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
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is an incredible experience for visitors of all ages. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by fascinating exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs and ancient civilizations to space and biodiversity. The dinosaur fossils, giant whale model, and Hall of Planet Earth are particularly impressive, offering both education and awe. The museum is huge, so it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring, and the exhibits are well-organized and engaging. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the museum combines learning, wonder, and family-friendly entertainment perfectly.
Rakshanda H A - 2 weeks ago
Totally unplanned visit (no queues and no reservation needed) but well worth it. A lot less crowded than the typical high profile museums. Full of historic and cultural facts about amerindians. Very informative and artistically impressive (particularly the glass exhibition). The first floor gallery (native inventions) is a very entertaining hands on experience for kids. Overall, a great museum with free entry located in a wonderful building - not to be missed!
Oana Gusatu - 2 weeks ago
Went here for the first time and it was really nice. Of course knowing this is part of the Smithsonian I expected coming in that it would be airport style security, understandably. They were very nice though. The staff at the front desk were friendly and very helpful. It's free entry, but there's a box where you can make donations if you'd like. The architecture throughout the building is beautiful. Really great artwork from antiques to modern art as well. It's a great collection celebrating the beauty, resilience and contributions of indigenous people. The café was closed the day I went so I didn't get to try their food yet, but I did check out the store they had and there's some great quality merchandise as well as really impressive jewelry. The staff there were awesome and so professional. I'd definitely come back again, and I'd recommend this for anyone in the city to visit.
Earnest Lee Lewis - a month ago
This place is so great!they have exhibits from both South and North America. It’s super interesting and informative. Museum is located 2 min away from Statue of Liberty ferries and it is completely free. I have learnt so much during the visit and hope to visit again one day. Highly recommended
Anastasiya Badan - in the last week
You don’t know what you’re missing in this museum. Come and let it move you. There is history and modern art. Interactive exhibits and pathways through an unfolding story. It’s all so thoughtful done and that includes the attitudes of the lovely, helpful staff. I had so much to learn before I arrived. I am grateful for this experience. To top it off, the gift shop is stocked with an abundance of exciting items from all over the country. And… it’s free admission! For such a high quality museum! No brainer.
Rachel McGill - 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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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 -
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Photo Credit: Edsel L - 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 -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr
