Designed in collaboration with tribes from throughout the continent and set in the heart of the National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian is set apart by its curvilinear architecture, indigenous landscaping, and expansive collections. Exhibits include collections focused on local tribes, Native ceremonies and ancestry, and the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. The museum is a popular stop on walking, biking, Segway, and hop-on-hop-off bus tours. You can also visit with a historian/guide on a tour of DC’s top museums.
Located on the National Mall between the US Capitol Building and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian is easily accessible on foot (from nearby attractions) or by public transportation. The nearest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Green/Yellow lines) and convenient bus lines include 30, 32, 34, 35, and 36.
Midday is one of the most popular times to visit the museum because visitors can catch lunch at the museum’s acclaimed cafe before or after exploring the museum. Check the museum’s online schedule if you are interested in a specific exhibit or event.
While many museum cafes offer non-noteworthy fare that museum-goers only eat in a pinch, the Mitsitam Cafe stands alone, drawing in diners who aren’t even visiting the museum otherwise. The cafe offers indigenous cuisine at five different themed food stations such as “Sea and Streams” and “Mountains and Plains.” With dishes ranging from traditional fry bread to bison burgers, the cafe blends historic and contemporary cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavors.
