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First National Museum in U.S. Dedicated to Native Americans Opens

Kicks Off with colorful Six-Day Festival on National Mall

Release by Newstream

September 2004 (Newstream) -- Thousands of Native Americans from all across America, many in traditional ceremonial garb, are celebrating this week on the National Mall in Washington as the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian opens its doors to the public. The first museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Native Americans and the first ever to present all exhibitions from an American Indian point of view, it is staying open all through the night tonight so everyone on hand for the festivities can get to walk through it.

Native Americans played a key role in the planning and design of the unique building and landscape at the foot of the U.S. Capitol grounds, as well as the exhibitions and public programs. They hope visitors will leave the museum knowing that Native Americans are not just a part of America's history, but also vital contributors to contemporary culture. For instance, one entire gallery is devoted solely to modern Indian artwork.

In addition, over 7,000 objects from the museum's permanent collection will be on display. Three major exhibitions will be complemented by a contemporary art exhibit and landmark works of art - both historic and contemporary - placed throughout the building. A "welcome wall" greets visitors in approximately 166 Native languages, conveying the diversity of Native people throughout the Americas.

The five story building, located between the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum and The U.S. Botanic Gardens, is made of rough limestone that evokes natural rock formations and includes a wetlands area and more than 40 boulders known as "grandfather rocks."

For more information on the Museum and this week's special activities, go to www.AmericanIndian.si.edu.

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Produced for The Smithsonian Institution

CONTACT:
Vicki Moeser, Smithsonian Institution Office of Public Affairs, 202-357-2627 ext: 111,
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