National Museum of African American History and Culture

It's remarkably difficult to gain admission to the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture—powerful evidence that such an institution was long overdue.

The stunning, 400,000-square-foot structure now situated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., houses a tribute to African Americans' vast contributions to music, sports, and other aspects of the country's culture, as well as a memorial to the violence and injustice of slavery and segregation.

The museum opened in fall 2016. By December, new admissions procedures had to be implemented. With luck, on a weekday afternoon, you might obtain a walk-up pass; advance tickets—available three months out or starting at 6:30 a.m. for same-day entry—are strictly required for a weekend visit.

Want more proof of sky-high demand? Look no further than the timed passes being shamelessly (but not surprisingly) scalped on Craigslist.