Dear Museum Friends,


In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we are thrilled to offer free admission to Native American tribal members throughout November. This initiative, made possible through a generous donor gift, recognizes the invaluable contributions Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau have made to the Museum of Northern Arizona since its founding in 1928.

We are also excited to welcome everyone to Wagon Road to Mother Road, a new exhibition opening November 16. The exhibit explores a transformative era of American road travel from the Beale Wagon Road to Route 66, highlighting vintage artifacts and MNA’s own archaeological research. It truly is a fascinating tour of northern Arizona's highway heritage.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Museum to celebrate culture, explore history, and be inspired by the art and stories of the Colorado Plateau.

Mary Kershaw

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

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Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open Thursdays until 7 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day

Purchase admission tickets online or at the door.

Mark Your Calendar

Free Admission for Tribal Members
November 1-30

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we invite all tribal members to enjoy free general admission to Museum of Northern Arizona during November. Simply mention your tribal affiliation or show a tribal ID at the admissions desk. This donor-funded initiative recognizes the profound contributions Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau have made to the Museum since its founding in 1928.

Exhibit Preview & Reception for Members
November 15, 3-4 p.m.

Museum members are welcome to preview our newest exhibit, Wagon Road to Mother Road, and hear fascinating Route 66 history from MNA archaeologist and historian David Purcell. This engaging exhibition, traces the evolution of travel in northern Arizona from the Beale Wagon Road to Route 66 and reveals its deep imprint on landscapes, communities, and highway heritage. It coincides with the Route 66 Centennial.

Diamond Creek Apache Crown Dancers
November 29, 1-2 p.m.

We are honored to welcome the Diamond Creek Crown Dancers to perform the Apache Crown Dance at the Museum. The dance is a sacred ceremony with deep meaning and is performed by Apache men under the guidance of the tribal medicine man. Visitors are welcome to witness the dance but should not approach or take photographs with the dancers. This program is included with general admission to the Museum.

Apply for 2026 Namingha Institute

Emerging artists are welcome to apply for the 2026 Namingha Institute, which takes place at the Museum of Northern Arizona April 26-May 10.

Named for the Namingha family, who believe deeply in giving back to the community by aiding and nurturing young artists, the institute celebrates diverse artistry. Throughout the two-week residency, students will work with master artists and find inspiration in MNA collections and the Colorado Plateau. Boarding and stipend provided. Learn more and apply.

Open Until 7 p.m. on Thursdays

Join us for Twilight Thursdays at the Museum. Experience the galleries and exhibits until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, with pay-what-you-wish admission starting at 4 p.m. We welcome local residents and visitors to explore the Museum after working hours—as a family or on your own—for an evening of learning, fun, and inspiration. We're able to offer pay-what-you-wish admission for Twilight Thursdays because of the generosity of a Museum donor.

Exhibitions

Wagon Road to Mother Road

Opens November 16, 2025

Explore the evolution of U.S. Highway 66, from its alignment with the Beale Wagon Road to its profound impact on northern Arizona. Based on MNA research, the show reveals captivating stories about the wild side of the iconic highway—including tales of drinking and driving, breakdown camps, and car crashes. Gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Route 66 and American road travel.

Collecting in a Changing World

Open through January 4, 2026

Highlighting newer MNA acquisitions, this exhibit explores the stories behind the additions and reveals how they contribute to advancing knowledge, preserving heritage, and shaping future exhibits. Some objects are visually striking, others are less conspicuous yet hold value for their scientific or cultural significance. The show includes pottery, kachinas, paintings, natural specimens, and more.

Shifting Life Zones

Open through April 30, 2026

Shifting Life Zones invites visitors to explore the transformations unfolding across northern Arizona landscapes. This region, where the concept of life zones originated, is a prime example of how zones are shifting with climate changes. The exhibit unveils the shifting boundaries of plant life as they adapt to a warming world and points to changes here on the Museum’s campus and across the broader region.

Classes

Let your creative spirit thrive. Learn how to paint or draw or take a nature journaling course. Classes are taught by local artists in Discovery Village on the beautiful campus of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Learn more and register.

Museum Shop

Dawa (Sun) Katsina Doll

This Sun Katsina Doll is by Hopi carver Wally Grover. It is made of cottonwood root, set on a base, and stands 13.5 inches in height. Carving since he was 18 years old, Wally is a celebrated artist from the Kachina/Parrot clan on First Mesa. See this piece and more at the Gift Shop inside the Museum or shop online at shopmusnaz.org. Proceeds from gift shop purchases support the Native American artists and the Museum.