In Washington D.C.’s National Mall, there is a museum called the “National Museum of the American Indian.” As the name suggests, it houses various cultural artifacts and archival photographs related to Native American communities in the United States. These collections were gathered over 54 years.
Overcoming funding challenges, the museum was constructed over a period of 15 years and opened its doors on September 21, 2004. It became the first museum in the United States dedicated to focusing on the lives of Native Americans.
A Museum Created with Input from Native Americans
About the Name of the Museum
The name “National Museum of the American Indian” was chosen by the Congress through a bill passed in 1989 during the construction of the museum. At that time, the museum’s name had not been finalized, and there was a debate among Native Americans about the preferred term between “Native American” and “American Indian.” A poll was conducted among Native Americans, and “American Indian” was chosen as the result.
Subsequently, there were movements to change the name, but many Native Americans expressed satisfaction with the current name. Additionally, the American Indian Movement, a Native American rights organization, criticized the term “Native American,” leading to the retention of the name, and the museum opened as planned.
The Building’s Structure and East-facing Entrance
The building’s design features mostly curved shapes and few sharp corners, which was a result of input from Native American architect Douglas Cardinal, who has Indigenous roots. Although he stepped down from the project midway, he continued to provide advice until its completion.
The exterior of the building is covered in Kasota limestone, which replicates the natural rock formations shaped by weather over time.
The museum’s entrance is also designed to face east, following the traditional Native American cultural practice of orienting entrances toward the rising sun when constructing dwellings.
A Valuable Museum Immersing Visitors in Native American Life
While there are other museums that touch on Native American culture, there are not many that focus solely on it. The National Museum of the American Indian takes great care to consider their culture in all aspects, from the collections to the building’s appearance and design. By visiting this museum, you can experience Native American culture firsthand.
