Visit History
Come visit one of the many museums within the Navajo Nation to experience the history and culture that makes the Navajo so special. Each museum, though different in many ways, lets you learn and experience the story of the Navajo people and land. Learn about Navajo history, people, culture, government, beliefs, arts, ceremonies, sacred sites and language.
Explore Navajo Interactive Museum
Located in Tuba City, the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum approximates the journey Navajos take through life. Four monumental directional symbols divide the Museum into four quadrants. Traveling clockwise, you will enter the east and move to the south, west and north where in each quadrant you are introduced to the land, language, history, culture and ceremonial life of the Navajo. At over 7,000 sq. feet, the museum features a traditional Navajo Hogan (home) and Navajo stories of creation. Your Navajo escort will help you understand the exhibits of Navajo culture, traditions, family systems and more.
Hours of Operation (varies by season):
December – February
Monday – Friday: By Appt Only – CALL (928) 283-4545 to schedule an appointment.
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
March – May
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
June – August
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
September – November
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit
Located in Tuba City, just a few short steps away from the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, the Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit has actual gear and tools used in battle, victory stories, transcripts of a Code Talker and exceptionally detailed photos.
The Code Talker’s primary job in World War II was to talk and transmit information on tactics, troop movements, orders and other vital battlefield information via telegraphs and radios in their native dialect. A major advantage of the code talker system was its speed. The method of using Morse code often took hours where as, the Navajos handled a message in minutes. It has been said that if was not for the Navajo Code Talker’s, the Marines would have never taken Iwo Jima.
Contact info:
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Did you know?
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 14, 2022 in Tse Bonito, New Mexico to construct a new building for the Navajo Code Talkers Museum. It was a very appropriate and productive event to happen on National Navajo Code Talkers Day!
Ned A. Hatathli Cultural Center
Located in Tsaile, Arizona at the Diné College compound, serves the residents of the 27,000 square-mile Navajo Nation which is spread over Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Founded in 1968, it is the first of 37 tribal colleges. Diné College has two main campuses and six community centers serving approximately 2,000 students. Diné College is a public institution of higher education chartered by the Navajo Nation. The mission of Diné College is to apply the Sá’ah Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón principles to advance quality student learning through Nitsáhákees (Thinking), Nahatá (Planning), Iiná (Living) and Siih Hasin (Assuring).
The museum is located within the Ned A. Hatathli Cultural Center on the fourth floor at Tsaile Campus. It features a variety of audio-visual exhibitions plus traveling exhibits, workshops, and lectures. The permanent collection consists of historical manuscripts, films, tapes, photographs, and Navajo and other tribal artifacts.
Indian Route 64 & 1 Circle Drive
Tsaile, Arizona 86556
Navajo Nation Museum, Library, & Visitors Center
Located in Window Rock, Arizona, this modern facility is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich and unique culture of the Navajo Nation. Native displays, a book and gift shop, snack bar, auditorium, outdoor amphitheater, information kiosk, library and on-site authentic Navajo Hogan complete the center.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday: 8am– 8pm
Monday & Saturday: 8am – 5pm
For more information contact:
Highway 264 and Loop Road
P.O. Box 1840
Window Rock, Arizona 86515
Navajo Nation Library
READ • EXPLORE • ENGAGE • LEARN
St. Michaels Mission / Historical Museum
(Operated by the St. Michaels Mission / Mary Mother of Mankind Parish of St. Micheals, Arizona)
Though only a subdivided stone building, the St. Michaels Historical Museum offers some of the best insight into the Navajo culture of the early 20th century. Established in 1898, the St. Michaels Mission of Franciscan Friars fashioned an influence on the Navajo people with their religious and school teachings.
The Mission Museum is open
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm
Memorial Day (approx. late May) through Labor Day (approx. early September), about 98 days out of the year.
For more information contact: