Welcome!
We’re pleased to welcome visitors to the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, NY. 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 Federal Protective Services who conduct a thorough 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 visitors a lively space to explore scientific principles behind Native innovations and technologies that are so ingenious, many remain a part of our daily lives. The experience will leave visitors with a key takeaway—Indigenous people are the original innovators of the Americas. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, capacity is limited in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Groups may register to secure a timed entry.
Mili Kàpi Cafe
Open 10 AM–4 PM, Wednesday–Sunday
The Mili Kàpi Cafe offers hot and cold beverages and light casual fare—sandwiches, salads, and sweets—highlighting ingredients indigenous to the Americas. Mili Kàpi means “give me some coffee” in the Native language of the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of New York City. The cafe is located on the Second Floor, on the same level as the Museum Store.
Museum Store in New York, NY
Open daily 10 AM–5 PM
For more than 20 years, the Museum Store of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has served as New York City’s premier destination to purchase authentic Native American merchandise. The store features items from a wide representation of Native groups, offering apparel, art, literature, jewelry, food, and more for all ages. Members of the museum receive a 10 percent discount for purchases made at the store. Selected books, music, and gifts are also available via our online bookstore and the Smithsonian Store.
The site of the Museum Store historically served as the Cashier’s Office of the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, now a city landmark. The renovation of the space preserves original details like antique metal dividers for the cashier’s cages, and design flourishes, such as intricate crown molding, grand chandeliers, and even the original vault used by the cashiers.
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
The museum is located in the historic Alexander Hamilton US Custom House at One Bowling Green in lower Manhattan. The museum entrance is on the south side of Bowling Green, adjacent to the northeast corner of Battery Park.
Subway
4 & 5 trains to Bowling Green
1 train to Rector Street or South Ferry
R (& W on weekdays) trains to Whitehall Street
J & Z trains to Broad Street
2 & 3 trains to Wall Street
Bus
M5, M15, M20
Visit NY MTA for maps and service updates for subways and buses.
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. See the Downtown Alliance’s directory for details.
Accessibility
The National Museum of the American Indian in New York, NY, is accessible to people with disabilities. The ground floor entrance and all exhibitions are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis by request of security staff on the ground floor. Additional accessibility services can be provided with two weeks advance notice. For scheduling questions, contact the Reservations Office at nmai-groupreservations@si.edu or 202-633-6644.
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? Are tickets free?
Entrance to the museum is free; tickets are not required.
How do I bring my organized group to the museum in New York?
Self-guided groups of any size are not required to register or have reservations or tickets to visit the museum. Student groups interested in timed entry to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center or the Native New York exhibition may make a reservation.
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 youth Grades 3 and below require a ratio of one (1) chaperone for every five (5) youths. Groups of youth Grade 4 and up require a ratio of one (1) adult for every ten (10) youths.
For information, email nmai-groupreservations@si.edu.
Does the museum in New York have wheelchairs available?
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis by request of security staff on the ground floor. 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 New York have parking?
The museum does not have parking. Buses may drop off groups at State Street or Whitehall Street. 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.
