Frequently Asked Questions

When does the museum open and what are the hours?
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; closed December 25th.

Do I need a pass to enter the museum?
Admission to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is free to the public, but due to the extraordinary number of visitors expected, Timed Entry Passes may be necessary to enter. If at any time the wait outside the building is more than an hour, the museum will issue same-day Timed Entry Passes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Your visit can be planned by obtaining free Timed Entry Passes at the museum on the day of your visit, beginning at 10 a.m., or you may reserve advanced Timed Entry Passes (limit 10 passes per order) to guarantee your entry to the museum at a specific time. You may reserve your Timed Entry Pass in advance for a nominal service fee by visiting www.tickets.com, or by calling Tickets.com toll-free at 866-400-NMAI (6624).

For easiest access, you might consider joining as an NMAI Charter Member for just $20 and, in addition to receiving at least 2 special Member Access Passes (valid beginning September 27, 2004), enjoy other benefits, including a 10% discount in the NMAI and Smithsonian Museum Stores, a free copy of the museum’s special Grand Opening Commemorative Magazine, a 10% discount coupon for the museum’s Mitsitam Café, and a one-year subscription to American Indian, NMAI’s premier quarterly publication.

How do groups schedule educational visits?
Groups of 10 or more can arrange an educational program by contacting NMAI's Group Reservations Office: 202-633-6644.

The museum is now taking reservations for school tours and non-educational group tours scheduled after November 2, 2004.

Unregistered Groups: School groups of more than 6 that are unable to schedule a visit through Group Reservations may stand in line the day of their visit to receive same-day passes. Unregistered groups are required to have 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students. Each adult chaperone may obtain 10 passes for their assigned students on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 a.m. All unscheduled group passes will be for admission after 1 p.m.

How long does it take to see the museum?
Visitors can anticipate spending between 1 and 2 hours at the museum.

Will I have to wait in line?
Two lines may form at the museum during the busiest times—the first is for obtaining same-day passes, the second for entering the building. In general, your wait should not exceed 30 minutes for each line.

When should I arrive at the museum if I have a Timed Pass?
Timed Passes will be timed every 30 minutes. At your assigned pass time, you will have a 30-minute window to enter the building. For example, a 12 noon pass holder can enter the building any time between 12 noon and 12:30 p.m.

When is the best time to visit?
The museum expects peak visitation nine months of the year. January, February, and early March will be the slowest times.

What exhibitions should my children see?
Please stop by the Welcome Desk and pick up a copy of the Family Guide for information that is of interest to children.

Where is the museum located, and what’s the best way to get there?
The museum is located on the National Mall in Washington D.C., between 3rd and 4th Streets on Independence Avenue.

The best way to visit and avoid the hassle of searching for a parking space is to use public transportation. The L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail Station (all lines except Red) is conveniently located two blocks from the museum. For more information, visit the Metro website at http://www.wmata.com.

Is parking available?
The museum does not have parking. Parking is available by meter on the surrounding streets and in local paid parking garages. There are nine bus drop-off-only spaces on Maryland Avenue; accessible from 3rd Street. 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 Jefferson Drive and Fourth Street, S.W. Additional metered parking surrounds the building on all sides.

Is food available at the museum?
The Mitsitam Native Foods Café is located inside the museum. “Mitsitam” means "Let’s eat!" in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples. The Café is an extension of the cultural experience of the museum. In the Café, visitors can enjoy meals and snacks inspired by the indigenous foods and culinary traditions of the Native peoples of the Americas.

Outside food and drink is prohibited in the museum.

Do I need a pass to visit the Café, museum shops, or Resource Center?
Due to the building’s limited capacity, all visitors entering the museum must have a free Timed Pass (please see “How to I get passes to enter the museum?”)

Is the museum accessible?
Yes, the museum is fully accessible. Please see “Accessibility” for more information.

May I take pictures in the museum?
Yes. Video/audio recording and flash photography are permitted. Special note to the media: All photography and filming requests from the media inside the museum must be coordinated in advance with the Office of Public Affairs at 202-633-6985. Tripods are not permitted unless special arrangements have been made in advance.

What benefits do I have as a Member?
Members at the $20 and $35 membership level will receive at least 2 free Member Access Passes with no service charge. Members at $50 receive 4 passes; at $100, 6 passes.

What if I've lost my Membership card?
Please call Member Services at 800-242-NMAI (6624), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or email aimember@nmai.si.edu.

How long did it take to build the museum, and how much did the construction cost?
Groundbreaking for construction of the museum was on September 28, 1999. Construction costs were $219 million, $199 million for construction and $20 million for Public Programs.