National Museum of the American Indian

About

The National Museum of the American Indian is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the history, cultures, and arts of Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Its sweeping curvilinear building on the National Mall — designed in dialogue with Native architectural and landscape traditions — houses more than 800,000 objects representing Indigenous nations from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego. Unlike many institutions that interpret Native cultures from outside perspectives, NMAI was founded on the principle of Indigenous self-representation. Native nations and communities have been central collaborators in the design and interpretation of every exhibit, ensuring that stories are told in terms meaningful to the peoples whose heritage they represent. The result is a museum that presents living, contemporary cultures alongside deep historical timelines — not relegating Native identity to a historical past. Galleries explore Native relationships with land and environment, traditions of governance and law, artistic practices across diverse media, and the ongoing resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of centuries of colonialism. The museum's public programs frequently feature Native artists, scholars, and community members. For homeschooling families interested in Indigenous history, civics, ecology, or cultural studies, NMAI offers a depth and seriousness of engagement that is difficult to find elsewhere. Admission is always free.

Subject Areas

Best For