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S'edav Va'aki Museum: Echoes of the Hohokam

Explore a 1500-year-old Hohokam village at S'edav Va'aki Museum, Phoenix's largest preserved archaeological site and a National Historic Landmark.

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Explore the S'edav Va'aki Museum, a 1,500-year-old archaeological site in Phoenix, Arizona, once inhabited by the Hohokam people. Discover ancient ruins, artifacts, and learn about their sophisticated canal system and desert farming techniques.

A brief summary to S'edav Va'aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum)

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October - April) to comfortably explore the outdoor trail.
  • Check the museum's website for information on special events, workshops, and cultural demonstrations.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available on the northwest corner of the grounds.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the site and museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    S'edav Va'aki Museum is accessible via Valley Metro Rail. From various points in Phoenix, take the light rail to the 44th St/Washington station. From there, the museum is a short walk east on Washington Street. A one-way fare on Valley Metro Rail typically costs $2.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Phoenix, a taxi or ride-share to S'edav Va'aki Museum will take approximately 15 minutes. Expect to pay around $15-$25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Ask your driver to take you to 4619 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

  • Driving

    If driving from the West Valley, take I-10 East to State Route 202 East. Exit at 44th Street, proceed south to Washington Street, then turn east. The museum entrance is a short distance on the right. Free parking is available on the northwest corner of the grounds. From the East Valley, take US-60 West to AZ-101 North, then exit onto AZ-202 West. Exit at 44th Street, go south to Washington Street, and turn east.

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Discover more about S'edav Va'aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum)

S'edav Va'aki Museum, formerly known as Pueblo Grande Museum, offers a captivating journey into the past, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of the Hohokam people who thrived in the Sonoran Desert for over a thousand years. This National Historic Landmark, located minutes from downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport, is the largest preserved archaeological site in the city. Walk a fully accessible 2/3-mile trail that winds through the ancient village, where you'll encounter a partially excavated platform mound (Va'aki), a ballcourt, and replicated prehistoric houses, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the Hohokam. The platform mound served as a ceremonial, political, and communal center. Inside the museum, three galleries await. The main gallery displays artifacts unearthed from the site, providing insights into Hohokam culture and their advanced agricultural practices. The children's hands-on gallery engages young minds with interactive exhibits about the science of archaeology. A changing gallery features exhibits on archaeology, Southwest cultures, and Arizona history. Don't miss the current exhibit, “Following Their Roots – Traditional Native American Farming in Arizona, Past and Present,” open until Summer 2025. S'edav Va'aki Museum is more than just a collection of ruins; it's a place where the stories of the past come alive, fostering an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Phoenix area.

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