Summary
4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Phone +1 202-633-1000
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and showcases Native American objects from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations through the 21st century. The museum, opened in 2004, features one of the most architecturally intriguing structures in the area. The 250,000 square foot building is clad in Kasota limestone from Minnesota, creating an impressive appearance reminiscent of a stone mass shaped by natural elements. Furthermore, in 2016, an advisory committee was established to develop a National Native American Veterans Memorial to honor Native Americans’ significant contributions to the U.S. Armed Forces.
The National Museum of the American Indian employs multimedia presentations, live performances, and hands-on demonstrations to vividly portray the history and culture of Native peoples. Special programming includes films, music and dance performances, lectures, tours, and craft demonstrations, with seasonal events scheduled throughout the year.
Location
4th St. and Independence Ave., SW. Washington, DC.
The closest Metro stations are L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian, and Federal Triangle.
Museum Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; closed Dec. 25.
The Lelawi Theater
A 120-seat circular theater located on the fourth level features a 13-minute multimedia experience titled “Who We Are.” This film provides a comprehensive orientation for visitors and explores the diversity of Native peoples across the Americas.
Permanent Exhibits
- “Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World” – This exhibition explores the annual ceremonies of Native peoples, offering insights into ancestral Native teachings through the lens of a solar year. Visitors can learn how celestial bodies influence Native people’s daily lives and their ceremonial calendars.
- “Our Lives: Contemporary Life and Identities” – This exhibition delves into how the identities of Native peoples in the 21st century are shaped by deliberate choices made in challenging circumstances, influenced by family, community, language, and cultural customs.
- imagiNATIONS Activity Center – A family-friendly space tailored for visitors aged 12 and under, offering interactive games, storytelling programs, hands-on activities, and craft workshops. Experiences include exploring traditional dwellings and engaging in an interactive quiz show.
Dining at the Museum
Dining at the Mitsitam Native Foods Café is a delightful experience. The café offers a rotating menu highlighting dishes from five distinct geographic regions of the Western Hemisphere: Northern Woodlands, South America, Northwest Coast, MesoAmerica, and Great Plains. Sample menu items range from maple-brined turkey with cranberry relish (Northern Woodlands) to cedar-planked fire-roasted juniper salmon platter (Northwest Coast).
Gift Shops
The Roanoke Museum Store provides a perfect opportunity to discover unique gifts and diverse crafts, music recordings, souvenirs, and toys. Merchandise includes Navajo alabaster sculptures, Peruvian pottery, and original Pendleton items. This store also offers Yup’ik ivory carvings, Navajo rugs, and silver and turquoise jewelry.
Official Website: National Museum of the American Indian
Attractions Near the National Museum of the American Indian
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- U.S. Botanic Garden
- U.S. Capitol Building
- National Gallery of Art
- Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum
