National Museum of the American Indian in New York

What You Need to Know About the National Museum of the American Indian

• The National Museum of the American Indian is a New York museum dedicated to Native American culture. It sits in the heart of the Financial District, facing Battery Park and steps away from the Wall Street Bull. You’ll likely pass through this area. Yet few tourists actually step inside this museum—a real missed opportunity. The collection alone makes it worth a visit, and the building’s architecture is stunning. Best of all, admission is free.
• The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, which works to preserve and share Native American culture. The New York location complements the Washington museum by showcasing the remarkable collection of George Gustav Heye, a banker passionate about Native American culture. From 1897 until his death in 1957, he traveled across America collecting objects.
• The museum’s location is no accident: it occupies the site where, in 1625, Dutch director Peter Minuit negotiated an agreement with the Algonquin Indians who inhabited the then-undeveloped lands around the bay. He purchased Manhattan for the equivalent of about $1,000 in today’s money.

What to See at the National Museum of the American Indian

• Before you enter, take time to admire the building itself. The National Museum of the American Indian occupies the imposing Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, New York’s former customs building. The façade features sculptures representing different continents—a visual journey in itself.
• Once inside, head to the central rotunda. This magnificent oval room floods with natural light. Don’t miss the paintings depicting maritime activity, including a striking image of an ocean liner entering New York Harbor with the Statue of Liberty in view.
• Then explore the different galleries. From the rotunda, start with the room on the left: a corridor connects three rooms in sequence. The museum features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection occupying the building’s south wing.
• The permanent exhibition holds an outstanding collection of authentic Native American objects: from the Arctic to South America, you’ll see the customs and traditions of different tribes. You’ll find moccasins, tomahawks, bows, arrows, and elaborate feathered headdresses. Children find the visit particularly impressive.
• After exploring the first floor, head downstairs to watch videos on the ground level. Few visitors know the tour continues below—I was alone when I visited. Among all the museums in New York, this one offers a unique perspective on American history.

National Museum of the American Indian in Photos

Visiting the National Museum of the American Indian

• Address: Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York.
• Subway: Bowling Green (lines 4 and 5).
• Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, until 8 pm on Thursday. Closed December 25.
• Admission: Free.

Map to the National Museum of the American Indian