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National Museum of the American Indian

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 60 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The National Museum of the American Indian in NYC is a must-visit destination for tourists who want to learn about the rich history, culture, and diversity of Native Americans. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, art, and literature that showcases the story of the indigenous people of the Americas, from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits and displays that cover a range of topics such as the lives of the First Americans, their traditional customs and beliefs, and their contributions to modern society. The museum also offers interactive activities, films, and performances that allow visitors to engage with Native American culture. Additionally, the National Museum of the American Indian is located in the heart of New York City, offering tourists an opportunity to experience the city's vibrant culture and history while learning about Native American heritage. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, which include an outdoor plaza and gardens.

1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004 Get Directions





National Museum of the American Indian Videos

Join us for a program that honors Zitkala-Ša (translated “Red Bird”), a member of the Yankton Dakota Sioux, who has been recently honored on a coin issued by the US Mint as part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States. Zitkala-Ša was a writer, composer, educator, and political activist for Native American rights. Her advocacy led to the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted American Indians US citizenship while maintaining their tribal standing. Starr Chief Eagle, an enrolled member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe, grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and started hoop dancing before she could walk. She combines her own style with the teachings of her father, Dallas Chief Eagle, and shares her Lakota culture with future generations in hopes of restoring and maintaining it. Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 12:30, 2, and 3 PM ET.

The National Capital Region Native American Color Guard, a group of Washington, DC-based Indigenous veterans from communities across the United States, will bring in the colors. Cultural specialist Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa/Isanti Dakota/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) will perform an Honor Song and Drum. US Marine Corps veterans Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes) and Gregorio E. Kishketon (Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma) join museum Director Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar (San Felipe Pueblo/Hopi/Tewa/Navajo) for a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Native American Veterans Memorial.

Hear from artist, National Native American Veterans Memorial designer, and US Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), US Air Force veteran and mental health counselor Shannon E. Ayres, and Diné historian and traditional practitioner Shawn Price on the importance of health and healing for service members once they return home to their communities. The conversation will touch on community-based wellness practices rooted in traditional knowledge as well as Western medicine.

Teresa Lynch Chrapkiewicz (Navajo) is the first Navajo woman to receive a pilot's license and was recently honored as a "Hometown Hero" by Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina. Chrapkiewicz is a US Air Force veteran, having served in the Reserve at Luke Air Force Base and the Arizona Air National Guard as a life support technician, and currently teaches science at a secondary school. Chrapkiewicz is also a published author, her book The Yaz Tree Recipe: A Navajo Girl’s Dream, details her journey. Chrapkiewicz also volunteers at local schools, sharing her book and encouraging the next generation to pursue their dreams, particularly aspiring aviators.

Museum folklorist Cynthia Vid­aurri presents a talk on the xoloitzcuintli, commonly referred to as the Mexican hairless, an ancient dog breed that is deeply engrained in the culture and cosmologies of Mexico’s original peoples. These dogs were believed to be companions in life and in the afterlife, guiding souls to their final resting place. The character Dante in the Disney/Pixar animated film Coco introduced xolos to people outside Mexico and became a fan favorite. The breed was on the verge of ex­tinction but has made a dra­matic comeback, and today is recognized as a sym­bol of Mexico. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life.

Grupo los Tecuanes perform Mixtec dances to honor ancestors. The name of the Danza de los Tecuanes (Dance of the Jaguar) is rooted in the Mixtec understanding of the duality of life and death and the fight of good against evil. The Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men) is a humorous dance featuring dancers colorfully dressed as old men. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life.

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National Museum of the American Indian News

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Ford Foundation presents a $1.1 million gift to support the US Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, featuring an exhibition by artist Jeffrey Gibson.

Mellon Foundation Gives $1 Million To US Pavilion At 2024 Venice Biennale

Today, Portland Art Museum (PAM) in Oregon and SITE Sante Fe (SITE) in New Mexico, the commissioning institutions of the U.S. Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, announced that the Mellon Foundation will serve as the presenting sponsor for Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me thanks to a lead gift of $1 million.  

The Helltown Players to Present LITTLE DEVILS as Inaugural Production

Helltown Players have announced its inaugural production, 'Little Devils,' a showcase of six short plays that highlight the creativity and diversity of Cape Cod's playwrights.

Sundance Institute Reveals 2024 Merata Mita Fellow and Inaugural Graton Fellow

Sundance Institute has revealed the 2024 Merata Mita Fellow and Inaugural Graton Fellows. Learn more here!

Mayor Johnston And Denver Arts & Venues Announce Awards For Excellence In Arts & Culture

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Arts & Venues and the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture.

CITIZEN By Greg Sarris to Open at Z Below in October

Directed by Gendell Hing-Hernández, CITIZEN opens on October 21. This Word for Word and Z Space production tells the tale of Salvador, born in the U.S. and raised in Mexico, the son of an American Indian mother and a Mexican father.

Shuvinai Ashoona's Exhibition 'Looking Out, Looking In' Comes to Fort Gansevoort

Beginning September 19, 2023, Fort Gansevoort will present Looking Out, Looking In, the first New York solo exhibition by contemporary Inuk artist Shuvinai Ashoona. Hailing from the Canadian Arctic, Ashoona lives and works in Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), an Inuit hamlet at the southern tip of Baffin Island in the territory of Nunavut.

Megan Hilty to Headline BrightFocus Foundation 50th Anniversary Gala & Awards Ceremony

Megan Hilty, who played Ivy Lynn in the NBC musical drama 'Smash,' will headline the 50th- anniversary gala and awards ceremony of BrightFocus Foundation on June 14 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C.

Mosaic Theater Reveals 2023-2024 Season

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Ucross Art Gallery Opens Exhibition Featuring Recipients Of Its Award For Native American Visual Artists

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Concord Theatricals Acquires Licensing and Publishing Rights for the Catalog of William S. Yellow Robe, Jr.

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Emily Johnson to Premiere BEING FUTURE BEING at BroadStage in September

Being Future Being will have its world premiere at BroadStage at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, September 8–10, 2022, followed by performances at New York Live Arts, October 20–22.


National Museum of the American Indian Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to National Museum of the American Indian

The closest subway stops to the National Museum of the American Indian at 1 Bowling Green in New York City are:

1. Bowling Green station: This subway station is located right next to the museum. It is served by the 4 and 5 trains. For the most up-to-date information on subway schedules and service changes, you can visit the official MTA website [here](http://www.mta.info/).

2. Whitehall Street station: This station is also within walking distance of the museum. It is served by the R and W trains.

I would recommend using the MTA Trip Planner tool [here](http://tripplanner.mta.info/) to plan your subway journey to the museum. Simply enter your starting location and the tool will provide you with the best subway route and any service advisories that may affect your trip.

While you're in the area, I also recommend checking out Battery Park, which is a beautiful waterfront park just a short walk away from the museum. You can enjoy stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from here. Additionally, the Charging Bull statue is located nearby, which is a popular tourist attraction.

I hope you have a wonderful visit to the National Museum of the American Indian and enjoy exploring the surrounding area!


What's the best way to get to National Museum of the American Indian by bus?

The closest NYC bus stops to the National Museum of the American Indian at 1 Bowling Green are:

1. Bowling Green/Battery Place: Served by the M5, M15, and M20 buses. You can check for updates on the M5 bus [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400001) and the M15 bus [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400015).

2. State Street/Bridge Street: Served by the M9 bus. You can check for updates on the M9 bus [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400009).

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your time at the National Museum of the American Indian!


How much time should I plan to spend at National Museum of the American Indian?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City depends on your level of interest and the amount of time you have available. On average, visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the museum's exhibits and galleries. However, if you have a deep interest in Native American history and culture, you may want to allocate more time to fully immerse yourself in the museum's offerings.

The museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and interactive displays that highlight the rich heritage of Native peoples throughout the Americas. Take your time to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship, learn about diverse indigenous cultures, and engage with the thought-provoking exhibitions.

Additionally, the museum often hosts special events, performances, and film screenings, so be sure to check their schedule to see if there are any activities you'd like to attend during your visit.

Remember, it's always a good idea to plan some extra time in case you want to revisit certain exhibits or explore the museum's gift shop, which offers unique Native American crafts and souvenirs.


Can I bring food and drinks into National Museum of the American Indian?

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City has a food and drink policy that prohibits outside food and beverages from being brought into the museum. However, there is a café located within the museum where visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drink options. The café offers a selection of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages inspired by Native American cuisine. So while you can't bring your own food, you can definitely grab a bite to eat at the museum's café and experience some unique flavors during your visit.


Does National Museum of the American Indian offer luggage storage?

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City does not have a designated luggage storage facility. However, they do offer a coat check service where you can leave your coats and small bags. It's important to note that larger bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not allowed inside the museum. If you have larger items, I recommend looking for nearby luggage storage services or checking with your hotel if they offer luggage storage for their guests.


Is National Museum of the American Indian a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City is definitely worth a visit for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The museum offers a rich and immersive experience that showcases the diverse cultures and histories of Native American peoples.

While English is the primary language used in the museum, there are resources available to accommodate non-English speakers. The museum provides multilingual audio guides in several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and more. These audio guides offer detailed explanations of the exhibits, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the museum's collections and learn about Native American cultures in their preferred language.

Additionally, the museum features visual displays, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that transcend language barriers. Visitors can explore the stunning art, traditional clothing, historical objects, and contemporary works that tell the stories of Native American communities throughout the Americas.

The National Museum of the American Indian is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors, regardless of their language or cultural background. So, whether you're a non-English speaker or visiting from another country, you can expect to have a meaningful and enjoyable visit to this unique cultural institution.


What ages are appropriate for National Museum of the American Indian?

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. While there is no specific age range recommendation, the museum offers exhibits and programs that cater to a wide range of interests and knowledge levels. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about Native American culture, you'll find something to engage and educate you at the museum. Families with children will also find interactive exhibits and educational activities designed to entertain and inspire young minds. So, whether you're traveling with kids or exploring on your own, don't miss the opportunity to visit this unique and enriching museum!


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