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

The National Museum of the American Indian is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, art, and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Located at 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the rich heritage of the indigenous communities in the Americas.

About the Museum

The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. It was established in 1989 to honor the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America. The museum's extensive collection includes more than 800,000 objects, photographs, archives, and media, representing hundreds of Native American cultures.

Exhibitions and Programs

The museum offers a diverse range of exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, that delve into various aspects of Native American life, history, and art. Some of the permanent exhibitions include 'Nation to Nation', which explores the history of Native American diplomacy and treaty relationships, and 'Our Universes', an immersive journey into the spiritual beliefs and values of Native American cultures. The museum also hosts a variety of public programs, including lectures, workshops, and cultural performances.

Accessibility and Facilities

The National Museum of the American Indian is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with designated parking, entrances, and restrooms. Assistive listening devices and transcripts for multimedia programs are also available. For families with young children, the museum offers a changing table and a family restroom.

The museum also features a gift shop, a café, and a restaurant. The Café & Market offers a variety of Native American-inspired dishes, while the Ernest Bourassa Gallery hosts live performances and other cultural events.

Contact and Admission

You can reach the National Museum of the American Indian via phone at 202-633-1000. The museum's official website, americanindian.si.edu, provides detailed information about exhibitions, events, and visitor services.

Admission to the National Museum of the American Indian is free, making it accessible to all visitors. However, some special events or programs may have a fee. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Thursday until 7:30 PM.

Visitor Reviews and Ratings

The National Museum of the American Indian has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its visitors. With 10,829 reviews on Google My Business, the museum maintains an impressive average rating of 4.5/5. Visitors praise the museum's engaging exhibitions, thoughtful approach to Native American representation, and the overall visitor experience.

👍 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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