National Museum of the American Indian Grand Opening

Established in 1989, through an Act of Congress, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian opened its doors to the public on September 21, 2004. As part of the grand opening, a spectacular six-day First Americans Festival was held on the National Mall. The flags, feathers, and bright native clothing made for a multicolored display, and the air was filled with the smell of burned sage and the sounds of drums, bells and music.

next last

first previous

Native Nations Procession 2372 views	Native Nations Procession 2240 views	Native Nations Procession 2285 views
Native Nations Procession 2301 views	Hawai'i's Native Nations Procession 2475 views	Native Nations Procession 2336 views
Native Nations Procession 2189 views	Native Nations Procession 2257 views	DSC06957 2573 views
Dedication Ceremony 3355 views	Dedication Ceremony 2507 views	Dedication Ceremony 2398 views
NAMI Director, W. Richard West clad in traditional Native dress gives remarks at the opening ceremony. The National Museum of the American Indian is really a symbol for something bigger and more important than even that beautiful Native place just across the street. And that is this: it is a symbol for the hope, centuries in the making, that the hearts and minds of all Americans, beyond this museum and throughout the Americas, will open and welcome the presence of the first peoples in their history and in their contemporary lives. 3589 views	Dedication Ceremony 3294 views	Dedication Ceremony 2383 views

next last

first previous

National Museum of the American Indian Grand Opening

Business Resources

Search the Gallery