National Museum of the American Indian–New York

The Basics

Explore the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which contain roughly 700 objects from across the western hemisphere, and enjoy the temporary and traveling exhibitions, which are arranged around the rotunda. Young visitors will find a range of interactive activities in the Imaginations Activity Center. The museum also hosts numerous public programs throughout the year, such as music and dance performances, hands-on workshops, and film screenings.

Housed in the historic Alexander Hamilton U. S. Customs House, the museum is often a stop on sightseeing tours of Lower Manhattan, particularly those with a focus on history or architecture. Guided tours often include other nearby attractions, such as Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is popular with those interested in American Indian culture.

• Museum admission is free.

• Visitors must undergo a security check.

• There is a gift shop and a film and video center on site.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow, free of charge.

How to Get There

The museum is located across from Battery Park. The closest subway stops are Bowling Green (4 and 5 trains), South Ferry (1 train), Whitehall Street (R train), Broad Street (J and Z trains) and Wall Street (2 and 3 trains). The M5, M15, and M20 buses also stop nearby.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily, with extended hours on Thursdays. The only holiday closure is on December 25. Public tours are held twice on most weekdays, in the afternoon, and once on Sundays.

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

Designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1907, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House is an architectural gem and is considered one of the finest beaux arts buildings in New York. The top portion of the facade displays 12 statues representing the 12 seafaring nations of the world, and the interior rotunda is made of white marble and boasts murals by Reginald Marsh and a spectacular skylight by Guastavino.

Ways to explore

Begin with the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which feature around 700 objects from across the Western Hemisphere, and discover temporary exhibitions within the rotunda. Young visitors will find a range of interactive activities in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. There are also numerous public programs hosted here throughout the year, such as music and dance performances, hands-on workshops, and film screenings.

The museum features on sightseeing tours of Lower Manhattan, particularly those focused on history or architecture. Guided tours often include nearby attractions, such as Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and has wheelchairs available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum requests that anyone with specific accessibility needs call ahead, as extra provisions can be made if needed. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear walking shoes and comfortable layers for sightseeing.

Not allowed

Smoking and vaping, pets, large bags and luggage (note that storage lockers are not available), any sharp items (including Swiss Army-style knives or scissors), tripods, monopods, selfie sticks

Amenities

Museum shop, restrooms, visitor information desk

Address

The National Museum of the American Indian–New York is housed in the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, situated in Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan. Public transit, tours with included transportation, and taxis and rideshare services are all great ways to get there.

Driving

The National Museum of the American Indian–New York does not have its own parking, and traffic in the area can be congested. It’s better to use taxis or rideshare services than drive yourself.

Public transportation

To get to the museum, take 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green, the 1 train to Rector Street or South Ferry, the R train to Whitehall Street, J or Z trains to Broad Street, or 2 or 3 trains to Wall Street.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily from mid-morning until early evening. Arrive close to its opening time to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

There’s rarely a bad time to visit the National Museum of the American Indian–New York (apart from Christmas Day, when it’s closed), but expect it to be busier on weekends.

Best months to visit

The museum is worth visiting year-round, but the spring and fall shoulder seasons typically have fewer crowds.

Special events

The National Museum of the American Indian–New York hosts a range of exhibitions and activities throughout the year; consult its calendar to see what’s on.