After 13 years in the works, the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened to much fanfare last month in Washington, DC.

Thousands gathered at the National Mall to celebrate the opening of the museum, which houses a collection of more than 37,000 objects highlighting African American culture, family, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement and segregation.

A 400k SF Monument To African American History

Designed by David Adjaye, the 400k SF museum is on five acres at the National Mall near the Washington Monument. The building is shaped in three tiers made of 3,600 cast aluminum panels and is estimated to have cost $540M to build.

The goal of the museum is to be a safe place for all audiences to learn and appreciate this part of US history. Check out a few of the powerful artifacts on display throughout the museum.

Freedom Train Ticket Stub

Issued by the Southern Railway Co in March 1965, this ticket was used by Joan Trumpauer Mulholland during the famous March on Washington protest from Selma to Montgomery led by Martin Luther King Jr.

Slave Quarters

Dated from the 1800s to 1850s, this slave cabin originally from Point of Pines Plantation in Charleston County, SC, is available for viewing.

Lallie Kemp Charity Hospital Clinic Hours

The idea that black and white Americans could live "separate but equal" lives was a huge part of Southern culture leading up to the Civil Rights Movement, as illustrated by this sign advertising hospital services in 1954.

Slave Shackles

Dated before the 1860s, these iron shackles are showcased within the Slavery and Freedom exhibition.

MLK Pin

A pin-button in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his push for equality and justice for all. The pin references his famous "I Have A Dream" speech made on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.