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 Must-Visit in the Wall Street Area!
If you're visiting Wall Street, make sure to stop by the National Museum of the American Indian — it's an experience you won’t regret! This museum is an essential stop for anyone wanting to learn more about the rich history and culture of the Native American people who originally inhabited Manhattan.
The museum offers a variety of engaging activities, including games and quizzes that are perfect for children and teenagers. The exhibits are filled with fascinating materials, making it easy for visitors of all ages to learn and enjoy. The staff are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and helpful, enhancing the overall experience.
Don’t miss the museum shop — it’s a treasure trove of unique items and books related to Native American culture and history. Be sure to take a look or ask the friendly assistants for recommendations; they’re always happy to help!
On top of that, the museum is housed in a beautiful historic building — the former U.S. Custom House — which adds to the charm of the visit.
This place is not just educational, but also eye-opening and enriching. Highly recommend it for families, history buffs, or anyone curious about Manhattan's origins and the stories of its first inhabitants.
Silvia - a month ago
Loved the museum here since it shows us the history and culture of the American Indians. It’s quiet and quaint and not much visitors when I went which I loved. Also, it’s free admission as of writing so please do go check it out as a side trip before or after visiting the Statue of Liberty.
M G - a month ago
Fascinating, inspiring and beautiful collection at this great museum. Staff were friendly and helpful. I learnt a lot and saw some extraordinary art. A superb visit.
Hannah Sierp - a week ago
The interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides visitors a lively space to explore scientific principles behind Native innovations and technologies that are so ingenious, many remain a part of our daily lives. The experience will leave visitors with a key takeaway—Indigenous people are the original innovators of the Americas. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, capacity is limited in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Groups may register to secure a timed entry.
Selma Jensen - 2 weeks 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near National Museum of the American Indian:
Photo Gallery
-
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: Alizarin Krimson - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edsel L - 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: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.
