National Museum of the American Indian opens in D.C.

This is not original reporting. All information has been compiled from The Washington Post articles "With Pride, Native Americans Drawn to the Mall" and "History's New Look."

Thousands of Native Americans from across the country flocked to the noon dedication of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) that took place today, Sept. 21. The event marked the completion of a $219 million project to recognize North, South and Central America's most ancient cultures, according to The Washington Post.

The dedication ceremony began with a procession featuring more than 15,000 Native Americans from across the western hemisphere, all dressed in traditional garbs, in addition to non-native supporters. The procession was followed by remarks from Museum Director W. Richard West Jr., Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence Small, Colorado Senator Ben Campbell and Hawaiian Senator Daniel Inouye. The opening also marks the beginning of a six-day festival held on the National Mall between third and seventh streets. The festival will include, crafts, storytelling and performances from 300 Native American groups.

Built on the last open plot of land surrounding the Mall, the NMAI is the newest addition to the Smithsonian Institution's system of 18 museums. NMAI is expected to attract more than six million visitors a year. According to the official Smithsonian Institution's NMAI website, the museum represents the modern world's recognition of American natives' roles in history. "The opening of this museum marks a unique cultural achievement as Native Americans...realize a long-awaited dream to share and honor their vibrant cultures with visitors from throughout the world."

Inside the honey-colored skin of the building, constructed from Kasota dolomitic limestone, are 8,000 Native American artifacts ranging from a 500 year-old golden mask from Peru to American-Indian firearms, according to The Washington Post. Outside of the structure are almost three full acres of gardens with distinct cultural touches from different tribes of North, South and Central America. Even the building itself is significant in that it was sculpted to look like a rocky plateau.

The museum, located between the Capitol and the National Air and Space Museum, will be open until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22 to accommodate an increased number of visitors. The museum's regular operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

For more information regarding exhibits and to reserve timed-entry passes online, visit the NMAI website.