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Navajo Nation Museum: A Window into Diné Culture

Discover the vibrant heritage of the Navajo Nation through art, history, and culture at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona.

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The Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona, is the first tribally-owned museum in the U.S., dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural history, art, and traditions of the Navajo people. Through diverse exhibits, the museum tells the story of the Navajo Nation from ancient times to the present day.

A brief summary to Navajo Nation Museum

  • Arizona 264 and Loop Road, Window Rock, AZ, 86515, US
  • +1928-871-7941

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
  • Take advantage of guided tours for deeper insights into the exhibits and Navajo culture.
  • Check the museum's calendar for special events, including cultural demonstrations and workshops.
  • Visit the gift shop for unique, handmade crafts and art by local Navajo artists.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If arriving by car from Red Rock Country, travel east on Arizona Route 89A until the junction with US Route 160. Take the exit onto US Route 160 East towards Window Rock. Merge onto AZ-264 E and follow it until the intersection with Loop Road. The museum is located at the intersection of Arizona 264 and Loop Road. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Navajo Nation Museum via public transportation, take the Greyhound bus to Gallup, NM. From Gallup, transfer to the Navajo Transit System (NTS) bus, which connects to Window Rock. Check the NTS schedule in advance. Once in Window Rock, the museum is within walking distance from the bus stop. Bus fare is typically waived. Alternatively, take the Greyhound bus service to the nearest stop in Window Rock. From the Window Rock bus station, a local taxi or rideshare can be used to reach the museum, which is about 5 minutes away. Taxi fare is estimated to be $10-$15.

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Discover more about Navajo Nation Museum

Located in Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Nation Museum stands as a significant cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Diné (Navajo) culture and history. Established in 1961, the museum has grown from a small, one-room operation to a 54,000-square-foot center that houses extensive collections of art, ethnographic artifacts, archaeological finds, and archival materials. The museum's exhibits highlight the work of Navajo artists across various media, including weaving, silverwork, and ceramics, alongside historical and cultural displays. These exhibits provide insights into the traditions, struggles, and triumphs of the Navajo Nation. The museum also features a research library with special collections supporting historical, legal, cultural, and governmental research. Visitors can explore exhibits such as the Long Walk story, which recounts the harrowing 1864 forced march of Navajo people to Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Another exhibit, titled Jo' Jini'–If These Objects Could Talk, features a variety of items, including jewelry, folk art, and pottery, each with its own story rooted in Navajo wisdom. The museum also provides programs that help revive and preserve the Navajo language. The museum's commitment to cultural preservation extends beyond its exhibits. It has collaborated with LucasFilm and Pixar to create Navajo-dubbed versions of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and Finding Nemo, respectively. The museum also houses a gift shop that offers books about Navajo culture, jewelry, and other fine collections.

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