Spring is a time for growth and renewal. I invite you to make a visit to the Museum of Northern Arizona a part of your Spring, as I most certainly will.

Our exhibitions and programs focus on expanding knowledge and inspiring creativity focused on the very special part of the world that is the Colorado Plateau. Many of our visitors tell us they come to the museum to learn something new, to be inspired, and to connect to heritage and community. Hearing that from our visitors makes my heart sing, and inspires our staff in their efforts to bring life-enriching experiences to our communities.

I enjoy spending time in our galleries as well as our current changing exhibitions –Call of the Colorado Plateau, Wagon Road to Mother Road, Shifting Life Zones, and our rotating display of Katsintithu–Katsina Dolls. In addition to presenting these creative exhibitions, this month we offer a number of activities for engagement on a deeper level.

One of my favorite events of the year is Slow Art Day. Please join us April 11 for this global event celebrating the beauty of spending time with art, creating a deep, up close and personal connection to the creative expression of the artist. Later in April, MNA’s fine art curator, Alan Petersen, will present a talk on the inner-canyon works of Swedish-American artist Gunnar Widforss. Often called the Painter of the National Parks, Widforss stood apart from many of his contemporaries by venturing deep into the Grand Canyon to capture its lesser-known, dramatic landscapes. One of his inner-canyon paintings is currently on view in Call of the Colorado Plateau.

Each visit to the Museum is a chance to connect with beauty, insight, and meaning. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit again and again. All of us at MNA look forward to welcoming you.

Mary Kershaw

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

The Museum is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Thursdays to 7 p.m.

Purchase admission tickets online or at the door.

APRIL 9

Members Meetup:Route 66 Bingo Night

APRIL 10

Easton Collection Center Behind-the-Scenes Tour

APRIL 10

Northern Arizona Book Festival Readings

APRIL 11

Slow Art Day

APRIL 23

Educators Night Out

APRIL 25

Gunnar Widforss: Master of the Inner Canyon

See details on all of our coming events.

Welcome Namingha Institute Class

We are thrilled to welcome the 2026 Namingha Institute Master Class for a two-week fine art residency here at the Museum of Northern Arizona starting April 26. Taking part are six early-career artists from Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and St. Louis. They will be guided by master artist Virgil Ortiz, a Cochiti Pueblo artist known for work in clay, fashion design and multimedia that is shaped by pivotal moments in history, including the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.

Shifting Life Zones Closing Soon

How does a small plant that only grows on the rim of the Grand Canyon survive? Why does so much Indigenous art focus on seasons and growing? How does elevation affect the size of moths? These and many more questions are answered in our Shifting Life Zones exhibition, an indoor and outdoor installation that explores science, art, and culture and how warmer climate is impacting plant life on the Colorado Plateau. Make a plan to visit soon. The exhibition closes April 30.

Heritage Festival Coming June 26-28

We’re excited to welcome you to the annual Heritage Festival of Arts & Culture June 26-28 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Honoring the Native American traditions of the Colorado Plateau, the festival is a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous artists and cultural experiences while shopping stunning artwork sold directly by the artists. It all kicks off Friday with a juried art competition and members preview followed by two days of shopping and celebration.

$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.

Museum Open Until 7 p.m. Thursdays

Enjoy the Museum after hours during our Twilight Thursdays, with galleries and exhibitions open until 7 p.m., plus enjoy an admission perk. Beginning at 4 p.m. each Thursday, admission is pay-what-you-wish—meaning you decide what to pay to explore the art, science, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau. This special opportunity is made possible through the generosity of a Museum donor, helping make the Museum of Northern Arizona more accessible to all.

Call of the Colorado Plateau

Open through January 4, 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.

Wagon Road to Mother Road

Open through January 27, 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.

Katsintithu—Katsina Dolls

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.

Shifting Life Zones

Closing April 30, 2026

Shifting Life Zones invites visitors to explore the transformations unfolding across northern Arizona landscapes. This region, where the concept of life zones originated, is a prime example of how zones are shifting with climate changes. The exhibit unveils the shifting boundaries of plant life as they adapt to a warming world and points to changes here on campus and across the broader region.

The Wedding by Baje Whitethorne

This print of The Wedding, a painting by Diné artist Baje Whitethorne Sr., depicts a gathering and feast on the Navajo Nation. Baje’s artwork reflects his homeland and rich culture, depicting striking landscapes and the harmony of the Navajo way of life. The print is 20×16 inches matted. See this art and more treasures in our Museum Gift Shop or shop online at shopmusnaz.org.