The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s founding in 2004 completes the National Mall’s collection of museums and graces the mall with its warm sand-colored limestone, soft and light, with a shape evocative of nature’s continual movement and the indigenous peoples whose culture reflected a powerful natural connection. Its interior is even more stunning, featuring a rotunda representing the Potomac and acting as the main entrance to the museum as well as a venue for various events and performances.
The museum explores the history and culture of the country’s indigenous people, and includes nearly a million artifacts from ancient pre-Columbian civilizations through the 21st century. Visitors can partake in various multimedia presentations, and enjoy live performances and hands-on demonstrations bring the Native American people’s history and culture to life.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
- Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian
- November 1, 2008–August 16, 2009
- Return to a Native Place: Algonquian Peoples of the Chesapeake
- Ongoing
- Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World
- Ongoing
- Our Peoples: Giving Voice to Our Histories
- Ongoing
- Our Lives: Contemporary Life and Identities
- Ongoing
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- 10am-5:30pm Monday-Sunday
- Admission:
- Free
- Metro Stop:
- Blueline, Orangeline, Yellowline or Greenline to the L'Enfant Plaza Station
- Exit near intersection of 7th St Sw and Maryland Ave Sw
- Start out going East on Maryland Ave Sw towards 6th St Sw
- Turn right onto Independence Ave Sw
- View Metro Map
- Contact:
- Location: 4th St and Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
- Phone: 202-357-3164
- Website: www.nmai.si.edu
