Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, part of which is used for the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Four sculptures in front represent the four continents.

In the foreground is Europe, striking a noble pose, her left hand supported by a book, signifying knowledge, and a globe, signifying the colonial conquests of many European countries.

Photo 509, Oct 2010

Four sculptures in front represent the four continents.

Photo 510, Oct 2010

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, part of which is used for the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Today, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House is located in the center of a vibrant lower Manhattan community, adjacent to Battery Park and close to the ferries that take visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In addition to its own inviting grandeur, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, housed on its first three floors, makes it a welcoming destination for tourists, visitors, nearby workers on their lunch break, and the groups of schoolchildren who flock to it on a daily basis. In fact, because of the Smithsonian’s presence, the building is open to the public 364 days a year.

Photo 662, Oct 2010

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

Photo 656, Oct 2010

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

Four sculptures in front represent the four continents.

This one represents Europe which strikes a noble pose, her left hand supported by a book, signifying knowledge, and a globe, signifying the colonial conquests of many European countries.

Photo 656d, Oct 2010

Sculpture representing Asia.

A tiger is on the left, an emerging cross represents missionary work, and a grouping symbolic ov hopelessness is on the right. Asia sits on a throne, which is supported by human skulls. A Buddha statue sits in her lap, and she holds a poppy septre, representing the opium trade.

Photo 658, Oct 2010

Sculpture representing America.

Seated on a throne, America's right foot is on the head of the ancient Aztec god Quetzelcoatl. With a torch in hand, her left arm is pulling her cloak over an image of Labor, which is rolling a wheel of progress. An American Indian in headdress is stationed over her left arm, and sheaves of corn, symbolizing the American idea of plenty, are across America's right knee.

Photo 659, Oct 2010