National Museum of the American Indian: Exhibits, Hours, and How to Visit

The National Museum of the American Indian features one of the world’s most expansive collection of Native American objects. Open since September 21, 2004, it is the first national museum dedicated exclusively to Native Americans.

The museum contains artifacts from the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego.

Located in a 5-story building covered in golden Kasota limestone, the National Museum of the American Indian is designed to evoke natural rock formations shaped by wind and water over thousands of years.

I have loved all things native since I was a child. I have been to the National Museum of the American Indian three times and loved it each time. Not to mention the fact that the Mitsitam Cafe is absolutely divine and the museum store is amazing!

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Must-See Exhibits

If you’re short on time or wondering where to begin, these standout exhibits offer the perfect starting point.

Dance & Drama

Many Native traditions come alive through dance and drama. These performances are powerful forms of storytelling, communication, and cultural preservation. Theseperformances include special regalia, masks, and headdresses, each crafted to match the meaning of the occasion or dance.

Music & Song

Music has always been at the heart of Native life. Traditional songs often share stories of creation, tribal history, or serve as prayers. Performances range from lullabies and courting songs to chants sung by groups during dances and gatherings.

Native instruments include drums, rattles, flutes, whistles, and stringed instruments. Some are simple timekeeping tools, while others, like marimbas, produce layered and complex rhythms.

Americans #NDNsEverywhere

American Indians are less than 1% of the US population. However, names and images of Indians are everywhere. Places across the country are named for Indians, and they advertise everything from rock concerts to baking products.

Displaying nearly 350 objects and images, the Americans #NDNsEverywhere exhibit invites you to take a closer look and ask why.

Pocahontas

In 1614 the marriage of Pocahontas and John Rolfe was the moment Jamestown became England’s first permanent, financially successful New World colony. The wedding is considered so pivotal it was commemorated 400 years later with a year of public programs at Jamestown.

Trail of Tears

As unbelievable as it sounds, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 made law the removal of all Indians living in U.S. states and territories.

Over 100,000 indigenous people from 18 tribes (mostly Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole) were moved from Michigan, Louisiana, and Florida to land west of the Mississippi River. 

The forced relocations were poorly planned and led to disease and starvation. The Cherokee nation had to be forcibly removed by the U.S. government. Tragically, over 11,000 natives died. Hence the name “Trail of Tears.”

Battle of Little Bighorn

On July 6, 1876, news of a “desperate fight” and “terrible slaughter” at Little Bighorn, Montana Territory reached the army’s headquarters in Washington DC. U.S. Army General Custer and every one of his soldiers had been slaughtered by the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne Indians.

The news arrived on the East Coast just as the United States was celebrating its 100th birthday. For Americans in 1876, the defeat was as shocking as the assassination of President Kennedy a century later.

Eight months later, the United States won the Great Sioux War and confined almost all of their Plains Indian adversaries to reservations. But instead of celebrating their victory, Americans obsessed for generations about the meaning of the army’s loss at Little Bighorn.

In the years following Little Big Horn, the Lakota who defeated American soldiers became celebrities. And Plains Indian warriors became symbols of America.

Military Aircraft named after Native Americans

Have you ever wondered why so many U.S. military aircraft are named after Native Americans? This includes Apache, Black Hawk, Cheyenne, Chinook, Lakota, and Sioux.

The reason is a 1969 Pentagon directive that stated that all army aircraft were to be named after Native American tribes and chiefs. Called AR 70-28, the directive stated that names should “suggest an aggressive spirit and confidence.” Name choices were provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Raven and the Box of Daylight

Raven is the central figure in the stories of the North Pacific Coast’s Tlingit people.

The Raven and the Box of Daylight exhibit features works from internationally acclaimed Tlingit artist Preston Singletary. It tells the story of Raven, the creator of the world who brought light to the people by releasing the stars, moon, and sun.

In addition to striking glass pieces, the exhibition features storytelling paired with original music, coastal Pacific Northwest soundscapes, and projected images.

Native American Flags

The U.S. government officially recognizes 574 Indian tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. Together they speak over 300 languages. The largest tribes are Navajo, Cherokee, and Sioux.

The National Museum of the American Indian features a large number of Native American flags.

The Roanoke Museum Store

The Roanoke Museum Store is one of the most amazing bookstores I have ever been to! (See my pictures below). It features clothing, jewelry, art, magnets, books, toys, and other works by Native artisans.

(Fun Fact! “Roanoke” is a Powhatan word for the white shell beads used by Native Americans for trade).

Check out the online store! It features a large book collection that includes the Mitsitam Café Cookbook.

Mitsitam Cafe

The Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian is absolutely, positively, divine! It is so good I eat there whenever I am visiting one of the nearby Smithsonians.

(Fun Fact! “Mitsitam” means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway people).

The Mitsitam Cafe serves Navajo Tacos, Chili, Enchiladas, Tamales, homemade seasonal soups, and a seasonal variety of aqua fresca and desserts. And of course, the traditional Indian fry bread. Want to make it at home? You can purchase the The Mitsitam Café Cookbook online.

The 5 stations represent indigenous foods from 5 regions of the Americas: the Northern Woodlands, South America, the Northwest Coast, Mesoamerica, and the Great Plains. 

The Mitsitam Cafe is Open Daily from 11:00-4:00pm.

How to Visit the National Museum of the American Indian

The museum is located on the south side of the National Mall, between the National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Main entrance: Third Street and Maryland Avenue, SW, facing the U.S. Capitol Building.

Getting There by Public Transit

• Metro stations: L’Enfant Plaza (Smithsonian Museums exit) and Federal Center SW
• Bus routes: 32, 36, A6, and P6
• MetroAccess Paratransit address: 320 Maryland Ave., SW

Driving & Parking

The museum doesn’t offer parking, but you’ll find metered street parking around the area. For convenience, you can also reserve a paid spot through ParkWhiz. There are two designated accessible spaces near Jefferson Drive and 4th Street SW.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible. Ramps and elevators connect all areas, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis. For visitors with visual impairments, the Aira app offers live, narrated assistance inside the museum.

Inside the Museum

Grab a free museum map or download it in advance. You can also use audio guides to dive deeper into selected exhibits. Don’t miss the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe for indigenous-inspired meals or a quick coffee at the Espresso Bar.

Check out my How to Visit the 16 Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. blog!

Where to Stay Near the Museum

If you’re visiting the National Museum of the American Indian, you’ll want to stay somewhere central, close to the National Mall and other Smithsonian museums. These hotel options place you right in the heart of D.C., with something for every budget.

Budget Accommodation – Motto by Hilton Washington D.C. City Center

For an affordable yet stylish stay just blocks from the National Mall, Motto by Hilton is a top pick. Rooms are compact but modern, and there’s a trendy rooftop bar with city views. Guests love the walkable location and easy Metro access.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Hotel Hive

Hotel Hive blends artistic design with budget-friendly comfort. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and Foggy Bottom, this micro-hotel is perfect for explorers who want a hip and cozy base without overspending. Great pizza downstairs and a buzzing rooftop bar add to the charm.

Luxury Accommodation – Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.

For timeless luxury and historic charm, the Willard InterContinental is unmatched. Just a short stroll from the museum and a block from the White House, this legendary hotel offers elegant rooms and a rich history, including hosting Martin Luther King Jr. and countless presidents.

FAQs: National Museum of the American Indian

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding “National Museum of the American Indian” along with my answers.

Are there audio guides available?

Yes! You can use your phone to access free audio guides through the Smartify app. Just scan the QR codes inside the museum. Bring your own headphones for the best experience.

Are lockers available to store bags?

No lockers or storage are provided. Bring only essentials, and check the museum’s website for security rules before your visit.

Can I bring a school or tour group?

Yes, groups of any size are welcome without needing a reservation. But student groups must have adult chaperones: 1 adult for every 5 kids (grade 3 and below), or 1 for every 10 students (grade 4+). Poorly supervised groups may be asked to leave.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re fascinated by Indigenous art, moved by powerful exhibits like Americans #NDNsEverywhere, or simply want to explore a museum that tells stories often left out of history books, this is a must-visit in Washington, D.C. It’s free, easy to access, and deeply enriching. I recommend giving yourself at least 2–3 hours to wander, reflect, and soak it all in.

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