facebooktwitterpinterest

Reviews, get directions and information for Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian

Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian

About

DC Museum:
4th St & Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
10am-5:30pm Daily

NY Museum:
1 Bowling Green, NYC, NY 10004
10am-5pm; Thurs Til 8pm

Description

The National Museum of the American offers free admission and has two main locations, its museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and the George Gustav Heye Center in New York City.

It is a museum of living cultures dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of the life, languages, literature, history and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere.

Social Media Policy: http://s.si.edu/emVrm

Impressum

On-topic discussion is encouraged. We ask that people express themselves in a civil manner and treat other users with respect. The museum may remove posts not in keeping with the Smithsonian's Terms of Use: http://www.si.edu/termsofuse/?external.

For the Smithonian's Privacy Policy, see: http://www.si.edu/privacy

Address: 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW, Washington (district de Columbia) 20013
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Email: ude.is@aidemlaicosiamn
Parking: Street
State: DC
City: Washington
Street Number: 4th St. and Independence Ave. SW
Zip Code: 20013
categories: museum, landmark & historical place


Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 - 17:30
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:30
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:30
Friday: 10:00 - 17:30
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:30
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30

Similar places near
Smithsonian Institution Building Smithsonian Institution Building 744 meter Das Smithsonian Institution Building, liegt an der National Mall in Washington, D.C. ...
Washington (district de Columbia) Washington (district de Columbia) 1 miles Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as "Wash...
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center 15 miles Official Page of The Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, administered by City of Fairf...
NRA Museums NRA Museums 17 miles Join us daily for our Gun of the Day - a special feature from the extensive NRA firea...
Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memoria... 202 miles Remember, Never Forget…There Is Hope For Your Future
Pierce House Pierce House 390 miles The Pierce House is a rare 17th century house at 24 Oakton Avenue in the Dorchester n...
Reviews
This should be required viewing. Excellent exhibits both older and new. Does not sugar coat the stories inside. Some positive, some heartbreaking. Beautifully displayed in a gorgeous modern building that pays homage to Native American cultures. Modern museum designs showcase exhibits in a new way, refreshing museum designs. You can be done in an hour or you can spend the whole day. And it’s free to the public. GO HERE.
The National Museum of the American Indian is a great place to learn about the rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, from ancient pottery to contemporary art, and its exhibits are well-curated and informative. One of the things I appreciated most about the museum is its focus on telling the stories of Native Americans from their own perspective. The exhibits are not afraid to address difficult topics, such as the history of colonialism and forced assimilation. However, the museum also celebrates the resilience and strength of Native American cultures. I would recommend spending at least 1-2 hours at the museum, depending on how much time you want to spend in each exhibit. There are also a number of special events and programs that are offered throughout the year, so be sure to check the museum's website for upcoming events. Overall, I thought the National Museum of the American Indian was a great experience. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Native Americans. One thing I always love checking out is the movie you see on the 4th floor. Right now it's being renovated as of Aug 7, 2023.
Very cool stop around the museum row in Washington DC. The security isn't clear though, they just shout at you and point. Made for a lot of confusion upon entry. They have a food court that features some authentic-ish Indigenous foods. The gift shop here is also very good. Our fav is the chocolate bars they sell. The museum itself is a cool design and unique. Give yourself an hour to an hour and a half and you'll see what you need to. If you're eating, add another 30 minutes. 4/5. ________________________________________________ Follow me for more reviews, tips and photos.
My husband and I were hanging out in downtown DC for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which unfortunately ended early due to weather; so we decided to visit this museum since it was one we had not visited yet. I was really taken in by the waterfall display as we approached the building entrance. Looking back, I should have taken a photo or video of it as we entered because it was raining hard when we left a few hours later. Next time. The museum is easy to enter, the staff are friendly and helpful. We looked at the exhibits on every floor, walking our way to the top via the large stairwell overlooking the first floor atrium. There are also elevators. The exhibits ranged from modern art work to historical items. The experience is as immersive as I have come to expect from the Smithsonian Institute. Very well thought out flow to the exhibits. I was very moved by some of the exhibits and definitely left more educated. My husband and I had great conversations on our way home about this aspect of US history and I look forward to learning more about how I can do my part to strengthen the voice of Native Americans. The museum store on the second floor has a lot of great products to choose from as well. I appreciated the inclusion of native artist merchandise. Thank you again for a great experience!
Great learning experience. There are four floors, with the first main being entry and cafeteria/Cafe areas. We began the tour on the fourth floor and worked our way down. The museum attempts to walk a fine line between presenting the sad history of abuse, maltreatment and deceit suffered by the American Indian and conveying a hope for a better future. But it is a sad history and I am glad that the curators did a great job of presenting it. Lest we forget. One thing that made me very happy is that in several places, mainly on the first and second floor, there were artifacts and examples of Amerindian cultures rom Mexico and South America. This museum is primarily for the indigenous peoples of the United States of America, but, in my humble opinion, we need to remember that indigenous peoples from Canada, Central and South America are also American Indians. We spent about six hours there, and it was worth it. The food was good. Expensive, but good. We recommend the hanger steak and the bison burger.
The National Museum of the American Indian is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Native American culture and history. Located in Washington D.C., the museum's stunning architecture, featuring curving limestone walls and a sweeping, copper-clad roof, is a testament to the artistry of Native American design. Inside, visitors will find an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of Native American people from across the Americas. From intricately woven baskets and textiles to ancient stone tools and weapons, the museum's exhibits are both educational and awe-inspiring. One of the museum's most impressive features is the emphasis on Native American voices and perspectives. Visitors can engage with videos and interactive exhibits that explore the stories, traditions, and contemporary experiences of Native American people, providing a nuanced and multifaceted view of their history and culture. Overall, the National Museum of the American Indian is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about the rich and diverse cultures of Native American peoples. Its stunning architecture, extensive collections, and commitment to Native American perspectives make it a standout institution in the world of museums.
Most disappointing of the Smithsonians. Not much of the culture. Not all tribes are even represented. Glad we went but almost angry of how little there is in this museum when it is a Smithsonian! Many other native American museum are better.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree
An extraordinary museum. Carefully curated and set in a stunning building. The galleries mix art from the Native Peoples with a profound telling of the relationship between the United States and the Native Nations. While I knew the general shape of the story, seeing the details of the treaties and how they were repeatedly broken is a deeply moving experience. To see the explicit policy of extermination of the native people undertaken by the first governor of California is shocking. This museum is a must-visit when you are in Washington.
Learning about our past contributes to a better future. I'm glad the museum does not downplay the native people's horrible treatment. There are lots of cool artifacts. Lots of information on treaties and the different tribes. There are some statues and a war memorial outside. Another DC must visit. I went on a Friday at 10 am. It wasn't too crowded but had a decent amount of people.
To be honest I expected a better experience. You don’t know where to start, is there a permanent exhibition or only temporary ones? You can’t get a map except online. Lots of exhibitions implying reading rather than just watching. I guess it’s not easy with so many tribes and groups spread from Canada to South America. The introductory speech is great, I wish I had asked more questions on what there is to see. Great cafeteria and shop.
Comment on this place