DC: National Museum of the American Indian Audio Tour (ENG)

The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, offers visitors an engaging audio tour through the WeGoTrip app. This free tour provides an immersive 1.5-hour experience, guiding listeners through the museum’s diverse exhibits and highlighting the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Indigenous communities. From the stunning Potomac Atrium to the hands-on activities at the ImagiNATIONS Center, the audio tour invites travelers to explore the museum’s vast collection and uncover the enduring spirit and resilience of Native America. With rotating exhibitions and the opportunity to savor native cuisine, this museum promises a comprehensive exploration that just might leave you craving more.

Key Points

• The National Museum of the American Indian offers a free audio tour available through the WeGoTrip app, lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
• The audio tour highlights key museum exhibits, including the Potomac Atrium, Return to a Native Place, and the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center.
• The audio tour allows visitors to explore the diverse Native American heritage and artifacts at their own pace while the museum is open.
• The museum’s Mitsitam Cafe offers a variety of native foods and dishes, while the gift shop sells unique souvenirs created by Indigenous artisans.
• Visitors should bring a charged smartphone, headphones, and a portable charger to access and fully experience the audio tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Audio Tour

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers a free audio tour that allows visitors to explore the museum’s extensive collection and exhibits at their own pace using the WeGoTrip app.

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and takes you through the museum’s highlights, including the Potomac Atrium, the Return to a Native Place exhibition, and the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center.

You’ll learn about the diverse heritage of Native American peoples and discover an impressive array of artifacts spanning millennia.

The audio tour is a convenient and engaging way to experience the NMAI, and it’s available daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM when the museum is open.

Accessing the Audio Tour

To access the NMAI audio tour, you’ll need to download the WeGoTrip app on your smartphone.

Once you have the app, you can easily locate the tour and start exploring the museum’s highlights at your own pace.

The audio tour is completely free and designed to be your personal guide through the museum’s extensive collection of Native American artifacts and exhibitions.

The key things to remember are:

• Download the WeGoTrip app before your visit
• The audio tour is available exclusively through the app
• You can explore the museum at your own speed, with the tour lasting around 1.5 hours

Exploring Museum Highlights

Visitors can enjoy the museum’s extensive collection of Native American artifacts, spanning millennia and showcasing the diverse heritage of indigenous peoples.

The Potomac Atrium, the heart of the museum, features a stunning array of artifacts and artworks that provide a deeper understanding of Native cultures.

The ‘Return to a Native Place‘ exhibition explores the history of Native peoples in the Chesapeake Bay region, while the ‘ImagiNATIONS Activity Center‘ offers hands-on displays that engage families.

The ‘The Americans Exhibition‘ tells the story of Pocahontas and other influential Native figures.

Visitors can also browse the ‘Window on Collections‘ exhibitions to discover clothing, toys, tools, and ceremonial objects that offer a glimpse into the rich traditions of these remarkable cultures.

Potomac Atrium and Exhibitions

At the heart of the National Museum of the American Indian lies the Potomac Atrium, a stunning space showcasing a captivating array of artifacts and artworks that offer visitors a deeper understanding of the diverse heritage of Native cultures. This grand, light-filled atrium serves as the museum’s central gathering place, inviting guests to enjoy the rich tapestry of indigenous experiences.

The Return to a Native Place exhibition explores the history and enduring presence of Native peoples in the Chesapeake Bay region.

The Americans Exhibition delves into the complex story of Pocahontas and other influential figures.

Rotating exhibits shed light on the clothing, toys, tools, and ceremonial objects of Native communities.

More Great Tours Nearby

ImagiNATIONS Activity Center

Along With the museum’s captivating exhibitions, the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center provides an engaging, hands-on experience for families, allowing them to explore the diverse cultures and traditions of Native peoples through interactive displays. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from learning traditional games to designing their own totem poles. The center features three main areas:

Area	Description
Traditions	Discover the significance of various cultural practices, from weaving to storytelling.
Innovations	Explore how Native communities have adapted and innovated over time.
Connections	Understand the deep connections between people, the land, and the natural world.

These interactive exhibits encourage visitors to appreciate the rich heritage and ongoing contributions of Native Americans.

The Americans Exhibition

Featuring the compelling story of Pocahontas, The Americans Exhibition delves into the complex history and enduring influence of Native peoples in the Americas.

Visitors can explore the multifaceted narratives that shaped the nation, from the iconic tale of Pocahontas to the lesser-known experiences of other indigenous groups.

The exhibition showcases:

• The evolving portrayal of Native Americans in popular culture and media
• The profound impact of early European-Native interactions and settlements
• The ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination among Native communities

Through thought-provoking displays and interactive elements, The Americans Exhibition offers a deeper understanding of the diverse and resilient spirit of Native America.

Native Foods and Souvenirs

Visitors to the National Museum of the American Indian can sample a variety of native foods at the on-site Mitsitam Cafe, offering a delicious opportunity to explore the rich culinary traditions of Indigenous cultures.

The cafe features dishes made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, allowing visitors to savor flavors from different regions of the Americas. From bison burgers to squash soup, the menu showcases the diversity of Native American cuisines.

After refueling, guests can browse the museum’s gift shop for unique souvenirs, including handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and artwork created by Indigenous artisans. These one-of-a-kind pieces make wonderful keepsakes and support the livelihoods of Native communities.

What to Bring

To fully enjoy the National Museum of the American Indian’s audio tour, visitors’ll want to bring a charged smartphone and headphones. The tour is accessible exclusively through the WeGoTrip app, so these items are essential for accessing the immersive experience.

Ensure your smartphone has enough battery life to last the 1.5-hour tour.

Bring a pair of comfortable headphones that will allow you to hear the audio clearly.

Consider bringing a portable charger in case your phone needs a boost during the tour.

With these essentials in hand, you’ll be ready to explore the museum’s rich collection and uncover the diverse heritage of Native American peoples at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Museum?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the National Museum of the American Indian, as long as they don’t use flash and respect any restrictions on photography in certain exhibit areas.

Is the Audio Tour Available in Other Languages?

The NMAI audio tour is currently only available in English through the WeGoTrip app. Visitors who prefer other languages may consider exploring the museum’s exhibits and displays at their own pace without the guided audio tour.

Is There a Coat Check or Storage Area?

Yes, the National Museum of the American Indian offers a coat check and lockers for visitors to store belongings while exploring the museum. This convenient service allows guests to explore the exhibits hands-free.

Is the Museum Wheelchair Accessible?

The National Museum of the American Indian is wheelchair accessible throughout, with elevators and ramps providing easy access to all galleries and exhibits. Visitors with mobility needs can explore the museum’s extensive collection and diverse Native American heritage comfortably.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

The National Museum of the American Indian offers free daily admission, so there’s no need to purchase tickets in advance. Visitors can simply show up and explore the museum’s extensive collection and exhibits at their own pace.

Recap

The National Museum of the American Indian’s free audio tour offers a captivating and immersive experience for visitors.

From the Potomac Atrium to the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center, the tour delves into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous communities.

Visitors can discover hands-on displays, rotating exhibits, and even savor native cuisine, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the enduring spirit and resilience of Native America.

You can check availability for your dates here: