African American museum to open on 'America's front porch'

The National Museum of African American History and Culture will open its doors in Washington DC in 2016 after years of planning, fundraising and political wrangling.

Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis tells the BBC that it is significant that the museum will be located on the National Mall, or "America's front porch", as it will sit near such other landmarks as the Lincoln Memorial, Congress and the White House.

The Museum will feature artefacts and exhibitions that explore the African American experience from "slavery to the present".

The BBC's Razia Iqbal caught up with Congressman Lewis, as well as the museum's architect and director, to learn more about the project's history.

Filmed by Allen McGreevey, Colm O'Molloy & Bill McKenna

Edited by Bill McKenna

Produced by Mat Morrison & Sarah McHaney