National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is a Smithsonian museum dedicated to the traditions and culture of Native people in the Western Hemisphere
The National Museum of the American Indian was created as a “living memorial to Native Americans.” Unlike some of the other national museums, the National Museum of the American Indian is not limited to Native people who lived or live in what is now the United States. Groups from North, Central, and South America as well as the Pacific Islands are highlighted. Museum staff closely collaborate with various indigenous communities and organizations to develop exhibits and provide educational programming and events. Although the museum feels large and spacious, most of the exhibits can be found on the third and fourth floors.
My favorite exhibit is “Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World.” The canopy of stars that greets adventurers creates a moody and reflective atmosphere. This exhibit uses storytelling to explore the worldviews and philosophies of eight different Native groups. Humans’ relationship with nature, seasonal observances, ancestral wisdom, and beliefs about the order of the world are all highlighted throughout this area of the museum. Make sure to stop and watch the videos, read the stories, and appreciate the intricate details in the ceremonial outfits.
Other exhibits explore the way of life for different groups of American Indians. From the cold winters of Alaska to the mountains of Peru, indigenous groups were influenced by the landscape and resources in their natural environment. There is much more variety in traditional foods, commerce, art, social structure, and traditions among American Indians than many visitors may realize.
The Nation to Nation exhibit digs into the complicated history between Indian Nations and the United States. Treaties, diplomacy, armed conflict, and forced removal are all touched on. A lot of reading is required to fully appreciate these displays. Some critics also feel that this exhibit glosses over the injustices and horrific treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government. Having recently visited the incredible Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, which uses first-person accounts to describe the experiences of American Indians who were forced to attend federally-run boarding schools in an attempt to “civilize” them, I agree that the exhibits at the National Museum of the American Indian at times lack depth and underplay the bad faith that served as the foundation for many of these treaties.
The Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe is perhaps the most well-known part of the National Museum of the American Indian. Unlike many of the other museums on the National Mall with fast food offerings, Mitsitam features indigenous and indigenous inspired food and changes their menu seasonally. Unfortunately for adventurers on a budget, Mitsitam is surprisingly expensive for a museum cafeteria. If you aren’t the mood to cook on Thanksgiving, though, the National Museum of the American Indian is open, and their holiday menu is worth the stress relief of not trying to cook a big meal in a small apartment.
After viewing the exhibits, take a walk around the exterior of the building to appreciate its architecture and view additional art displays. The building design and landscaping reflect indigenous people’s connection to nature. You can also listen to the free, 30-minute Spirit of a Native Place architecture walking tour as you walk around the museum. The lunar calendar below can be found near the south entrance and is a nod to the Native cultures that observe the lunar cycle in their lives and traditions.
The new Americans exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian is receiving positive reviews, but I have not yet had a chance to check it out. This exhibit examines the way American Indians are represented in imagery, place and object names, and narratives in both historical and contemporary American life. The goal of the exhibit is to start conversations about identity and the tension between representation and stereotypes.
The National Museum of the American Indian plays an important role in telling the stories of Native people and nations and providing respectful ways to explore their culture and traditions. I definitely encourage adventurers to check it out.
Like this adventure? Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates with the latest adventures on the blog, ideas for things to do in DC, and tips for exploring the District.
Address
4th St SW & Independence Ave SW
Metro Station
- Federal Center SW (OR, BL, SV)
- L’Enfant Plaza (OR, BL, SV, GR, YL)
Cost
Free
Hours
Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Length of Adventure
1-2 hours
