Groups of ten or more planning to see the NMAI in Washington, D.C, are strongly encouraged to schedule visits in advance by contacting the NMAI's Group Reservations Office. Groups who do not wish to or are unable to schedule a visit in advance may join the general entry line at any time during the day to enter the museum.
Tours—Washington, DC
Spring 2013 Schedule (March, April, May)
Highlights Tour (1 hr.)
Sunday, Monday & Friday: 1:30 PM
Join a Cultural Interpreter for a general overview of the museum’s history, landscape, building, galleries, and other points of interest.
Potomac Atrium, First Level
Interpreter’s Choice Tours (1 hr.)
Sunday & Friday 3 PM
Cultural Interpreters lead a tour of their favorite museum highlights.
Potomac Atrium, First Level
Interpretive Offering (1 hr.)
Tuesday & Thursday: 3 PM
Sunday: 11 AM
Join staff to explore an assortment of topics on Native culture through a hands-on learning cart, a hands-on activity, a storytelling program, a demonstration, or a tour. Interpretive offerings are located throughout the museum; visit the Welcome Desk for more information.
Hands-On Activities
Wednesday and Saturday: 1:30—3:30 PM
Learn about Native cultures through a variety of hands-on activities, and then make something to take home.
imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Third Level
Family Story Time
Sunday & Wednesday: 11:15 AM
People in all cultures tell stories—and those stories have always been a great way to teach children. Families are invited to hear stories about Native Nations or from books written by Native authors.
imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Third Level
Family Program
Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00–2:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Join in a hands-on experience about Native cultures. Programs may include stories, discovery boxes, family tours or a teaching cart. Visit the Welcome Desk for more information.
imagiNATIONS Activity Center, Third Level
All programs are subject to change. Visit the Welcome Desk for more information.
Policies & Guidelines
School groups are required to have one adult chaperon for every ten students. Chaperons must supervise and remain with their groups at all times and in all areas, including the museum stores. If a class is divided because of limited gallery space, a chaperon must accompany each group. Only ten students are allowed in the museum stores at one time. The NMAI reserves the right to refuse or terminate a program that is inadequately supervised or that fails to conform to standards of good behavior.
Food and drink are not permitted in the museum. Smoking and gum-chewing are prohibited. On entry, security officers will hand-check all backpacks, purses, briefcases, suitcases, and other bags. Video/audio recording and flash photography are permitted. The museum cannot guarantee entry to groups that arrive more than 30 minutes after their scheduled time.