Welcome!
We’re pleased to welcome visitors to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.
Entrance & Safety
Entrance to the museum is free; tickets are not required. Safety measures are in place to protect the health of visitors, staff, and volunteers based on guidance from the CDC and local governments. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave or may not be admitted to the museum.
Face Coverings
Masks are recommended, but not required, to visit the National Museum of the American Indian. Visitors are encouraged to consider social distancing during their visit.
Security
The NMAI’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.
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.
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.
Mitsitam Cafe | Closed through late spring 2024
The Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe is under renovation through late spring 2024 to enhance the visitor experience and better showcase the cafe’s Native-inspired foods. “Mitsitam” means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples.
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.
Are visitors required to wear a face covering?
Masks are recommended, but not required, to visit the National Museum of the American Indian. Visitors are encouraged to consider social distancing during their visit.
Are there visitor limits in the museum?
The museum monitors crowd levels throughout the day. We appreciate your patience and understanding if you are asked to wait to enter the museum or an area within the museum.
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. For other assistance, 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 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.
