At the Museum of Northern Arizona, learning is at the heart of everything we do. As a new academic year begins, we’re excited to share opportunities designed to inspire curiosity and deepen connections to the Colorado Plateau.

First, we’re pleased to offer free admission to all Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College students from August 15 through May 15. Simply present a valid student ID to explore exhibitions highlighting the science, art, and cultures of this remarkable region.

For younger learners, our elementary school tours offer hands-on experiences with real artifacts, interactive activities, and guidance from passionate educators and volunteers. Programs align with Arizona state standards, and grant funding is available to help with field trip costs.

To kick off the school year, we invite teachers and administrators to join us for Educators Night Out on August 20—a free evening to explore MNA, connect with peers, and discover how we can support your classroom goals.

For all lifelong learners, step out of the August heat and into the cool, welcoming environment of our exhibit galleries to explore the Museum’s latest offerings. Also, don’t miss a rare chance to go behind the scenes during our Easton Collection Center Open House on August 23.

Wishing you a month of discovery, inspiration, and meaningful learning!

Mary Kershaw

Executive Director & CEO

Museum of Northern Arizona

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Mark Your Calendar

Free Entry for NAU and CCC Students!

We welcome all Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College students to visit the Museum of Northern Arizona for FREE during the 2025–2026 academic year. Just show your valid student ID at the front desk for admission between Aug. 15, 2025, and May 15, 2026. NAU and CCC professors can also arrange free tours or self-guided visits for their classes. Use this form for group tours. This program is possible thanks to generous support from a Museum donor.

Final Thirsty Thursday of the Season

August 14, 5-7:30 p.m.

Our final Thirsty Thursday of the summer takes place in MNA’s Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard August 14. Enjoy live music from Sean Golightly’s Bluebird Mountain trio. Pizzicletta will be on hand with their famous fired pizzas for sale. Attendees are invited to take part in our passive trivia challenge. Admission is $8 for MNA members, $18 for non-members, free for children under 10. Purchase tickets online or at the door.

Attention Northern Arizona Educators

August 20, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

We are excited to welcome educators—teachers, administrators, assistants, counselors—to our Educators Night Out at the Museum of Northern Arizona on August 20. Explore MNA galleries and exhibits, check out our field trip activities, touch tables, and school tour funding opportunities. The event is free. No registration required. Bring your family, educator friends, and your curiousity. We’ll have free snacks and cash bar. We can’t wait to meet you.

Easton Collection Center Open House

August 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

We welcome everyone to our Easton Collection Center Open House on Saturday, August 23. See fossilized plants, herbarium and biology specimens, baskets, pottery, and fine art celebrating the Colorado Plateau. You’ll encounter a rich variety of objects from across our collections that focus on the theme: Plants and Pollinators. Curators and staff will be on hand to share surprising connections between the natural world and human creativity.

NEW: Twilight Thursdays at the Museum

Beginning September 4

Experience the Museum of Northern Arizona in a whole new light. Join us Thursdays from 5–7 p.m. for after-hours access to exhibitions, culture, and discovery. Too busy during the day? Now you can explore our galleries and gift shop on Thursday evenings. All exhibitions will be open with some special surprises. We can’t wait to see you at the Museum on Twilight Thursdays starting September 4th.

Shifting Life Zones

Open through 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 the Museum’s campus and across the broader region.

Collecting in a Changing World

Open through January 4, 2026

Highlighting newer MNA acquisitions, this exhibit explores the stories behind the additions and reveals how they contribute to advancing knowledge, preserving heritage, and shaping future exhibits. Some objects are visually striking, others are less conspicuous yet hold value for their scientific or cultural significance. The show includes pottery, kachinas, paintings, natural specimens, and more.

Poetry Maps

Open through October 27, 2025

Showcasing fine art from our collections and poems from our community, the 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 and people of the Colorado Plateau.

Wagon Road to Mother Road

Opens November 16, 2025

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.

Hopi Overlay Eagle Ring

Crafted of sterling silver in the Hopi overlay technique, this ring by Ruben Saufkie (Hopi) features a wrap around eagle motif. The ring is size 14. Shop this piece and other authentic Native American art in the Museum Gift Shop or at shopmusnaz.org. Proceeds support the Indigenous artists and the Museum of Northern Arizona.