At 1 Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian presents Indigenous art and culture inside the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. Its galleries bring together more than 700 objects from Indigenous communities across the Americas, alongside exhibitions and hands-on activities for children. The building is part of the visit: step into the grand rotunda and look up at its skylight and murals. Admission is free, and the museum is close to Battery Park, so it fits easily into a day exploring the area.
The Custom House and its rotunda
The museum occupies the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at 1 Bowling Green, on the south side of the park and beside Battery Park. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the Beaux-Arts building dates to 1907 and is a National Historic Landmark. Its former role as a customs house gives the museum a distinctive setting in Lower Manhattan.
Inside, the central rotunda is a natural place to pause before heading into the galleries. Look up at the oval skylight and the murals depicting New York Harbor. The building’s exterior sculptures also have stories behind them, including works by Daniel Chester French. Plaques around the building offer further context about its history.
The museum stands on a site associated with Fort Amsterdam. Bowling Green and the surrounding streets are part of Lower Manhattan’s early history, and the area makes it easy to connect a museum visit with a walk through the neighborhood.
Art and culture across the Americas
The New York museum is part of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Its collections and exhibitions address Indigenous communities across the Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego. Displays bring together historical and contemporary art, objects and media, with material arranged in part by geographic region.
The collection includes works such as jewelry, basketry, textiles, sculpture and photography. Exhibitions change, so the objects and subjects on view can differ between visits. The museum also presents public programs that can include films, symposia, storytelling, music and dance. These programs offer ways to encounter Indigenous culture through performance and discussion as well as gallery displays.
A gallery on Native inventions includes hands-on activities for children. The museum also has exhibits focused on Indigenous peoples of New York. Read the gallery text and take time with the displays: the museum is compact enough for a short visit, but its subjects reward a slower look.
Planning your visit
Admission is free. Visitors pass through security screening at the entrance, so include that in your plans. The museum is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, restrooms and seating.
The museum is a practical stop while exploring Lower Manhattan, particularly if you are already visiting Bowling Green or Battery Park. Families can make time for the hands-on gallery, while visitors interested in architecture can focus on the Custom House’s rotunda and exterior details. A gift shop and café are on site.
School groups may be present during the day. If you prefer a quieter visit, choose a weekday or another off-peak time. Exhibitions and public programs change, so check the museum’s website for current details before setting out.
FAQ
Is the National Museum of the American Indian free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Where is the museum in New York City?
It is at 1 Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan, beside Battery Park.
What can children do at the museum?
A first-floor gallery includes hands-on activities about Native inventions.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum has an accessible entrance, restrooms and seating.
