The building stands on the site of Fort Amsterdam, the original 17th-century Dutch colonial fortification.
The exterior facade features twelve massive sculptures representing the four continents, created by Daniel Chester French.
The building's oval rotunda is decorated with murals by Reginald Marsh depicting historical ships and nautical themes.
The museum holds a permanent collection containing over 800,000 items spanning 12,000 years of history.
The interior stonework includes rare marbles sourced from multiple countries, reflecting the global reach of early 20th-century trade.
The National Museum of the American Indian in New York occupies the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a Beaux-Arts landmark designed by Cass Gilbert. The museum functions as a branch of the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features elaborate sculptural programs and interior murals. Exhibits include extensive collections of historical artifacts, contemporary Native art, jewelry, and textiles. The museum focuses on the cultural diversity of Indigenous communities across North, Central, and South America. Visitors can access galleries that present rotating exhibitions alongside permanent displays. The museum serves as a research hub and public space for exploring Indigenous perspectives.
The center of the grand Rotunda, looking up at the vaulted ceiling and murals.
Check the museum's calendar for live demonstrations or artist talks which occur frequently.
Take time to examine the architectural details of the Rotunda and the grand staircase before entering the galleries.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Battery Park for views of the harbor.
Mistaking this for the larger Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian located in Washington, D.C.
The museum is generally open daily; check for closures on major winter holidays.
