National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, District of Columbia

Address: 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States.
Phone: 2026331000.
Website: americanindian.si.edu
Specialties: History museum, Art museum, Museum, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Live performances, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Assistive hearing loop, Gift shop, Theatre, Cafe, Offers tours, Restaurant, Toilet, Wi-Fi, Family friendly, Admission fee, Good for kids, Has changing table(s).
Opinions: This company has 10829 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.5/5.

📌 Location of National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the American Indian 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States

☎️2026331000

The National Museum of the American Indian: A Comprehensive Guide

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Native peoples of the Americas. Located in the heart of Washington D.C., it stands as a testament to the rich heritage and diversity of the indigenous communities that have inhabited this continent for thousands of years.

About the Museum

The NMAI is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. It was established by an act of Congress in 1989 and opened its current location in 2004. The museum's mission is to 'tell the story of the Native peoples of the Americas, from the earliest times to the present, within a framework of the living cultures they represent.'

What to Expect

Visitors to the NMAI can explore a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and interactive exhibits that span the entire history and geography of the Americas. The museum's four floors showcase the diversity of Native cultures, their artistic expressions, and their relationships with the natural world. Some of the key exhibits include:

Our Universes: A comprehensive overview of Native cultures from the Arctic to the Southern Cone.
Nation to Nation: A exploration of the political and diplomatic relationships between Native American nations and the United States.
The Potomac Atrium: A stunning space filled with natural light, where visitors can learn about the history of the Potomac River and its significance to Native communities.

The NMAI also hosts a variety of live performances, film screenings, and educational programs throughout the year, providing visitors with a dynamic and immersive experience.

Visiting the NMAI

Address	Phone	Website
4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States	2026331000	americanindian.si.edu

The NMAI is located on the National Mall, making it easily accessible to visitors. The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with on-site services including a cafe, gift shop, and restrooms. Admission is free, and the museum offers tours and educational programs for visitors of all ages.

What Visitors Say

The NMAI has a Google My Business rating of 4.5/5 based on 10,829 reviews, reflecting the high regard in which it is held by visitors. Many praised the museum's comprehensive and respectful approach to showcasing Native American cultures, as well as its engaging and interactive exhibits.

In the words of one visitor, 'The National Museum of the American Indian is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The exhibits are beautifully curated, and the museum does an excellent job of telling the story of these communities in their own voices.'

Another visitor noted, 'I was blown away by the sheer amount of information and artifacts on display. The NMAI is a treasure trove of knowledge, and I left feeling like I had a much deeper understanding of the history and diversity of Native American cultures.'

Visitors consistently praised the museum's commitment to educating and informing, as well as its accessibility and inclusivity.

Specialties: History museum, Art museum, Museum, Tourist attraction.

Other points of interest: On-site services, Live performances, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Assistive hearing loop, Gift shop, Theatre, Cafe, Offers tours, Restaurant, Toilet, Wi-Fi, Family friendly, Admission fee, Good for kids, Has changing table(s).

Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich cultural heritage of the Americas, the National Museum of the American Indian is a must-visit destination. Its comprehensive and immersive exhibits, combined with its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, make it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

👍 Reviews of National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, District of Columbia

Anna C.

5/5

The National Museum of the American Indian is a hidden gem! I was blown away by the stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural exhibits. The museum's design itself is a work of art, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The collections and exhibitions offer a deep dive into the diverse histories and traditions of Native American communities. I spent hours exploring and learning, and the gift shop had some amazing unique items. If you're interested in history, culture, or just want to experience something new, this museum is a must-visit. Be prepared to spend a few hours here - it's easy to lose track of time!

Dan N.

4/5

Absolutely beautiful building, hardly a flat surface on the entire outside, with a river and waterfalls near the entrance. Inside though, it is a huge museum with a scarcity of exhibits, and about half of them are not historic but very modern pieces, which is all well and good, but a LOT more historical exhibits and items would be a big upgrade. I left feeling like something is wrong here. The gift shop is very nice, with an abundance of modern art work that is very nice.

I've G. S. T. S.

5/5

I had a great time visiting this museum with my girlfriend. The highlights of this museum are how indigenous people were relocated and killed off, the true story of Pocahontas, and how normal life was ,and still is for them. Incredibly informative. The original artifacts here so beautiful, some dating back to over 800 years ago. The architecture inside and out is beautiful. By the end of the visit be prepared to be incredibly sad after learning the history of the Native American people.

Jane S.

5/5

The museum is very beautiful, the architecture is magnificent, made in the form of a rock with a waterfall and a river, the architecture is impressive. Inside the museum is no less impressive, very spacious and beautiful, there is a cafe and a restaurant with national delicious food, which I highly recommend trying, which you will not find anywhere else, you can also just have a coffee there. The museum has very beautiful interesting exhibits, a lot of history, a national folk group performs, there was a small concert, they sang and danced, played national instruments. There is a store in the museum, you can buy magnificent products made of beads, silver. And also many other goods as a souvenir of visiting the museum, a very large selection of interesting goods. Very polite service in the museum. The museum is absolutely free. I highly recommend visiting

Lucy M.

5/5

This museum left me with so many emotions—sad, conflicted and empowered all at once. It doesn’t shy away from the painful truths of American history, but at the same time it highlights the strength, resilience, and beauty of Native cultures.

The exhibits are powerful and eye-opening, and they really make you think about our history in a way that’s both humbling and inspiring. I walked out with a heavy heart, but also a deeper appreciation and respect for Native peoples and their stories.

Highly recommend making this museum part of your D.C. trip—it’s not just informative, it’s impactful.

Andrew H.

5/5

A must visit in Washington DC for any visitor that cares about our nations history.

It’s not a pretty part of US history and it great that there is a museum dedicated to telling it.

Journey through a number of Treaties and get a fascinating insight into how the Native Americans were displaced against the will and contrary to the spirit and word of many of the signed treaties.

Emily M.

5/5

The entire museum was very clearly laid out with each section labeled with the floor number and arrows. We only went to the children’s section, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Perfect way to spend 1-2 hours! Very underrated museum — not crowded at all. There were a lot of cool activities/experiences for kids. The cafe had mostly authentic food to align with the museum, but don’t worry, moms — they still had chicken tenders with fries for our picky kids. Gift shop had a large and interesting selection for both kids and adults. Beautiful building!

Julian L.

5/5

An absolutely stunning museum. And the best part: it’s free! The building is so large and vast it, in a way, architecturally evokes feelings of the vast and wide-open plains and landscapes that I’ve come to identify with Native American history.

A fantastic collection of historic items and artwork leading all the way up to contemporary works. It doesn’t take too long to get through all the exhibits, but there’s plenty to enjoy and it wasn’t crowded at all when I went (on a Monday around 11am).