The National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world's largest and most diverse collections of its kind. The museum's sweeping curvilinear architecture, its indigenous landscaping and its exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with tribes and communities from across the hemisphere, combine to give visitors the sense and spirit of Native America.
"Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World" (4th floor) Organized around the seasons of the solar year, the exhibition highlights annual celebrations that bring Native peoples together.
"Our Peoples: Giving Voice to Our Histories" (4th floor) examines the past 500 years of history from a Native point of view.
"Our Lives: Contemporary Life and Identities" (3rd floor) introduces the cultural, social, linguistic and political issues of Native people and communities in the 21st century.
"Window on Collections: Many Hands, Many Voices" (3rd and 4th floors) showcases more than 3,500 artifacts including animal-themed figurines and objects, beadwork, containers, dolls, peace medals, projectile points and qeros (cups for ceremonial drinking).
"Return to a Native Place: Algonquian Peoples of the Chesapeake" (2nd floor) provides an overview of the continued Native presence in what is now Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.
"Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort" (3rd floor) (opens Oct. 16). Jungen (Dunne-za First Nations) is the foremost Native artist of his generation and this exhibition is a major survey of his work. Jungen transforms familiar objects like Nike footwear and plastic chairs into exquisite objects of Indian imagery.
"IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas" (2nd floor) (Fall 2009) Stories of cultural integration and diffusion, and the struggle to define identity. Be sure to pick up the book of the same title and see the 10-minute video in the Sealaska Gallery.
The Mitsitam (meaning "let's eat") Cafe (1st floor) features a Native-inspired menu that represents five different regions of the Western Hemisphere. Entrées include fire-roasted salmon on a plank, buffalo burgers, tamales, Indian frybread, burritos, soups, side dishes and desserts, made with natural and locally grown ingredients. The Zagat-rated cafe is open daily 10 to 5, with a limited menu after 3. (See p. 33 for a complete list of restaurants.)
The Chesapeake Museum Store (1st floor) offers one-of-a-kind silver and turquoise jewelry, pottery and textiles handmade by Native artisans. Find books, music, jewelry, T-shirts, toys and souvenirs in the Roanoke Museum Store (2nd floor).
The Rasmuson Theater offers daily free films (closed some Wednesdays). No tickets required; check showtimes at the information desk.
Don't leave the museum without visiting the two museum stores, which are distinguished by a 20-foot-tall Tlingit totem pole.
Become a member of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian
The Chesapeake Museum Store (1st floor) offers beautiful, one-of-a-kind silver and turquoise jewelry, pottery and textiles handmade by Native artisans. Find books, music, jewelry, T-shirts, toys and souvenirs in the Roanoke Museum Store (2nd floor).
The Mitsitam (meaning "let's eat") Native Foods Café (1st floor) offers a Native-inspired menu from five different regions—including Indian tacos made with frybread, fire-roasted salmon, buffalo burgers, desserts, snacks and beverages. Café hours: daily, 10 to 5. The café's full menu is available from 11 to 3, with a smaller menu from 3 to 5.
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