| Dear Museum Friends,
As we enter the season of giving thanks and gathering to spend time with friends and family, I want to share how grateful we are for your connection to MNA. It means the world to us to see you in the galleries and at our events sharing your favorite parts of the museum with your companions. November and December are times when we seek special connection with friends, family, or community. The Museum of Northern Arizona is the perfect place to visit at this time of year, whether it be with your friends, with family members, or seeking to connect with a community of people who enjoy shared interests. Our galleries and exhibitions offer special insights into the arts, culture, and science of the Colorado Plateau, and invite you to enjoy, reflect, and learn about this remarkable part of the world. In this newsletter you will see a range of special events that magnify that experience – come along and enjoy contemporary Native American art and performance; visit our gift shop to find a unique gift for that special someone; or enjoy a musical performance by the US Navy during Navy week. Above all, be sure to enjoy our newest seasonal experience, the Snowpine Model Railway, new for this year but set to become an annual seasonal favorite in Flagstaff.
Thank you for being part of the MNA community. I look forward to seeing you at the museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona |
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November 11 Celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with author Roger Naylor
Route 66 turns 100 years old on November 11, 2026. Come celebrate the anniversary at MNA from 1pm-2pm. Author and travel writer Roger Naylor brings the Mother Road’s history and cultural significance to life with his latest book. Arizona Route 66 Road Trip makes the ultimate guide for this epic journey. Naylor is an award-winning Arizona author and a resident of Cottonwood. Naylor’s work has appeared in USA Today, The Guardian, Country Magazine, Arizona Highways, Route 66 Magazine, and dozens more. |
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November 13 Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of our Easton Collection Center from 2:30pm-3:30pm. Explore cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and breathtaking art. Learn how the collections are cared for and used in a marvel of environmentally friendly and culturally informed architecture. Each tour is limited to 20 people for a truly personal experience. Tours take place the second Friday of each month and cost $15 for MNA members, $20 for non-members, free for tribal members. Reserve your spot today. |
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November 14 Michael Kabotie: An Artistic Visionary
Artist, musician and educator, Ed Kabotie will share stories and artwork from his father, Michael Kabotie, who was a founding member of the Artist Hopid Collective. This talk, from 1pm-2pm, compliments our exhibit Artist Hopid Unveiled which explores the bold vision of Artist Hopid, a groundbreaking collective formed in 1973 by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema. The Museum of Northern Arizona extends its gratitude to the Terra Foundation for American Art for support of the Artist Hopid Unveiled exhibition. |
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November 15 U.S. Navy at MNA
The Navy is in town and coming to MNA! Join us 10am-4pm to learn about naval history, meet the Navy’s mascot, Commander Bond (a Labrador Retreiver!), meet special operators, get hands-on STEM and robotics experience and watch a live drill performance!
Meet Arizona sailors from the new USS Arizona Submarine, Mariners from USNS Yuma and USNS Navajo and hometown sailors from Flagstaff and across Arizona. This event is free with museum admission. |
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November 22 The Snowpine Model Railway Opens
The Museum of Northern Arizona introduces a new seasonal tradition. Come join us all day at the opening of the Snowpine Model Railway, a model train that travels through a miniature world inspired by the landscapes, communities, history, and mystique of the Colorado Plateau, all nestled within the historic Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard. Interactive activities for children and adults will be offered 2pm-4pm and are free with museum admission.
The train may be small, but the journey is grand. |
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November 28 Phoenix Youth Hoop Dancers Performance
The Phoenix Youth Hoop Dancers are a collective of Native youth representing multiple tribal nations. Rooted in culture, community, and ancestral teachings, these young artists share the beauty and meaning of the Indigenous hoop dance—a story in motion that reflects balance, healing, and connection. The group will perform from 1pm-2pm.
This performance is free with museum admission. |
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December 5 & 6 Winter Market & Open House
Shop for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift and enjoy your favorite galleries at our annual Winter Market & Open House on December 5 and 6 from 10am-4pm. A holiday market takes over the Museum’s Branigar Chase Discovery auditorium and Living Room, highlighting 25 Indigenous artists from the Colorado Plateau. They will showcase and sell their unique art, ornaments, jewelry, pottery, apparel, weavings, and more. Bring the whole family—there will be winter storytime, crafts, and other activities for kids. MNA Members: Join us for an early shopping experience beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday December 5th.
Admission to the Museum is free December 5th and 6th thanks to generous support from APS. |
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$10 Sunday Admission for Locals
Northern Arizona neighbors, this one’s for you! Enjoy $10 Sunday admission at the Museum all year long in 2026—a savings of up to $8 per person. Spend your Sunday exploring the art, science, culture, and dinosaurs of the Colorado Plateau. Just mention where you live at the admission desk. Eligible counties: Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, and Apache. Excludes special events and festivals. Make it a Sunday tradition—we can’t wait to welcome you. |
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Open through April 30, 2027
Explore the bold vision of Artist Hopid, a ground-breaking collective formed in 1973 by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema.
Working at a moment of cultural change, these artists created a new visual language that spoke to audiences beyond Hopi. Their work blends humor, movement, and meaning with contemporary styles. MNA is currently displaying the second of three rotations of the exhibit, Ancestral Echoes, until December 6, 2026. The final rotation, Enduring Images, opens December 11, 2026. |
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Open through January 17, 2027
Step into a world of vast horizons, rugged canyons, and quiet solitude with Call of the Colorado Plateau. This immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore the profound impact of nature on the human spirit. Artists and adventurers drawn to stunning landscapes figure prominently, yet the show goes beyond the visual with multisensory experiences that capture the essence of being in the wilds. |
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Wagon Road to Mother Road
Open through April 4, 2027
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. |
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Ongoing
Explore the tradition and artistry of Hopi katsina dolls in a new MNA installation. Selected with consultation from Hopi cultural leaders, the dolls on display are from the museum’s extensive collection—rotating in the exhibit every six months. The rotations will examine a variety themes, providing insight into the origin, cultural importance, and artistic heritage of katsina dolls. |
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This beautiful carving was done by artist Claudia Peina, Zuni Pueblo. It is carved out of an elk antler and is adorned with turquoise, coral and jet details.
Dimensions: 2.55″ Width x 6.25″ Height. |
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