| Dear Museum Friends,
During this season of togetherness and reflection, we are grateful for you—our friends, members, donors, and visitors who make the Museum of Northern Arizona such a special place. This year brought inspiring moments—from unveiling Collecting in a Changing World and exploring the stories behind Wagon Road to Mother Road, to welcoming curious hands at our Touch Tables and gathering for Twilight Thursdays and our Heritage programs. Your support helps us celebrate the stories, art, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau every day.
As a nonprofit institution, we rely on the support of our community to advance our education, research, and preservation efforts. This holiday season, we have a wonderful opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact. Any donation made through the end of the year will be automatically doubled thanks to a group of generous supporters offering a matching contribution. We are grateful for your support in helping us preserve and share the incredible heritage of our region. We’ve made it easy to donate here.
Wishing you warmth, connection, and plenty of memorable moments with those you hold close.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona |
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Your 2025 Giving Impact Doubled
Thanks to a generous group of supporters, all donations to MNA before December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000!
As a private non-profit, MNA relies on your generosity to launch exhibitions, share our collections, and engage visitors in educational programs. In 2026, we aim to reach more visitors than ever, and we need your help. Your
tax-deductible donation is an investment in learning and discovery at MNA. Donate today! |
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Winter Market and Open House
December 6 & 7
Shop for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift and enjoy your favorite galleries at our annual Winter Market & Open House. A holiday favorite, the market highlights works from regional Indigenous artists. Discover unique art, ornaments, jewelry, pottery, apparel, weavings, and more. Bring the whole family—there will be winter storytime, crafts, and other activities for kids. Museum admission is free the entire weekend. |
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Museum Gifts for Everyone
The Museum Gift Shop is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursdays until 7 p.m. Enjoy shopping a wide selection of handmade jewelry from Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo artists, plus pottery, weavings, fine art, carvings, and more. Shop at the Museum for the greatest selection or online. Looking for the perfect experience gift? Choose an MNA Gift Membership that allows the recipient free admission to the Museum for the whole year. It’s perfect for museum and art lovers. |
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Emerging Artists Residency Opportunity
Emerging artists are welcome to apply for the 2026 Namingha Institute, April 26-May 10, at the Museum. Named for the Namingha family, who believe deeply in giving back to the community by aiding and nurturing young artists, the institute celebrates diverse artistry. Throughout the two-week residency, students will work with master artists and find inspiration from the Colorado Plateau. Boarding and stipend provided. Learn more and apply. Deadline to apply: January 11. |
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Final Days to View Collecting Exhibit
Our Collecting in a Changing World exhibition showcasing recent MNA acquisitions that reflect evolving art, culture, and science across the Colorado Plateau is closing January 4. Join our curators and a featured artist on December 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m for an informal in-gallery gathering. Explore the art and objects and ask questions about everything from fine art and katsina dolls to pottery, natural specimens, and popular-culture objects. |
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Opens January 10, 2026
Explore the tradition and artistry of Hopi katsina dolls in a new MNA installation. Selected with consultation from Hopi cultural leaders, the dolls being displayed 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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Wagon Road to Mother Road
Open through October 2026
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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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. |
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Closes 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. |
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| Let your creative spirit thrive. Learn how to paint or draw or take a nature journaling course. Classes are taught by local artists in Discovery Village on the beautiful campus of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Learn more and register. |
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This sterling silver and Morenci turquoise ring is by Diné artist Dan Jackson. The size 8 ring is currently on special at 25% off. See this piece and more at the Gift Shop inside the Museum or shop online at shopmusnaz.org. Proceeds from gift shop purchases support the Native American artists and the Museum. |
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