the alaska native medical center

The art work in the gift store is top notch. If you have time walk some of the hallways and stairwells to take in the artwork on display throughout the Hospital.

The give shop here is small, but offers some good deals on authentic Alaska Native craft items. Quality can vary, so it's a good idea to either check out other shops before you go, or take someone who is well-versed in Native crafts. That said, regardless of quality, you know that whatever you buy is authentic! They carry baskets, ivory jewelry and carvings, sealskin beaded slippers, and more. Give yourself some time to check out the lobby area of the hospital with its John Hoover designs. Then take your time and walk to (or take the elevator--but you'll miss the small vitrines with objects on exhibit in each staircase if you do) the exhibits of their Native arts collection on each level. Hours are limited, so be sure to call ahead. The ANMC is on Tudor Road, just a short ride away from downtown. Public buses run there if you choose not to use a cab.

The gift shop is excellent. But do not forget to look around on the walls. The native art is amazing. Every wall had something interesting to admire. Just go slow and look around.

Went to the Alaska Native Medical Center in search of authentic Alaskan items. It did not disappoint. Some items were very expensive and others more reasonably priced. Good selection and friendly people.

Reviews here led us to this beautiful modern medical facility dedicated to serving Alaska's native peoples. It's worth the trip to the outskirts of town to see the resources Alaska is devoting to provide this care. The gift shop, staffed by volunteers, is located off the lobby of the main hospital building and proceeds benefit the facility. Stock continually varies as new merchandise is acquired -- native craftspersons arrived while we were there to sell their pieces to the store's buyer, who adds 20% to benefit the center. Nearby are outstanding displays of native craft items, beautifully presented. We found the prices competitive and the selection far superior to anything we saw in stores across the state.

I spent a month at the medical center for school and was told that it was THE place to buy authentic native-made art. Lots of gifts shops downtown have Alaskan-made crafts among the usual touristy junk, but I felt I could trust everything in this shop is truly native-made. The shop employees were very nice and knowledgeable about the pieces in the store. I thought the prices were comparable if not less than most other touristy gift shops. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the market for an authentic souvenir!

This is Not a review of the Medical Center! It is a beautiful facility from what little I saw of it. And I am glad it exists. And....The Alaska Native Medical Center Gift Shop is absolutely the best place to find amazing Native arts and crafts at a great price in the Anchorage metro area! And one of the few places you can be guaranteed that what you are seeing or buying is truly made by an Alaska Native artist.You can do this as you would a museum visit... look, enjoy the artistry and craftsmanship, and capture a mental image. Go up the elevator, and see the exhibits on each floor as you walk back down the stairs, ending up at the Gift Shop. Or you can shop for handmade treasures at wonderful prices!The Gift Shop supports Native artists... they provide support for some who struggle financially, take a much smaller cut than many shops downtown, and they turn all profits into funding good causes for the medical center and the Native community. Shopping here is a win-win. If you hang out a while, you are likely to meet one of the artists who has brought his/her work to sell, and the Gift Shop staff will encourage you to deal directly with the artist.This attraction is Free! It is handicapped accessible, has food available, bathrooms and more.The Alaska Native Medical Center Gift Shop and the Alaska Native Heritage Center are Don't Miss experiences, and my two favorite memories of Native culture in Anchorage.

Friends of mine had suggested checking out the Native Medical Center as a place to view a great collection of art and also as a great place to purchase some art as well. The hospital Auxiliary operates a small gift shop jam packed with tons of lively art at fair and reasonable prices. The staff were very knowledgable about the art and the artists. Be aware though that the shop does gave limited hours and works on cash/check only basis (no cards). I suspect this is to avoid paying merchant fees to the credit card processing service since the majority of the proceeds goes to the artists with a minor percentage going towards the Auxiliary to offset the cost of operating the shop. I checked out a lot of other art shops in the city and this is the only place where I found something to purchase.

On our first afternoon in Alaska we made our way to the Alaskan Native Medical Center (a tip from a friend) and I am so glad we did! The display of native art is truly wonderful! Better than anything we saw during the rest of our two weeks in Alaska.Take the elevator to the 5th floor and work your way down the staircase. On each floor you will find a large case of artwork from native artists around the state. Carvings, needlework, and basketry are all featured. Smaller cases with additional pieces are placed along the walls of the staircase.The gift shop here is also worth a visit. The pieces are very reasonably priced with most of the money going to the artists and the moderate markup going to aid the hospital auxiliary. And the volunteers are delightful and provided great suggestions for other portions of our trip. The only downside was that the gift shop closes at 2pm. We really wished we had had more time there (although our wallets are probably happy we didn't!)

Located in a hospital gift shop run by all volunteers, all profits to charity. Wonderful selection of fine items and art worthy local crafts. Whalebone and walrus tusk carvings, scrimshaw, Indian totems and masks. Can't compare pricing, but the cause behind the shop is worth a 15 minute ride from downtown to visit. They don't advertise and had never heard of Trip Advisor, much less being highly rated on it. A truly wonderful cause and great shopping stop.

A local native carver told us about this place. The gift shop is a non-profit that sells native arts and crafts for less than you will find elsewhere. The take cash only and are only open about 4-5 hours in the middle of the day but the selection of items was vast and the workmanship very good. And you are helping support the medical center as well.

You simply must go here if you want to see beautiful native art, fantastically well displayed. Also, you can buy exquisite carvings for very reasonable prices and know that the artists and their communities are compensated for the work. Nothing comparable in quality and value elsewhere. This was my favorite place on our Alaska trip.

Museum quality Alaskan arts & crafts are the highlight of a visit to the ANMC. The visit is free during regular visitor hours. I take the elevator to the 5th floor and then take the stairs down to view the displays in each lobby.There's also a coffee shop, lounges in the lobbies of each floor to relax (see the great view from the 5th floor at http://goo.gl/Y4KT9), and wifi available.It's a great way to spend an hour in Anchorage. Here's a google map link to find it (http://goo.gl/maps/4Pp98).

My parents, both worked for IHS, so my visit here was highly anticipated for several reasons. We were very impressed by the beauty and size of the center. Also, inside was a Native art shop, which has beautiful arts and crafts from local artists and craftsmen, women. Thoroughly enjoyed the visit and will go back when in town.

This great art collection and gift shop is a hidden gem. The art and crafts in the collection are beautifully and professionally displayed and everything is well labeled. The gift shop has many wonderful, original pieces including art, jewelry, and clothing. The gift shop volunteer was delightfully knowledgeable and friendly. She knew the details of all of the many things we asked about. If you are interested in learning about Native art or wish to purchase some, this is an excellent place to do so.