November at the Museum of Northern Arizona

As we enter November, I’m filled with gratitude for our community – MNA members, donors, partners, volunteers, board members, and staff whose dedication and passion fuel our mission. Together, we’re able to shine a light on the remarkable treasures of the Colorado Plateau, ensuring they remain accessible to all.

Autumn and winter are wonderful times of the year to visit the Museum. Personally, I enjoy spending time in our galleries. Each visit brings new insights and perspectives that enrich my understanding of the art, science, and culture of this very special place that is the Colorado Plateau.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Poetry Maps,a new exhibit that journeys through the Plateau via art and verse. Blending visual and literary perspectives, Poetry Maps explores landscapes and inspirations, inviting visitors to see and feel this extraordinary region in new and powerful ways.

Also, save the date! Our annual Winter Market is just weeks away, providing a festive shopping experience that directly supports local Indigenous artists. Join us December 7 and 8 for the opportunity to find meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts while celebrating the season Through generous support from APS, we’re happy to offer free entry to the Museum for Winter Market weekend.

Thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

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Open 10 am to 5 pm

(Closed Tuesdays through February)

Purchase admission tickets online or at the door.

Mark Your Calendar

Wupatki Monument Commemoration

November 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The National Park Service will mark the 100-year anniversary of Wupatki National Monument with Stories of Place: Wupatki National Monument Commemoration at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Come learn about the history of the monument, the enduring connection of Indigenous communities, and current events. Indigenous artists will demonstrate their work. Artwork by Wupatki artists-in-residence and science information will be on display.

Closed Tuesdays Starting Nov. 5

The Museum of Northern Arizona is closed on Tuesdays this winter starting November 5. However, November 5 is Election Day, and the Museum’s Branigar/Chase auditorium will be open as a polling place. The Museum is open to visitors daily, except for Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of February. Winter is a wonderful time to explore our galleries at a leisurely pace, whether on your own or with family and friends. Plan your visit.

Last Collection Center Tour of 2024

November 8, 3-4 p.m.

Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of MNA’s Easton Collection Center. Learn about the impressive piece of environmentally friendly architecture and see part of the Museum’s extraordinary collection of cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and fine art. This tour is led by seasoned guides and is small, providing art and cultural enthusiasts a closer look at pottery, jewelry, artifacts, paintings, weavings, and more. Space is limited; be sure to register today.

Poetry Maps: Members’ Private Viewing

November 23, noon-2 p.m.

Museum of Northern Arizona members are invited to a special viewing of our new Poetry Maps exhibit.The afternoon program includes readings from some of the exhibit’s featured community poets. MNA members always enjoy special Museum benefits like this. Other privileges of membership include free Museum admission, invitations to member-exclusive events, a discount on select Museum Gift Shop items. Learn more and join.

Give the Gift of Discovery & Connection

Looking for a meaningful holiday gift? Share the wonders of the Museum of Northern Arizona with an MNA Gift Membership! And to make your gift extra special, add on an MNA gift box for only $12. This beautifully presented box includes an exclusive purple MNA logo mug and a coffee coupon to The Station Cafe — all packaged and ready to delight, no wrapping required!

To learn more and purchase, visit musnaz.org/gift-membership or call (928) 774-5211 x285.

Apply for Namingha Institute 2025

Applications due January 13

The Namingha Institute Master Class, led by Hopi-Tewa artists Dan Namingha and Arlo Namingha, provides a two-week residency learning experience for early-career artists. The institute is a paid residency held at the Museum of Northern Arizona April 27-May 11. The program is open to all artists 18 years of age or older. Completed applications must be received before 5 p.m. on January 13, 2025. Learn more. Contact us at naminghainstitute@musnaz.org.

Local artists teach classes in ceramics, drawing, watercolor, and landscape painting in Discover Village at MNA. See our classes page for details.

Poetry Maps

Opens November 17

Showcasing fine art from the Museum of Northern Arizona collections and poems from our community, the Poetry Maps exhibition brings together many viewpoints, expressed in visual art and verse. These paintings and poems serve as a map through place and time, revealing perspectives that form a collective connection to the extraordinary landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.

The Grand Canyon Dragon Map

This highly anticipated exhibition explores the origins, heritage, and ongoing use of an iconic geology map first published by MNA in 1976. Alongside a display of the original map are rocks from the Grand Canyon formations, descriptions of the geologic layers, and bygone map-making instruments. Copies of the map and other related collectibles are for sale in the Museum Gift Shop.

Selling the Southwest

In the early 20th century, travel industry entrepreneurs employed artists to create a sense of wonder and mystery about the American Southwest that attracted tourists and established a romanticized vision that has remained to this day. Many of the artists are now prominent names in the canon of classic Southwest art. See works by Thomas Moran, Louis Akin, and Gunnar Widforss, alongside pottery, rugs, jewelry, and artwork by Indigenous artists.

Mosaic Necklace by Charlene Reano

This stunning rolled turquoise necklace is reversible, highlighting a different design on the other side of the drops. Created by Charlene Reano of San Felipe Pueblo, it measures 21 inches long, and is made of sterling silver, rolled turquoise, lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, spiny oyster, pipestone, and jet. This and other authentic Native American works are available in our Gift Shop inside the Museum. Shop online at shopmusnaz.org. All proceeds benefit the artists and the Museum.