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
My husband and I visited the National Museum of the American Indian in New York and we were delighted. The museum is beautiful and very well organized, with exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and art of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. We really enjoyed the variety of artifacts, clothing, and crafts, as well as the explanations that accompany each piece.
The building itself is impressive, and its location across from Battery Park makes it even more special. Plus, admission is free, which makes it accessible to everyone. The museum shop and café were also a nice touch.
Definitely a place we recommend for anyone wanting to learn about and enjoy the rich culture of Indigenous peoples. It’s worth visiting and exploring every space!
Mirkelys - 2 months ago
Fairly small, but well executed museum of the American Indians. It’s a Smithsonian museum, so it’s free to enter. It is definitely smaller than other Smithsonian museums I have been to in DC, but it was a good afternoon activity. It took us about an hour and a half to see everything. They also have some interactive spaces on the first floor for kids. Despite it being a public holiday there was no wait to enter.
Kate Rimolo - 2 months 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 - 3 months 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 - 3 months ago
Unexpected visit, but fascinating history. First, the building: The building stands on the exact site of Fort Amsterdam, the original Dutch fortification built in 1626. This is effectively the spot where the Dutch "purchased" Manhattan from the Lenape people. The four massive limestone statues at the entrance are titled The Four Continents (Asia, America, Europe, and Africa). They were carved by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who created the seated Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial. Inside, there is a permanent collection featuring over 700 items that show the incredible diversity of Indigenous cultures, that explains how New York City was—and still is—Native land.
bogdan alexandru bola - 2 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: Alizarin Krimson - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pburka - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - 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: leoncillo sabino - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr
