The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian sits on the east end of the National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Air and Space Museum. Opened in September 2004, it covers 250,000 square feet over five floors and is dedicated to the cultures, art, and history of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere.
The building itself is one of the most distinctive on the Mall. Lead architect Douglas Cardinal (Blackfoot) and a team of Native designers clad it in 220,000 tons of golden-buff Kasota limestone from Minnesota, sculpted into curvilinear forms meant to evoke a wind-shaped rock formation. The entrance faces east toward the rising sun, in keeping with Native architectural traditions.
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National Native American Veterans Memorial
The National Native American Veterans Memorial sits on the grounds of the museum just off the main entrance. It is the first national landmark in Washington DC dedicated specifically to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans, and it opened on Veterans Day 2020 with a larger dedication procession held in 2022.
The memorial centers on a 12-foot stainless steel circle resting on an intricately carved stone drum, surrounded by water, benches, and four vertical lances where visitors can tie cloths in prayer. It was designed by Harvey Pratt, a Cheyenne and Arapaho artist and Marine Corps Vietnam veteran. The memorial is open 24/7 and is free to visit even when the museum is closed.
Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
The museum’s Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe is worth a visit on its own. The name means “let’s eat” in the Piscataway and Delaware languages, and the menu is organized into five regional stations (Northern Woodlands, Mesoamerica, South America, Northwest Coast, Great Plains) featuring Indigenous ingredients and dishes from across the Western Hemisphere.
Mitsitam Cafe is open daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is also an Espresso Bar open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with sandwiches, posole, and lighter options. Both are inside the museum and require no admission ticket since the museum is free.
Getting There
The museum is at 4th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW, on the southeast corner of the National Mall facing the U.S. Capitol. After visiting it is a short walk to the U.S. Capitol and the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
The closest Metro stops are L’Enfant Plaza (about a 0.4-mile walk, served by the Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow lines) and Federal Center SW (about 0.5 miles, Blue/Orange/Silver). For parking, look for metered street spots on Jefferson Drive SW or 3rd Street SW; they fill up quickly during weekends and peak seasons.
Admission is free. The museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed only on December 25. The grounds, including the Veterans Memorial, are open 24/7.
National Museum of the American Indian Pictures
Here are photos from my visits over the years, including the Potomac atrium and the curvilinear Kasota limestone exterior. A wide-angle lens is your friend inside the Potomac.
National Museum of the American Indian Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Museum of the American Indian?
The National Museum of the American Indian is the Smithsonian’s museum dedicated to the history, culture, art, and contemporary life of the Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. The Washington DC building opened in 2004, and there is a second branch at the George Gustav Heye Center in lower Manhattan, New York City.
Where is the National Museum of the American Indian located?
The National Museum of the American Indian is located in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. The address is 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560.
What are the museum’s hours of operation?
The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is closed only on December 25. The Mitsitam Cafe operates on shorter hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and the Espresso Bar runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The outdoor Veterans Memorial and grounds are accessible 24/7.
What is the admission fee for the National Museum of the American Indian?
Like most Smithsonian museums in DC admission to the National Museum of the American Indian is free.
What exhibits can I see at the National Museum of the American Indian?
The museum has a vast collection of Native American art, artifacts, and historical objects. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics including history, culture, art, and contemporary issues affecting Native American communities. View their website for their latest exhibitions.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. The museum provides services for visitors with special needs, including sign language interpretation, audio description, and wheelchair rentals.
Is there a café or restaurant at the museum?
Yes, there is a café and coffee bar located in the museum. The Mitsitam Native Foods Café offers a selection of traditional and contemporary Native American cuisine.
Where is the National Native American Veterans Memorial?
The National Native American Veterans Memorial is on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian, just off the main entrance. It opened in 2020 and is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Can I take photos in the museum?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs in most areas of the museum. However, some exhibits may have restrictions on photography.
Can I bring a backpack or bag into the museum?
Yes, visitors can bring backpacks and bags into the museum. However, all bags are subject to inspection by museum security.
If you’re planning a wider trip to the area, see my full National Mall travel guide for everything to see on the east side of the Mall and beyond.
