Subway: 1 to South Ferry and walk north on State St. to the museum, 4/5 to Bowling Green, R/W to Whitehall and walk north on Whitehall to the museum, 2/3 to Wall St. or J/M/Z to Broad St. and walk one block west to Broadway then walk south on Broadway to the museum.

Ferry: Staten Island Ferry to Whitehall Ferry Terminal and walk north on Whitehall to the museum.

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A branch of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, the George Gustav Heye Center located in the heart of historic downtown Manhattan is a tribute to the art and culture of the native peoples of North and South America and offers free admission for all visitors year round.

Named for George Gustav Heye, a wealthy New Yorker whose personal collection of native artwork can be seen on display, the museum opened its doors in 1994. New York City has a rich history of Native American culture and the museum is fittingly situated in the heart of the most historic district in the city. The museum is housed in the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. This historic building is an icon in Manhattan and one of the finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture in the city. Adorned with many exterior statues and a series of interior murals, it is an extravagant and regal presence near the harbor. The museum sits across from Bowling Green, an historic park lined with trees. Once a "bowling green" for British soldiers, the American Revolution gathered momentum here when patriots toppled a statue of King George that once stood where a grand fountain sits today. The museum is just steps from Battery Park and a variety of historic landmarks.

The Gustav Heye Center's extensive collections include thousands of masterworks from across America including the Northwest Coast, North American Plains, and Great Lakes. Wood and stone carvings, exquisite clothing, feather bonnets and hides, as well as pottery, weavings and basketry display the artistry and diversity of native peoples. Many of the pieces on display also have spiritual significance and these funerary, religious and ceremonial objects are presented with the approval of the appropriate tribes. The museum's collections also include a substantial array of materials from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central, and South America. The institution's goal is to work with the native people of the Americas to protect and develop their culture and a busy schedule of programs offer opportunities to see this living culture through dance and music.

A beautiful building and rare exhibits make the National Museum of the American Indian a great addition to a visit downtown.

The former custom house is adorned with four massive statues representing Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. As well as art depicting the themes of commerce, world exploration and the sea.

Download the family guide to the museum.