National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center

What it's like here

The National Museum of the American Indian occupies the landmarked Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece from 1907 that rivals the collection for visual impact. Inside, Infinity of Nations displays roughly 700 works of Native art from across North, Central and South America—baskets, blankets, masks, beadwork, and carved stone and wood sculpture—arranged across the first two floors. The collection grew from George Gustav Heye's original museum, founded in 1916. A smaller exhibition, Native New York, focuses on the peoples and cultures of New York State, while the Diker Pavilion hosts dance, music performances and film screenings throughout the year.

This is a Smithsonian institution, which means admission is entirely free—a significant advantage in a city where museum entry fees are steep. The galleries are indoor and generally take 1 to 2 hours to explore, making it an accessible cultural stop whether you're visiting solo, with family, or with friends. Photography is allowed, so you can document the art and the building's ornate interiors, including the rotunda that catches most visitors' attention on arrival.

The Custom House building itself deserves attention. Designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1907, it features elaborate early frescoes and architectural detail that anchor the experience as much as the Native American collections do. The space feels grand without being intimidating, and the setting—overlooking Battery Park and the harbor—adds to the sense of occasion.

Access is straightforward: the building is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. There is a security screening at the entrance. Public transit is nearby via the Bowling Green station (4, 5 lines) and the South Ferry–Whitehall Street station (1, R line); there is no public parking on site. The surrounding Financial District has many restaurants and cafes within a short walk, though there is no full-service dining in the museum itself.

Hours vary—check the official website (americanindian.si.edu) before your visit, as listings differ between Monday–Friday and daily schedules, with some Thursday evenings extending to 8 p.m. The museum is closed on 25 December. The educational and cultural programming—workshops, performances, and screenings—adds depth beyond the permanent galleries, particularly if you are visiting with children or have time to explore events.

Highlights

• Infinity of Nations: roughly 700 works of Native art from across the Americas
• Native New York: exhibition focused on New York State peoples and cultures
• The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House: an ornate 1907 Beaux-Arts building by Cass Gilbert with early frescoes and rotunda
• The Diker Pavilion for performances, dance, music and film screenings
• Free admission with full wheelchair accessibility, ramps and elevators

Good to know

Admission is free. Check americanindian.si.edu for current hours before visiting, as they vary between Monday–Friday and daily schedules, with some Thursday evenings until 8 p.m.; the museum is closed 25 December. Security screening occurs at the entrance. The building is fully accessible. There is no public parking; nearest subway stations are Bowling Green (4, 5 lines) and South Ferry–Whitehall Street (1, R line). No full restaurant on site, but the surrounding Financial District has many dining options. Located at One Bowling Green, directly across from Battery Park.

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Last verified: September 7, 2026