Navajo Nation Museum


The sleek and modern Navajo Nation Museum, dedicated exclusively to the history and culture of the Nation, punches well above its weight. Exhibits range from textiles, silverwork and ceramics to the remains of an ephemeral piece constructed with Ai Weiwei. It's a real hub of the community, run with passion and deep knowledge.

For an unusual experience, step into the small outdoor amphitheater beside the entrance and plant yourself at the intersection of the two indented lines on the central platform. Then speak aloud: as noted in Sam Lowe's Arizona Curiosities, it will sound like your voice is echoing just outside your head. Step away, and the effect disappears. How to explain it? We don't know, but this audible vortex is kind of cool.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Navajo Veterans Memorial Park

1.2 MILES

Below the eponymous Window Rock you'll find the Navajo Veterans Memorial Park, whose circular layout is a metaphor for the rising and setting of the sun…

2. Rex Museum

19.67 MILES

The small Gallup Historical Museum, in the turn-of-the-19th-century former Rex Hotel, is stuffed with assorted old photos and memorabilia, mostly related…

3. Historic District

19.75 MILES

Route 66, the 'main street of America,' runs straight through downtown Gallup's historic district, lined with pretty, renovated light-red sandstone…

4. Gallup Cultural Center

19.82 MILES

This cultural center houses a good little museum of Native American art on the 2nd floor, including excellent collections of kachina dolls both new and…

5. Hubbell Trading Post

28.71 MILES

Widely respected merchant John Lorenzo Hubbell established this trading post in 1878 to supply Navajos returning from Fort Sumner with dry goods and…