Welcome!
We’re pleased to welcome visitors to the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, NY.
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 not required to visit the National Museum of the American Indian in New York. 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 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.
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, 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 entrance. School groups require a reservation.
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.
Are visitors required to wear a face covering?
Masks are not required to visit the National Museum of the American Indian in New York. 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 New York?
Self-guided groups of any size are not required to register or have reservations or tickets to visit the museum. School groups interested in entry to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, need to make a reservation. For other assistance, 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 in New York 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.
