Getting Here

Walking Map from the Hilton to the Museum

*The entrance to the museum is at Independence and 4th St SW-Staff entrance before 10am*

Public Transportation

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 US Capitol Building) on Maryland Avenue. Bus lines are 30, 32, 34–36—Friendship Heights/Southern Avenue. Visit Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority​ or call 202-637-7000 for more information.

Driving and Parking

The museum does not have parking. Metered public parking is available on surrounding streets and there are several commercial parking facilities convenient to the museum.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to people with disabilities. The following resources are available to visitors. Additional resources, including interpretive tours, will resume when onsite programming and tours resume.

Arriving and Parking

Visitors with vehicles displaying the international symbol of accessibility may park in the two spaces available for this purpose located adjacent to the museum on the northeast corner of Jefferson Drive and Fourth Street, SW.

Wheelchair Accessibility and Availability

Entrances to the museum have ramps to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. All levels of the museum, including exhibition spaces and public facilities, are accessible by elevator. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the security desks located near both entrances.

Visitors who are blind or have low vision

The museum is a location for the Aira Access mobile information and verbal description service. Visitors can download the free Aira app on a smartphone, connect to the museum's free Wi-Fi, and use the app to speak to an Aira agent courtesy of the Smithsonian. Visit Aira Access​ for more information.

Smithsonian Accessibility Program

The Accessibility Program​ supports the Smithsonian in making all visitors feel welcome by providing consistent, effortless access to the Institution's programs, collections, and facilities. For more information on Smithsonian accessibility policies and programs, visit Access Smithsonian​, or contact 202-633-2921 (voice) or access@si.edu.

Welcome!

We're pleased to welcome visitors to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC.

The Mitsitam Cafe​ will be closed for renovations through late spring 2024.

Entrance & Safety

Entrance to the museum is free; tickets are not required. Safety measures are in place to protect the health of visitors, staff, and volunteers based on guidance from the CDC and local governments. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave or may not be admitted to the museum.

Face Coverings

Masks are recommended, but not required, to visit the National Museum of the American Indian. Visitors are encouraged to consider social distancing during their visit.

Security

The NMAI's security measures ensure visitor safety and the protection of objects in the museum. Visitors are greeted upon entry to the building by Smithsonian security personnel who conduct a thorough but speedy hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. Visitors will walk through a metal detector or be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel.

See prohibited and permitted items

The following items are PROHIBITED in the museum:

• • tripods
• • monopods
• • selfie sticks
• • guns
• • knives
• • pen knives
• • pets
• • food and drinks
• • scissors
• • aerosol cans, including pepper spray and mace
• • tools
• • smoking
• • placards, signs, or banners

The following items are PERMITTED in the museum:

• • service animals
• • mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.)
• • strollers
• • cameras
• • bottled water

Refer to the Smithsonian's security policy​ for the most current information