National Museum of the American Indian, Washington D.C.

National Museum of the American Indian, Washington D.C.

The National Museum of the American Indian boasts an impressive collection of over 800,000 items, which represent the diverse indigenous populations from across the Americas. This vast assortment spans a remarkable 12,000 years of history. Notably, some of the artifacts in this collection are of great cultural significance, and it is necessary to obtain permission from the respective Native American groups to showcase them.

The museum's architectural design offers a pleasant departure from some of the imposing structures found in the Washington, D.C. area, blending harmoniously with its surroundings. Moreover, the amenities provided within the museum set it apart. Particularly noteworthy is the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, which explores and serves native dishes from five different regions, both in contemporary and traditional styles. The menu includes delectable options such as fry bread, corn totopos, and buffalo burgers. This is an experience not to be missed.

The artifacts within the museum are categorized into four main components: objects, photographs, media, and documents. While these categories are interconnected, they serve as a useful starting point for organizing the extensive collections. The museum also offers a diverse range of events, including film screenings, musical performances, audio-guided tours, and special activities tailored for children.

Tip:
Start on the top floor with a short (13min) film and then work your way down to the bottom level where you can enjoy lunch.
The café is probably the best museum lunch spot around, with stations representing cuisines of different tribal areas.
Don't miss the gift shop – many creative, beautiful hand made items. Enjoy shopping!

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Washington D.C.. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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National Museum of the American Indian on Map

Sight Name: National Museum of the American Indian
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Washington D.C., USA

Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.

Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.

Creating your own self-guided walk in Washington D.C. is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Arlington National Cemetery Tour

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example," a distinguished politician of the 19th century said once.

The historic military necropolis – the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Georgetown Walking Tour

Georgetown Walking Tour

Overlooking the Potomac River, in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., lies a historic neighborhood called Georgetown. Those poetically inclined tend to compare Georgetown to "a tapestry of cobblestone dreams and timeless grace." Indeed, this part of Washington, D.C., replete with charming tree-lined, cobblestone streets, cultural landmarks, and a vibrant atmosphere, is a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour

DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years," goes the famous quote by Abraham Lincoln.

Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. – the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons – had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Federal Buildings Walking Tour

Federal Buildings Walking Tour

The capital of the United States is home to several notable federal buildings that hold significant historical, architectural, and governmental value.

Among the stately “emblems of authority” in Washington D.C. perhaps the most prominent is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States – The White House. This resplendent mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour

Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia or simply The District, is the capital of the United States and, in many senses, America’s front yard. After the American Revolution, the need for the newly independent nation's federal government to have authority over a capital city and not rely on any state for its maintenance and safety, came in the wake of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles

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