Museum of Northern Arizona: A celebration of native Arizonian history
Established in 1928 with a mission to inspire a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau, the Museum of Northern Arizona offers an extensive collection of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum campus includes a 21,000-square-foot exhibit building, gift shop, bookstore, library and research and educational facilities, serving more than 65,000 visitors each year.
Museum exhibit topics include areas of archaeology, ethnology, geology, paleontology, biology and fine arts. The fine arts collection includes 3,200 pieces documenting 20th and 21st century art among Native Americans as well as regional work from non-native artists dating from the 1860s. In the museum library, there is an impressive holding of archives of more than 250,000 negatives, photographic prints and other photo sensitive items.
In addition, the museum offers more than 450 educational programs each year through its children’s Discovery Program and adult Ventures Program. Some of the events include a lecture series, Heritage Program festivals and tours.
Annual museum special community events include the Annual Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, the Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture and the Annual Celebraciones de la Gente. The museum also has a vigorous history of collaborating with Hopi, Navajo and other tribes to promote Native American arts and crafts and foster cross-cultural communication.
Visiting the Museum of Northern Arizona is a great way to spend a family fun day. While you’re there be sure to check out the museum gift shop where you’ll find many treasures including carvings, Navajo rugs, Katsina dolls, pottery, sculptures, jewelry and much more. For information on changing exhibits and upcoming events, visit the museum website and follow on Twitter and Facebook.
- by Jennifer Pruett, Flagstaff Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jennifer PruettA self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.
