From the archive record
The exterior of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is architecturally distinctive and symbolic. Designed by architect Douglas Cardinal, the building features flowing, curvilinear forms inspired by natural rock formations shaped by wind and water over time. Clad in golden Kasota limestone, the structure stands out among the more classical, rectangular Smithsonian buildings nearby. There are no sharp corners—its organic contours reflect Indigenous philosophies that emphasize harmony with nature. The surrounding landscape is equally significant. Native plants from different regions of the Americas are incorporated into the grounds, along with wetlands, forests, and meadows that represent diverse Indigenous environments. The museum is located on the National Mall,