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National Museum of the American Indian

Housed in a Beaux Arts masterpiece, this Smithsonian museum showcases one of the world's most extensive collections of Native American arts and artifacts in lower Manhattan.

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National Museum of the American Indian
americanindian.si.edu, og_image_americanindian.si.edu

How much does it cost to visit the National Museum of the American Indian?

Admission is always free and no tickets are required.

What are the hours for the National Museum of the American Indian?

The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on December 25.

What is the National Museum of the American Indian known for?

The museum holds one of the world's most extensive collections of Native American arts and artifacts and is committed to advancing the understanding of Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere.

Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is accessible to people with disabilities; the ground-floor entrance and all exhibitions are wheelchair accessible.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at One Bowling Green in lower Manhattan.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The National Museum of the American Indian, specifically the George Gustav Heye Center, is located at One Bowling Green in lower Manhattan. This permanent museum opened its doors on October 30, 1994, following a relocation from its predecessor, the Museum of the American Indian, which had operated in Harlem since 1922. The institution is dedicated to advancing the understanding of Native cultures across the Western Hemisphere, bridging the gap between past, present, and future traditions. The museum is housed within the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a 1907 Beaux Arts masterpiece designed by architect Cass Gilbert. This historic structure is a National Historic Landmark, designated as such in 1976, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can admire the building's three-story oval rotunda, which is decorated with murals painted by New York artist Reginald Marsh. Inside, the museum holds one of the most extensive collections of Native American arts and artifacts globally. The galleries regularly feature programs showcasing contemporary Native American artists and have hosted exhibitions such as "Native New York" and "Infinity of Nations." The Smithsonian operates this site as part of a larger network that includes facilities in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Accessibility is a priority at the site, with a ground-floor entrance and all exhibitions being fully wheelchair accessible. The museum remains a welcoming public space, offering free admission to all visitors without the requirement of tickets.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between 10 AM and 5 PM, but remember the museum is closed on December 25.
  • Since admission is always free and no tickets are required, it is a great low-stress stop for groups.
  • Utilize the wheelchair-accessible ground-floor entrance for easy access to all exhibitions.
  • Allow at least two hours to appreciate both the Native American artifacts and the Custom House architecture.

Nearby context

Located at One Bowling Green, the museum sits at the southern tip of Manhattan, anchoring the historic waterfront area near the harbor.

Sources

Evidence and links