National Museum of the American Indian New York

The National Museum of the American Indian New York is certainly worth a visit. For people who are visiting the city for the first time, but also for those who have been to New York before. The National Museum of the American Indian is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., the biggest museum and research complex in the world is run by the American government. And that’s what makes the National Museum of the American Indian so nice to visit: it’s absolutely free.

Museum of the American Indian & U.S. Custom House

The National Museum of the American Indian in New York presents interesting exhibitions about the art and culture of the First Nations. Furthermore, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, where the museum is housed, is not only a beautiful building but has a rich history. It’s built on the remains of Fort Amsterdam, built by the Dutch in 1625 to protect the nearby harbour of New Amsterdam.

The site became the meeting place for the Dutch and the Native Americans who exchanged animal skins for knowledge of the seas and trade routes. Unfortunately, this contact wasn’t always peaceful. The English, to whom New Amsterdam was sold in 1664 also had a conflict with the natives. Consequently, the National Museum of American Indian being housed in the U.S. Custom House is no coincidence.

Infinity of Nations

The permanent exhibition “Infinity of Nations” shows the history and art of the various Indian nations. It is but a selection of the millions of objects that the wealthy New Yorker George Gustav Heye (1874 – 1957) collected during his travels through North, South, and Central America.

Upon entering the museum in Lower Manhattan, at the end of the oval hall, you will find the entrance to this exhibition. Don’t forget to look up before you enter, the ceiling of the oval hall has been beautifully decorated with paintings of the former harbour. Once inside, view the various clothes, utensils, and artworks of the Indians, each divided per habitat.

The Omaha Tribe and the Apsáalooke Tribe

Start for example in the middle, where you can learn more about the Omaha tribe and the Apsáalooke tribe from the Midwest of the United States. A very tiny wedding gown is on display from the wealthy Inshata-Theumba of the Omaha tribe. You can also admire a warrior robe from the Apsáalooke tribe that men received when they completed important military tasks during their lifetime. The robe is made from buffalo skin and shows drawings of the accomplishments of the wearer. The robe is one of the two robes that have been preserved.

While walking through the exhibition you will observe that different tribes have different styles and utensils. The Seminole tribe used a lot of red whereas the Lakota tribe favoured yellow and blue. Hunting weapons are tailored to different habitats. And where one tribe was primarily interested in woodwork, another completely focused on ceramics and stone. Whoever is interested in such variety should head over to the room on the right side of the oval hall. Modern art from young Indian artists is on display there. You can also enjoy dance and musical performances on a floor lower. Check the program from their website.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: daily 10:00 – 17:00
• Location: One Bowling Green
• How to get there: Take subway line 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or subway line 1 to South Ferry. Once above ground, you can’t miss the beautiful building. With impressive columns on both sides and an imposing staircase, the U.S. Custom House looks like a Greek temple.
• Admission: free

Next to The National Museum of the American Indian, there are many more top New York museums to visit.