About National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is the sixteenth museum of the Smithsonian Institution. It is the first national museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans. The museum's extensive collections encompass a vast range of cultural material-including more that 800,000 works of extraordinary aesthetic, religious, and historical significance, as well as articles produced for everyday, utilitarian use. The collections span all major culture areas of the Americas, representing virtually all tribes of the United States, most of those of Canada, and a significant number of cultures from Middle and South America as well as the Caribbean. The National Museum of the American Indian comprises two additional facilities, in Maryland and New York, each designed following consultations between museum staff and Native peoples. For information about the other two locations, see Visitor Information.
How to Get There
The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building. Metro: L'Enfant Plaza Station (all lines except Red); exit Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums Bus: Lines 30, 32, 34-36 - Friendship Heights/Southern Avenue For other locations, see the National Museum of the American Indian Visitor Information web page.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to National Museum of the American Indian
Heading to National Museum of the American Indian? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for National Museum of the American Indian?
No central reservation system listed for National Museum of the American Indian. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/202364) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to National Museum of the American Indian?
The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building. Metro: L'Enfant Plaza Station (all lines except Red); exit Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums Bus: Lines 30, 32, 34-36 - Friendship Heights/Southern Avenue For other locations, see the National Museum of the American I…
How do I contact National Museum of the American Indian?
You can reach the park at phone: 301-238-6624 or email: info@si.edu.
References & Official Resources
