National Museum of the American Indian
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National Museum of the American Indian - by Damon Bryant on Google
Description
The National Museum of the American Indian includes a collection of Native American artefacts and related photographs. It is divided by geographic areas (Amazon, Andes, Arctic/Subarctic, California/Great Basin, Mesoamerican/Caribbean, Northwest Coast, Patagonia, Plains/Plateau and Woodlands) with an additional section for contemporary art. The museum actually has two locations (and one research center in Maryland): one in NYC and one on the National Mall in Washington which is being reviewed here. The curvilinear building design is shaped to evoke natural rock formations and the interior of the museum has almost no sharp corners, conveying the concept of organic flow.
Access & Transport
The museum is at the southeast of the National Mall, just west of the US Capitol and Botanic Garden. The closest public transport options are the 'Federal Center SW' metro station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines), 'L'Enfant' train station (Fredericksburg and Manassas lines) and bus services along Independence Ave SW and 4th St SW.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining his activity with the US Capitol, the US Botanical Garden and/or the Air & Space Museum.
Environmental & Social
The building has a LEED Silver rating (2011) but was built purposely to house the collection. Helps preserve a diverse cultural and historical heritage and educate visitors around it.
Conclusion
Given the colonization's background of the USA and the unquantifiable toll on Native Americans, the museum is another informative, necessary and worthy addition to the National Mall scene (especially as there are few alternatives on the topic) BUT our opinion is that by choosing to document the culture of individual tribes the museum lacks a 'unifying' section - probably around the historical events and interaction. This is not to say that differences should not be documented but there is a lack of high-level/macro analysis.
Key positive
Impressive artefacts on display
Visually enjoyable building design
Central location and free admission
Key negative
Light on the historical aspects
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in August 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h 15m
Monday10:00 - 17:30
Tuesday10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday10:00 - 17:30
Thursday10:00 - 17:30
Friday10:00 - 17:30
Saturday10:00 - 17:30
Sunday10:00 - 17:30