Open
Daily 10 AM–5:30 PM
except December 25
Plan your visit

Admission is free
Plan your visit

The National Museum of the American Indian is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol Building. All visitors, except for pre-registered groups, must enter through the eastern-facing doors nearest 3rd Street SW. The group entrance is on Maryland Avenue nearest 4th Street SW.

Metro and Bus
The nearest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Green/Yellow lines). Exit toward Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums. Walk two blocks east (toward the U.S. Capitol Building) on Maryland Avenue. Bus lines are 30, 32, 34-36—Friendship Heights/Southern Avenue. Visit www.wmata.com or call 202-637-7000 for more information.

Parking and Drop-Off
The museum does not have a public parking facility. Metered public parking is available on surrounding streets and a number of commercial parking facilities are convenient to the museum. See the Smithsonian's Parking Map for details. Parking on the National Mall is managed by the National Park Service. Visit the National Park Service website for more information. Bus drop-offs are allowed on Maryland Avenue only.

Adult chaperones are required for all student groups. Chaperones must supervise and remain with their groups at all times. Groups that are inadequately supervised during their visit may be asked to leave the building. Groups of students Grade 3 and below require a ratio of one (1) chaperone for every five (5) students. Groups of students Grade 4 and up require a ratio of one (1) adult for every ten (10) students.

The museum's security procedures ensure visitor safety and the protection of objects in the museum. Smithsonian security personnel conduct a thorough but speedy hand-check of visitors' bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. Visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those who are unable to do so are hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Help speed entry into the museum by having all purses or bags open and ready for inspection, and pockets emptied before going through the screening station. Please note there may be a line to enter the museum on busy days. Security policies and a list of prohibited items are available on the Smithsonian's Security page.