National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center

The National Museum of the American Indian occupies the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and displays over 800,000 objects from indigenous communities across North and South America. The collection includes textiles, jewelry, tools, and spiritual objects that represent the breadth of Native American cultures.

George Gustav Heye founded the collection in 1922 based on more than 50 years of personal research trips across the Western Hemisphere. The museum later became part of the Smithsonian Institution network, making this extensive collection available to the public.

The collections reflect how indigenous peoples continue to express their traditions through contemporary art and craft. Visitors can observe the ongoing creative practices of Native American artists who work in both historical and modern styles.

The museum sits at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and is easily reachable by foot from the Bowling Green subway station. Admission is free and exhibitions are accessible on most days, giving you unrestricted access to all gallery spaces.

The building itself is a late 1800s artwork with intricate stone carvings on its facade depicting sea life and trade symbols. These architectural details reflect its original role as a customs house and make the site far more than just a display space.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1922

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of the American Indian

Address: Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +12125143700

Website: http://nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=visitor&second=ny

GPS coordinates: 40.70403,-74.01375

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30