Dear Museum Friends,
As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.
Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.
Later this month, we are pleased to present our annual Science Day and Open House on September 27. This free admission day at the Museum is held in conjunction with the Flagstaff Festival of Science. We invite children and adults to experience hands-on science activities and talks on large extinct animals and fascinating plants.
Twilight Thursdays and our Science Day are made possible through the generosity of donors. I want to thank an anonymous donor and Arizona Public Service for supporting MNA and these programs.
I can’t wait to see you at the Museum in September.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
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Twilight Thursdays: Open Until 7 p.m.
We are excited to announce Twilight Thursdays at the Museum—inviting you to experience the galleries and exhibits until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, with pay-what-you-wish admission starting at 4 p.m. We welcome local residents and visitors to explore the Museum after working hours—as a family or on your own—for an evening of learning, fun, and inspiration. We’re able to offer pay-what-you-wish admission for Twilight Thursdays because of the generosity of a Museum donor. |
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Your Chance to Have an Impact at MNA
Many thanks to the 51 donors who’ve already supported our Museum summer campaign! Your gifts help bring more hands-on activities to the Museum of Northern Arizona—like fossil and pottery touch tables, geology-inspired jewelry making, and more. Interactive experiences leave a lasting impression, and you can help us create and host more of them. DONATE TODAY to help us reach our $20,000 goal by September 15. Thank you! |
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Save the Date: Celebraciones de la Gente
The 22nd annual Celebraciones de la Gente takes place October 25-26 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, this community celebration honors a vibrant tradition with a weekend of remembrances, joy and cultural immersion. In the spirit of the Day of the Dead, Celebraciones invites people to experience the magic of colorful ofrendas, enjoy mariachi music, dances, and Courtyard After Dark on Saturday evening. |
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Thank You Young Indigenous Artists
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Buddy Whitethorne Foundation, their talented artist instructors, and the Native student artists who made the inaugural HOZHO Academy Painting Workshop such a success last month. The students spent the weekend in Discovery Village at the Museum of Northern Arizona learning the foundational principles of composition, color theory, and perspective. Their enthusiasm and creativity inspire us all. Ahéheeʼ! |
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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 through 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. |
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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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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 the Discovery Village on the beautiful campus of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Learn more and register. |
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Artist Monica Nuvamsa, whose cultural affiliations include Hopi, Acoma, and Havasupai, draws upon her life experiences to create the drawings in her Journey of Life puzzle series. Four separate round puzzles map a journey that spans two years and depict spiritual growth and strength. Each puzzle is 72 pieces and little more than 7-inches in diameter when completed. Visit the Gift Shop inside the Museum or shop online at shopmusnaz.org. |
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