I took a walk to see a little of the Smithsonian's opening day activities for the National Museum of the American Indian. Situated between the National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol, the museum is the 18th and last major museum on the National Mall.

The building's majestic curved terraces are clad in Minnesota Kasota stone veneer. The 26,000 sq. ft. structure contains a million tribal artifacts. 3 million visitors are expected annually (Air & Space attracts 9 million).

There's a large week-long festival of performances and presentations on stages and in tents surrounding the museum and down the Mall. I headed straight to the museum and only made a quick circuit around the base of the building where there are some exquisite water fountains and gardens. I will have to venture back over the next few days during lunch to see more of the festival.

Funny thing: though I am first generation Chinese, many have thought I look Native American. In fact, three different people struck up conversations with me about the museum at various stores around our office.

In addition to the Smithsonian web site, National Geographic offers a good page of Fast Facts, and they are producing a book about the design and construction of the museum titled, Spirit of a Native Place.

- mike lee - washington, dc