Welcome!
We’re pleased to welcome visitors to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. The museum cares for one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego.
Entrance
Entrance to the museum is free; tickets are not required. Masks are welcome, but not required. We recommend you review the information below to plan a safe and enjoyable visit.
Safety & Security
The museum’s security measures ensure visitor safety and the protection of objects in the museum. Visitors are greeted upon entry to the building by Smithsonian security personnel who conduct a thorough but speedy hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. Visitors will walk through a metal detector or be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave or may not be admitted to the museum.
See prohibited and permitted items
The following items are PROHIBITED in the museum:
- • tripods
- • monopods
- • selfie sticks
- • guns
- • knives
- • pen knives
- • pets
- • food and drinks
- • scissors
- • aerosol cans, including pepper spray and mace
- • tools
- • smoking
- • placards, signs, or banners
The following items are PERMITTED in the museum:
- • service animals
- • mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.)
- • strollers
- • cameras
- • bottled water
Refer to the Smithsonian’s security policy for the most current information.
imagiNATIONS Activity Center
Open 10 AM–4:30 PM, Tuesday–Sunday
The interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides young visitors a lively space with a wide variety of learning experiences. The cultural and scientific knowledge of Indigenous peoples reflects a tradition driven by innovation that is both unique and universal. Today many of their innovations and inventions are part of daily life for millions worldwide. Visitors to the center may explore some of these ingenious adaptations through a variety of play-based interactives. Recommended for ages 10 and younger.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, capacity is limited in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, and entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis. During high visitation periods, additional entry procedures may apply. Large groups should check in at the imagiNATIONS Activity Center entry desk. Adult chaperones are required for all student groups.
Mitsitam Cafe | Open daily 11 AM–4 PM
The Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe offers a menu of Native-inspired foods. Under the leadership of executive chef Alexandra “Alex” Strong, stations reflect the bounties of the various regions throughout the Western Hemisphere, from the Four Corners to coastlines and woodlands. “Mitsitam” means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples.
Espresso Bar | Open daily 10 AM–5 PM
The museum’s Espresso Bar offers a variety of Native-inspired food options such as posole, chili, Hatch green chile corn muffins, wild rice salad, and sandwiches. Pastries and desserts are also available.
Group sales inquiries: Visit Smithsonian Group Sales and Reservations or email segroupsales@si.edu.
Museum Store in Washington, DC
Open daily 10 AM–5:30 PM
Architecturally warm and inviting, the Roanoke Museum Store presents Native American artistry from the past and present, illustrating how different artists interpret cultural traditions and art forms. The store features jewelry, textiles, and other works by Native artisans; souvenirs; and children’s books and toys. Selected books, music, and gifts are also available via our online bookstore and the Smithsonian Store. The name “Roanoke” reflects the importance of waterways to Native commerce, a reference to the shells once used as currency by local Native peoples.
Vendors
To propose Native American arts, crafts, or media for the museum’s stores in Washington, DC, and New York, complete and submit a Vendor Product Proposal.
Getting Here
Walk, Bike, or Taxi
The entrance to the museum is at Third Street and Maryland Avenue, SW, facing the US Capitol Building.
Public Transportation
The nearest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Green/Yellow lines). Exit toward Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums. Walk two blocks east (toward the US Capitol Building) on Maryland Avenue. Bus lines are 30, 32, 34–36—Friendship Heights/Southern Avenue. Visit Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority or call 202-637-7000 for more information.
Driving and Parking
The museum does not have parking. Metered public parking is available on surrounding streets and there are several commercial parking facilities convenient to the museum.
Accessibility
The museum is accessible to people with disabilities. The following resources are available to visitors. Additional resources, including interpretive tours, will resume when onsite programming and tours resume.
Arriving and Parking
Visitors with vehicles displaying the international symbol of accessibility may park in the two spaces available for this purpose located adjacent to the museum on the northeast corner of Jefferson Drive and Fourth Street, SW.
Wheelchair Accessibility and Availability
Entrances to the museum have ramps to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. All levels of the museum, including exhibition spaces and public facilities, are accessible by elevator. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the security desks located near both entrances.
Visitors who are blind or have low vision
The museum is a location for the Aira Access mobile information and verbal description service. Visitors can download the free Aira app on a smartphone, connect to the museum’s free Wi-Fi, and use the app to speak to an Aira agent courtesy of the Smithsonian. Visit Aira Access for more information.
Smithsonian Accessibility Program
The Accessibility Program supports the Smithsonian in making all visitors feel welcome by providing consistent, effortless access to the Institution’s programs, collections, and facilities. For more information on Smithsonian accessibility policies and programs, visit Access Smithsonian, or contact 202-633-2921 (voice) or access@si.edu.
FAQ
Do I need a ticket to visit?
Entrance to the museum is free; tickets are not required.
How do I bring my organized group to the museum in Washington, DC?
Self-guided groups of any size are not required to register or have reservations or tickets to visit the museum. The museum does not offer formal programming (e.g., school group tours) for groups.
Adult chaperones are required for all student groups. Chaperones must supervise and remain with their groups at all times. Groups that are inadequately supervised during their visit may be asked to leave the building. Groups of students grade 3 and below require a ratio of one (1) chaperone for every five (5) students. Groups of students grade 4 and up require a ratio of one (1) adult for every ten (10) students.
For information, email nmai-groupreservations@si.edu.
Does the museum in Washington, DC, have wheelchairs available?
Wheelchairs are available for visitors. See Accessibility for more information.
Does the museum have lockers?
No, the museum does not have lockers or places to store your belongings. Please refer to the prohibited and permitted items list above and review the Smithsonian's security policy to plan your visit with the most current information.
Does the museum in Washington, DC, have parking?
The museum does not have parking. Metered public parking is available on surrounding streets and there are several commercial parking facilities convenient to the museum. See Getting Here for more information.
