The first family on Thursday took a private tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is set to open to the public next week. 

{mosads}President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, arrived at the Smithsonian facility via motorcade just after 7 p.m. and toured the new museum for about 80 minutes.

The 400,000-square foot building is located on the National Mall just blocks from the White House. 

The Smithsonian Institution, which operates the museum, has scheduled a three-day festival next week to mark its opening. 

The museum will have more than 3,000 artifacts on display, spanning from the era of slavery to the present day.

The president is scheduled to speak at the dedication ceremony on Sept. 24.