Zena Howard, The Architect Behind D.C.'s African American Museum [Curbed DC]