Plan

Museum:

National Museum of the American Indian

Cheyenne Three-hide Dress

The Museum

The National Museum of the American Indian, which opened in 2004, houses one of the world's largest and most diverse collections of American Indian art and cultural artifacts. The museum's sweeping curvilinear architecture, its indigenous landscaping and its exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with the tribes and communities from across the hemisphere, combine to give visitors a sense and spirit of Native America.

Tips for Getting Started...

Don't miss the engaging film, by the acclaimed Cheyenne-Arapaho director Chris Eyre, "A Thousand Roads" (43 minutes, in our ground level Rasmuson Theater at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Meet in the Potomac Atrium on the ground level for daily tours of the exhibitions led by Native cultural interpreters. Tour times are Monday through Friday at 1:30 and 3 p.m. and weekends at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. Groups of ten or more should make reservations at: (202) 633-6644, or NMAI-Group reservations@si.edu.

For families with young children, stop by the Welcome Desk to pick up a copy of our free Family Activity Guide.

Become a member of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian


Highlights Tours

(walk-in; meet at sign in Potomac Atrium)

All tours subject to docent availability:

• Mon.-Fri., 1:30 PM and 3 PM
• Sat.-Sun., 11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM

Except:
• Mon., Jan. 7, no tours


Group Tours: School

NOTE: The museum is accepting reservations for school group tours for the current school year; call Mon.-Fri.: 202-633-6644 (voice), 1-888-618-0572 (toll-free voice), or 202-633-6751 (TTY), or e-mail NMAI-GroupReservations@si.edu

• School Group Tour Schedule: Tues.-Fri., 10 AM and 11:15 AM
Tours run approximately 45 minutes
Note: No tours on federal holidays

Notes:
• To confirm already scheduled school group tours, call Mon.-Fri.: 202-633-6644 (voice), 1-888-618-0572 (toll-free voice), or 202-633-6751 (TTY).
• Although individual passes are not required for registered school groups, teacher must show confirmation letter for entry.
• School groups are to enter at the museum's south entrance on Maryland Ave.


Tours for Visitors with Hearing or Visual Impairments

(by appointment only, 2-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-6 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-6644 (voice), 1-888-618-0572 (toll-free voice), or 202-633-6751 (TTY), or e-mail NMAI-GroupReservations@si.edu)


Museum Information

Hours:

  • 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    Closed December 25

Location:

  • 4th St. at Independence Ave., SW
    Washington, DC

Metro:

Blue Line Green Line Orange Line Yellow Line
  • L'Enfant Plaza Station
    (Use Maryland Ave. exit)

Phone/Website:


NMAIDC_Shop

The American Indian Museum stores offer beautiful items handmade by Native artisans including silver, turquoise jewelry, pottery, books and music.

View all Smithsonian stores

NMAIDC_Eat

The American Indian's Mitsitam Native Foods Café offers Native-inspired meals and snacks that draw on the culinary traditions of the Americas.

View all Smithsonian cafés