National Museum of the American Indian–New York Tours
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The New York branch of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian is also known as the George Gustav Heye Center. Dedicated to exploring and promoting the diversity of the native peoples of the Americas, the center houses exhibitions, offers educational activities, and hosts a range of performing arts programs.
The Basics
Explore the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which contain roughly 700 objects from across the western hemisphere, and enjoy the temporary and traveling exhibitions, which are arranged around the rotunda. Young visitors will find a range of interactive activities in the Imaginations Activity Center. The museum also hosts numerous public programs throughout the year, such as music and dance performances, hands-on workshops, and film screenings.
Housed in the historic Alexander Hamilton U. S. Customs House, the museum is often a stop on sightseeing tours of Lower Manhattan, particularly those with a focus on history or architecture. Guided tours often include other nearby attractions, such as Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is popular with those interested in American Indian culture.
- Museum admission is free.
- Visitors must undergo a security check.
- There is a gift shop and a film and video center on site.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow, free of charge.
How to Get There
The museum is located across from Battery Park. The closest subway stops are Bowling Green (4 and 5 trains), South Ferry (1 train), Whitehall Street (R train), Broad Street (J and Z trains) and Wall Street (2 and 3 trains). The M5, M15, and M20 buses also stop nearby.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily, with extended hours on Thursdays. The only holiday closure is on December 25. Public tours are held twice on most weekdays, in the afternoon, and once on Sundays.
Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House
Designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1907, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House is an architectural gem and is considered one of the finest beaux arts buildings in New York. The top portion of the facade displays 12 statues representing the 12 seafaring nations of the world, and the interior rotunda is made of white marble and boasts murals by Reginald Marsh and a spectacular skylight by Guastavino.
Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York City, New York, USA 10004, USA
9 Tours and Activities to Experience National Museum of the American Indian–New York
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Ground Zero 911 Memorial+One World Observatory Upgrade Option
Visit the World Trade Center site where the tragedy of September 11, 2001 took place with this 9/11 Memorial tour. See the memorial pools and learn about how the Freedom Tower was conceived and built. Skip the line for quick entry into One World Observatory and ride the elevator to the 102nd floor to see views of Manhattan and beyond.
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From
$59.99
Price varies by group size
From
$59.99
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Lower Manhattan Historic Walking Tour
With a typical Lower Manhattan walking tour, you're stuck with your group, listening to just one guide as you explore. But to actually delve into New York's storied past, don't miss this three-part walking tour with the help of actor-guides. Enjoy actors portraying historical figures at three spots—across from Trinity Church, at Pier 15, and at the 9/11 Memorial. Best of all, you can hop off the tour and rejoin later, to make the most of your time.
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From
$45.34
From
$45.34

Lower Manhattan Tour: The Remnants of Dutch New Amsterdam!
Ditch your smartphone and guidebook to delve deeper into the history of New York City with a guide on this small-group walking tour. Stroll through Lower Manhattan—the site of the original 17th-century Dutch settlement known as New Amsterdam—and unravel its history and evolution as you visit its historical locations. See Wall Street, Bowling Green, and more; and hear tales and insight about the early city that many miss.
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From
$28.00
$7.00 savings
From
$28.00
$7.00 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

2-Day Trip: New York and Philadelphia by Rail
During a visit to New York City, it can be hard getting out of the Big Apple without renting a car. This 2-day New York and Philadelphia tour by rail takes care of your transportation for you, so you can explore both NYC and Philly while you’re on the US’ East Coast. Plus, it also combines structured tours with free time for well-balanced visits.
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From
$549.00
From
$549.00

Battery Park to Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
This tour tends to be small groups and features many of the hidden secrets and fun stories about the early days of New York. Plenty of stops for refreshments, photo ops and bathroom stops. Refreshments not included. Private / custom tours available .
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From
$21.34
From
$21.34

Private Jewish Colonial History in New York City
For anyone interested in the American Jewish experience, this tour explore the origin story of a community that has been contributing to the American story since the earliest days of colonization. Later American Jewish history is much more heavily explored, but seldom to we explore the stories of the first Jews to the continent, the first synagogue, and the Jews of the Revolution.
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From
$480.00
per group
From
$480.00
per group

Private Lower Manhattan and NYC Origins from Castle Clinton to 911 Memorial
When the Dutch first established a colony here, the Lenape Native Americans called the region home. By the end of the Dutch era in what is now New York, it was among the most diverse places on earth. This tour explores the origin stories of the demographics that would come to play dominant roles in what would become New York City, including the indigenous people, the Christians, Jews, Muslims, Irish, Italians, English, Africans, businesses, real estate agents, artists, peddlers, loners, and dreamers.
Highlights include a view of New York harbor, monuments to early immigrants who defined the metropolis, Wall Street with Federal Hall and the Stock Exchange, Alexander Hamilton's grave at Trinity Church, and Fraunces Tavern, the oldest building still standing in Manhattan.
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From
$450.00
per group
From
$450.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Lower Manhattan Tourist Scavenger Hunt
Designed for those who enjoy a good game, this New York City scavenger hunt leads you on a trail through Lower Manhattan’s top monuments, plus some tucked-away curiosities not often found in guidebooks. Using your smartphone, solve puzzles and follow clues to stay hot on the trail, learning fascinating New York trivia as you work your way through Wall Street, Ground Zero, and Battery Park.
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From
$36.16
per group
From
$36.16
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Wall Street Self-Guided Walking Tour
Discover the heart of downtown Manhattan’s Financial District - Wall Street, the Charging Bull, One World Trade, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), 9/11 Memorial, and lots more.
This self-guided tour allows you to explore New York’s historic wonders with maximum flexibility and value. Simply download our app and enter your unique password. Then we’ll guide you all around, making sure you see everything this historic place has to offer!
We’ll email you your unique password once you book the tour.
Uncertain Travel Date? The tour’s valid for 30 days from booking!
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From
$6.00
From
$6.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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