National Museum of the American Indian — Attraction in Washington

Crappy museum about Native Americans.

The building is inspired by Cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde so I was quite excited to go. Sadly this museum is definitely a vague idea of how the government views natives. Not about culture, religion/beliefs, their own history, or how terrible the issues natives face. I myself could curate a better museum in 15 minutes.

Native American history is somber and we should acknowledge and be made aware of the troubling issues they’ve gone through but they are also more than their tragedies. They have stories, lifestyles, language, culture, and how some have integrated into modern culture.

Whoever curated this place cares little to actually provide a sense of native culture and history unless it’s directly related to colonization and suppression. They have an entire hall dedicated to the racial imagery presented in American pop culture, all perfectly kept pristine behind glass windows and a giant hall. Felt like there was more stuff and information on how horribly misrepresented they were rather than who they are.

When going through the history route it clearly undermines how they were mistreated. Sugar coated and dismissive. I remember at one point they brought up casinos and how it was beneficial they won a case for being able to have gambling without fines as they too were striking gold. This is a harmful misconception. Other times it failed to mention proper groups or issues they struggle due to regulations that make reservation life difficult. They also didn’t really talk about how badly culture, diminished populations and knowledge was lost when they were forced into reservations.

I was hoping to see them talk about famous national park locations as how native Americans believed they came to be, like devils tower. Their culture of how they lived and moved around. Their own understanding of how men are to be and what woman were taught. I was excited to see beautiful artworks and practical pieces. Beading work and how some Natives continue to bring this to current day styles making a beaded dress for the Met gala or Netflix premier or in current everyday fashion. Tv shows and movies that show native Americans being the main character. But nope. It was just a sweep under the rug, basic understanding and little effort. I feel like, while still having many flaws but very much acknowledging, the Denver science museum gave a better look and history of who natives are (of course through a biased and colonized eye).

There was a small gallery art from a Native American. It was focused on the struggles of boarding school and suppression. It was beautiful, simple yet striking and emotional. Felt like a small voice yelling softly in a place that cares little about them. The artist was vulnerable and able to share such a tragic issue but convey it well. I’m glad they had this and it was probably the best bit of the museum. I felt like their could’ve also been additional art or just more of current day Native Americans who have found a way to use respective art styles or practice to create modern pieces that express or reflect celebration or on going issues.

Oh lastly gift shop is a waste, most manufactured and sells stuff that seems like a waste or glorifying tragedy in a pendant. I think national parks has better items and that’s...

If you're looking for a meaningful and enlightening experience, the Museum of the American Indian is an absolute must-visit. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this gem showcases the rich narrative and profound contributions of Native American cultures throughout history.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by vibrant displays that pop with color and history. The architecture is itself a piece of art, reminiscent of the land and nature that holds deep significance for many Indigenous tribes. The layout is intuitive, guiding you through immersive exhibits that transport you across time and space, from ancient civilizations to contemporary Gill artist showcases.

One of the standout exhibits illustrated the incredible diversity of languages, traditions, and beliefs among the hundreds of tribes recognized today. Interactive elements, including touchscreens that delve deeper into specific cultures and timelines, kept my curiosity piqued and made the experience incredibly engaging. You can almost feel the echo of stories, powwows, and rituals that permeate the very air of this magnificent place.

But what really struck me was the authenticity and respect conveyed in every piece on display. Each item tells a story, and the accompanying descriptions reflect sensitivity, ensuring that the voices and narratives of Indigenous peoples are preserved, honored, and shared widely. The museum not only informs but also encourages thoughtful discussions around cultural representation and reconciliation.

Don’t miss out on the engaging workshops and talks often hosted here. During my visit, I attended a fascinating session led by local Indigenous artists discussing modern interpretations of traditional crafts. It added a wonderful dimension to my understanding, bridging the past to the present in a beautifully coherent way.

Lastly, the museum shop has a curated selection of authentic Native American art, crafting kits, and books—what better way to support these communities than by bringing a piece of their heritage home?

In summary, the Museum of the American Indian is more than just a museum—it's an educational hub that celebrates Indigenous culture, fosters understanding, and prompts reflection. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone looking to expand your horizons, I can not recommend this experience enough. It's a historical journey you'll carry with you long after you've left its...

First of all, I must say that the architecture and overall design of the interior and exterior of the building is absolutely amazing. This includes the waterfall, curving stream, rustic outdoor garden, and the National Native American Veterans Memorial. The curves of the Kasota limestone are similar to what we see in rocks, mountains, and beaches. All shaped by a body of water, or by the element of wind. It's a very natural looking form.

As you enter, there is a circular atrium where they host daily events with tribal stories and songs. You don't even need to be in the atrium to see or hear it. Just hang out in one of the overlooks. The acoustics carry well throughout the museum.

It's probably best to start your exploration on the 4th floor and work your way down. There were a couple of galleries that were closed. I remember it being a much larger collection. So much so, that we felt overwhelmed with so much information. Not this time. It was my husband's first visit, and he was a little disappointed. I totally understood why. It just didn't feel complete, and maybe because that big gallery on level 3 was closed. We did see displays pertaining to the Trail of Tears (Cherokee), The Long Walk (Navajo), and even the Bison Genocide (tribes in the Great Plains). The Unbound and Nation to Nation exhibits had artifacts such as cultural winter counts and history of the treaties between the US and Native American peoples. There was also modern day arts & crafts in the windowed galleries of every overlook. The Americans exhibit that shows how Native American images are deeply rooted into American society somehow brings everything back to the present. Some were demeaning images, but many show power & strength. You'll see so many familiar images. Some of which have been removed from advertisements over the years such as Land O'Lakes Butter. I didn't even realize the logo had changed. I had to look at the package in my refrigerator to confirm it. I must still see that image subconsciously in my mind. Strange, but true.

This museum's collection represents about 1,200 Indigenous cultures from the Americas, but you'd never know it. Maybe it includes the collection at their location in New York. All I can say is that I've been reading more about Colonialism, and the way it still affects Native Americans today. Maybe that is the objective. To motivate people to search for the...