Operated by the United States Department of the Interior the Interior Museum is housed at the Department’s headquarters. The headquarters is located at the main interior building in Washington D.C.. The Interior Museum opened in 1938, and its permanent exhibit is divided into galleries. These Galleries focus on the work of the department’s agencies. Those include; the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Geological Survey. The Museum is accessible from both the C Street and E Street entrances; the E Street entrance is wheelchair accessible.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Museum educates the public and DOI employees about the current missions and programs of the Department of the Interior, the history of the Department, and the art and architecture of its headquarters building in Washington, DC.

One of the most special exhibits is one that displays the work of the agencies by the use of dioramas. One of which is a Coal Mine Explosion and Winter and the winters uses of the National Park. On diorama even displays an aerial view of central Washington, from 1939.

Other key exhibits feature mineral, and fossil specimens from federal lands. One of the museums main focus is to recount the activities of the Department of the Interior. This agency is charged with the keeping and monitoring of the natural resources. The agency will also administer programs that relate to the Native Americans. Some of the more interesting exhibits include Classic Pueblo Pottery, Cherokee baskets and Contemporary Native American Art.

As a video speaks of the challenges of merging the traditional with modern Native American affairs, many visitors are taken back by the Indian canoe that hangs over head. You are also able to find topographic maps showing mineral deposits and examples of various types of rocks. There is an extensive amount of mounted animals such as a bison head.

Many children enjoy examining and touching the small scale model of Mount Rushmore and peering into the anachronistic dioramas scattered throughout. Unfortunately most of the dioramas are kept higher up so younger children are unable to look into them. Across the hall is the Indian Crafts Shop. Most of the merchandise is pricey jewelry, textiles and dolls, but all are authentic. There are a few sticker books and paper dolls, though, that are within a child’s budget.