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 from around the world the sense and spirit of Native America.

Exhibitions

“Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World” (4th floor) is 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) (closes Aug. 8). Canadian installation artist Brian Jungen (Dunne-za First Nations) is the foremost Native artist of his generation. His works include a whale made from plastic chairs and totem poles made from golf bags.

“Vantage Point: The Contemporary Native Art Collection” (3rd floor) (Sept. 25-Aug. 7, 2011). The exhibition highlights the museum’s growing collection of contemporary art. See paintings, drawings, photography, video and mixed media works by 25 contemporary artists who speak to the concerns and experiences of Native people today.

“Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians in Popular Culture” (2nd floor) (July 1-Jan. 2, 2011). Learn the stories of native musicians like Russell “Big Chief” Moore (Gila River Indian Community), Jimi Hendrix (Cherokee), Rita Coolidge (Cherokee) and Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree) among others. Listen to samples of these artists’ music and learn about their inspirations, collaborations and influences.

Stores and Cafe

The Mitsitam (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 fry bread, burritos, soups, hot and cold side vegetable 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.

The Chesapeake Museum Store (1st floor) offers silver and turquoise jewelry, pottery and textiles handmade by Native artisans. Find books, music, Native jewelry and crafts, T-shirts, toys and souvenirs in the Roanoke Museum Store (2nd floor).

Free Films

The Rasmuson Theater shows free films daily (closed some Wednesdays). No tickets required; check showtimes at the information desk.

Something Special...

Don’t leave the museum without visiting the two museum stores, which are distinguished by a 20-foot-tall Tlingit totem pole.

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