National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian brings insight into the history and culture of major tribes throughout the Americas and the Caribbean
Located in the US Customs House, the George Gustav Heye Center in New York is a branch of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian established to promote knowledge and understanding of indigenous people in the Western Hemisphere.
This museum, one of only a few in New York that offer free admission, opened in 1994 followed by two other locations: Suitland, Maryland and the National Mall in Washington DC. It was the first museum committed to the conservation of Native American culture.
The permanent collection held at the National Museum of the American Indian consists of over 800,000 items of historical and cultural significance for all major tribes and cultures throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. In addition to the artefacts on view, the museum houses an impressive audio-visual collection, including over 90,000 historical and contemporary archives including photographs, paper folios and recordings.
For an in-depth experience, visitors can plan to spend four hours viewing the museum galleries. Visitors can also take advantage of a number of public programs including gallery talks and Native American storytelling, dance exhibitions, musical performances, films, demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
It is also well worth the visit to the museum just to see the architectural details of the historic Customs House that houses the collection.
Nearby attractions include Battery Park, Staten Island Ferry, Skyscraper Museum, Financial District, Trinity Church, St. Paul's Chapel and the Brooklyn Bridge
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoNational Museum of the American Indian Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, USA
Phone: (212) 514-3700
Official Website: National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Indian Reviews
Rated out of 5
A small, free, peaceful, collection of costume and cultural information. Housed in an ostentatious settlers port authority building called the Hamilton building after Alexander Hamilton. Renaming the building after a Native American would have been a good gesture by the Smithsonian. Fabulous examples of clothing and beading, I didn't notice information about dance, music, child rearing, diet. It improved my knowledge, and left me with more questions than it answered. One wing was closed, I'm guessing that wing holds the answers
Hilary P - 3 months ago
Nice museum. It's a Smithsonian and admission is free. We went here immediately after arriving in New York. We were tired and hot. It was quite warm inside the museum. I don't think we saw the entire thing, but what we did see was interesting. Not crowded at all. Easy to get to via subway and a short walk. There is a security screening upon arrival. No tickets required. The museum gift shop was great. I made a few purchases here. They had some amazing things. Worth a stop.
Evelyn Moore - 5 months ago
I can definitely say that I was interested in this museum. Admission was free on Sunday. On the other days of the week, we need to clarify. The history of the locals of the American continent, which is conveyed in their traditions, national clothes, in their household items, in their weapons and jewelry - all this aroused our real interest and admiration.
Andriy Rshkvn - 4 months ago
Lovely museum. Fascinating artifacts and great perspective of American History. Interesting stories and quotes from native ppl. It was also cool to see native art/artifacts from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South American.
The children's portion was fantastic. My kids really enjoyed it.
Laura Ramirez-Mann - 4 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 1 minute |
| R | Whitehall Street | 3 minutes |
| 1 | South Ferry | 4 minutes |
| J | Broad Street | 6 minutes |
| 2 or 3 | Wall Street | 8 minutes |
How to get to National Museum of the American Indian by Subway
Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green which exits right in front of the museum or take the R train to Whitehall Street and follow it north to the museum on your left or take the 1 train to South Ferry, turn left onto State Street, then right onto Bowling Green or take the J train to Broad Street, follow it south to Beaver Street and go right to Bowling Green or take the 2 or 3 train to Wall Street, walk south along William Street then right (west) on Beaver Street to the museum.
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Photo Gallery
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North American Plains Indian Beaded Saddle Bag, National Museum of the American Indian, New York City cc licensed photo by Evelyn Proimos -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Alizarin Krimson - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: leoncillo sabino - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: leoncillo sabino - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr
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