The American Indian Art Galleries bring to fruition the Museum's long-standing efforts to illuminate the importance of Native artistic traditions, and the significant role these traditions have played in the development of our nation's cultural identity. The collection is arranged by origin according to seven geographic areas: Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, Plateau, California and the adjacent Great Basin, Northwest and Arctic.

In addition to a complete renovation of architectural finishes, lighting and new casework, the scope of work also included comprehensive life safety and mechanical system upgrades. The exterior walls of the Nelson-Atkins Building, which define the galleries, were bolstered with new insulation and a moisture barrier, helping to preserve the collection and improve the performance of the Museum's operations.

The design of the American Indian Art Galleries represents a departure from the neo-classical details of the original Nelson-Atkins Building; the new galleries are devoid of ornament, replaced by clean, modern details, which place emphasis on the collection itself. While the color palette is restrained, the materials specified throughout the space exude richness and depth.