It is a branch of the Smithsonian Institution, located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in Lower Manhattan.
About the Museum
Mission: The museum is dedicated to the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans of the Western Hemisphere.
Collections: Its collections feature a vast array of artifacts, from the prehistoric to the contemporary, representing hundreds of indigenous cultures. Exhibitions are designed to showcase diverse perspectives and highlight the ongoing vitality of Native cultures.
The Building: The museum is housed in the grand Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a magnificent Beaux-Arts building completed in 1907. The building itself is a landmark, featuring a stunning rotunda and impressive sculptures representing the four continents.
Visiting Information
Location: The museum is located at One Bowling Green, in Lower Manhattan, directly across from Battery Park. Admission to the museum is completely free, as is standard for all Smithsonian museums.
Experience: Visitors can explore exhibitions, attend special events and performances, and browse the gift shop. The combination of the museum’s rich content and the stunning architecture of its historic building makes for a unique and memorable cultural experience.
