Spanning four floors, the National Museum of the American Indian is one of Washington’s most captivating museums. It showcases a wide array of native cultures from across the mainland, attracting millions of visitors every year. This museum is part of a larger network of museums scattered throughout Washington, but its specific focus is on the original inhabitants of America and their current way of life.

Inside, you’ll find a blend of traditional imagery, like tribes with arrows and feather-adorned axes, alongside modern representations of Inuit on snowmobiles and technologically-savvy Native Americans. Despite these changes, there’s a strong emphasis on honoring ancestors and preserving cultural heritage.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of art, traditional costumes, photographs, and invaluable artifacts. These collections represent native peoples from the farthest reaches of Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. Visiting this museum means more than just viewing permanent and temporary exhibits; you might also catch live performances. For example, during our visit, a Chilean band called Los Sachas performed, and we had the pleasure of sitting in the front row, clapping along with other excited tourists and locals.

Given the size of the city and the considerable distances, it’s best to take the metro or bus to the National Museum of the American Indian. This will drop you off conveniently close. If you’re the type who loves to explore every detail, allocate enough time to methodically cover all four floors. Don’t forget to visit the cafeteria, which offers indigenous food from various American regions—a unique feature that adds to the museum’s living culture experience.