Alexander Hamilton US Custom House

The Basics

The Alexander Hamilton Custom House is open to visitors of the National Museum of the American Indian. Highlights of the building include the exterior columns, which are topped with images of the Roman God Mercury, and The Continents sculptures, which represent Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Walking tours that cover Lower Manhattan typically stop outside the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, while private tours are a great way to see the building's facade.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Art historians will enjoy the mosaics, rotunda ceiling murals, exterior limestone sculptures inside the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House.

• Building tours are offered daily—check in with the American Indian Museum Visitor Services folks to learn more.

• Admission to the museum is free.

How to Get There

You'll find the Alexander Hamilton Custom House on the south side of Bowling Green, between State and Whitehall Streets. The subway stops just outside the building, so it's easiest to take the 4, 5 train to the Bowling Green Subway Station. You can also hop on the M5, M15 or M20 bus. If you plan to drive, you'll find several parking garages in the area, but prices may be a bit steep.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily from mid morning until early evening, and stays open later on Thursdays. The museum is closed on December 25. Saturday is the busiest day at the museum; try to arrive before 12pm to avoid the post-lunch rush.

Learning About American Indian History

The New York location of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is well worth a visit; the museum is housed on the first three floors of the Custom House, and presents exhibits and public programs that celebrate the diversity of American Indian culture. The museum is family-friendly and open daily.

Ways to explore

The Alexander Hamilton US Custom House is open to visitors of the National Museum of the American Indian. Highlights of the building include the exterior columns, which are topped with images of the Roman God Mercury. The Four Continents sculptures, designed by Daniel Chester French, represent Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America and flank a grand exterior staircase. Walking tours that cover Lower Manhattan typically stop outside the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, while private tours are a great way to see the building’s facade and interior rotunda.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides wheelchairs for loan. The Bowling Green subway station is accessible via elevator.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Phone, camera, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes and layers are helpful when walking around New York and exploring the museum.

Not allowed

Food/drinks, tripods, luggage (there are no storage facilities on-site)

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, store

Address

The Alexander Hamilton US Custom House is located at One Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan, and it houses the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum entrance is on the south side of Bowling Green, adjacent to the northeast corner of Battery Park

Driving

There is no parking garage at the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House. Metered parking is available on the surrounding streets, and several commercial parking lots are within walking distance of the building.

Public transportation

The Alexander Hamilton US Custom House is easily accessible by public transportation, including the R, J, Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 subway lines. The M5, M15, and M20 bus lines have stops nearby.

Best times to visit

You can view the exterior of the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House at any time, but to see inside, you must visit between the opening hours of 10am–5pm.

Best days to visit

The museum is least crowded on weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday. You can visit any day to see the exterior.

Best months to visit

Walking tours of Manhattan are best enjoyed in the spring and fall, as the summer can get quite hot.