goSmithsonian - February 2009 - (Page 44) THE BASICS HOURS: 10 to 5:30; closed December 25. ADDRESS: Fourth Street and Independence Avenue, SW PHONE: 202.633.1000 (voice/tape) 202.633.5285 (TTY) WEB: AmericanIndian.si.edu goSmithsonian.com METRO: National Museum of the American Indian The National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections, ranging from Native art to historical and cultural artifacts. The museum’s sweeping curvilinear architecture, its indigenous landscaping and its exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with tribes and communities from across the hemisphere, combine to give visitors the sense and spirit of Native America. TIPS • Begin your visit with a viewing of the film “Who We Are” (13 minutes) in the state-of-the-art Lelawi Theater on the fourth floor to introduce themes found in the exhibitions. Handheld translators are available in Spanish, French, German and Japanese. • Look for the museum’s team of cultural interpreters, Native docents wearing tan vests, on hand to give mini-gallery tours and to share their personal stories and experiences at educational carts located throughout the museum. • For families with young children, stop by the welcome desk to pick up a copy of a free Family Activity Guide. EXHIBITIONS “Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World” (4th floor) is a guide to the many Native worldviews and philosophies. Organized around the seasons of the solar year, the exhibition highlights annual celebrations that bring Native peoples together. “Our Peoples: Giving V to Our Histories” (4th floor) oice examines the past 500 years of history from a Native point of view. “Our Lives: Contemporary Life and Identities” (3rd floor) introduces the cultural, social, linguistic and political issues of Native people and communities in the 21st century. “Window on Collections: Many Hands, Many Voices” (3rd and 4th floors) showcases more than 3,500 artifacts including animal-themed figurines and objects, beadwork, containers, dolls, peace medals, projectile points and qeros (cups for ceremonial drinking). “Return to a Native Place: Algonquian Peoples of the Chesapeake” (2nd floor) provides an overview of the continued Native presence in what is now Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. “Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian” (3rd floor) is the largest and most comprehensive retrospective of the artist Fritz Scholder (Luiseno; 1937-2005). The ® metro (ORANGE, BLUE, YELLOW AND GREEN LINES) USE MARYLAND AVE./SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS EXIT M ● ● ● ● L’Enfant Plaza Works by Fritz Scholder (American Indian, undated) are currently on view. 44 goSmithsonian.com http://AmericanIndian.si.edu http://www.goSmithsonian.com http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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