navajo nation museum

I didn't get much time to see the museum as we were travelling back to Gilbert from Albuquerque and it was suggested that I might like to have a short visit to Window Rock. Window Rock is about a half hour journey from the 40 (hwy 66) and about 1 mile beyond the museum. The site is especially poignant as it contains a memorial to those Navajo men who used their native language to provide the US Marine Corp with unbreakable radio communications in the Pacific theatre of WW2. These men, know as the code-talkers or wind-talkers, were vital to the USMC during the war and their exploits were depicted in the film 'Windtalkers' some years ago. The Window itself is a spectacular natural arch. We didn't have time to walk up to it nor to explore the museum as much as I would have liked. I'll have to go back! There are also some hiking trails in the area that might appeal to those with a little more time than I had.Some Navajo artworks are offered for sale at the site and there is some nice jewellery too; especially the native silver.This is a must see for those who are interested in the culture, history and landscape of Arizona.

I have seldom encountered people who sincerely showed warmth and respect. Before we (my two companions and I) entered the building, a lovely lady, author Roberta John, stopped and asked if there was anything she could do for us. She made us feel welcome to the museum and to the Navajo Nation. The museum was educational and easy to understand. I was impressed by the quiet and respectful atmosphere all through the building. It was beautiful and reflected the Navajo culture and people quite well.

i just love coming here! all the navajo history you want to know is here. from the great long walk to Fort Sumner and to our annual crowning of Miss Navajo Nation. Ohhh plus the art is amazing :) theres alot of young talented artist on the Navajo Nation.

Awesome to see the other side of the history classes and how respectfully the natives treated the white and what they got back from them. Really enjoyed it!

The Navajo Nation Gov put money into this initially but seem to have dropped the ball lately. I remember this being much more impressive when it was first built. There are several exhibits with misspelled words which is particularly disheartening when you are reading about the experiences during the Long Walk. You would think that someone would have enough respect for those who had suffered and died to spell a few words correctly. Other than that, it is a beautiful museum.

If you want to see some cool artifacts and exhibits of Navajo history, you should stop by here. It's a nice building with interesting artifacts. It's small - you could run through it or spend an hour there. It depends on your interest level.

This is a really nice building with some basic permanent displays. We have been there when there were special displays of rugs in different traditions...it was great! So...it is kind of a hit or miss experience depending on what the special display is, at the time. The bookstore/gift shop is wonderful.Do not miss the actual "Window Rock" which is about a mile North of the museum. Go North at the Window Rock intersection and then vere right as if you are going to the tribal Capital building. You can't miss it as it is a huge window rock formation...with a nice code talker memorial at its foot.

I made it a point to visit the museum on my recent trip to the area. I knew that I was going to come away from it with a greater appreciation for the Dine. I am glad that I made the stop.Growing up in Utah and even building a house on the Navajo reservation during college didn't teach me the unique and tragic history of the Navajo. This museum did.When I first entered the museum I was wondering what I would see - the exhibits were in a small wing to the left of the desk. Though small, I was quickly overcome with the beauty, significance and talent of the artists and their work. The prints of Melanie Yazzie really caught my eye. A video of her describing her process told her story well. Behind the contemporary section was an area displaying artifacts and traditional items. These were beautiful and captivating, but I thought a little sterile. Finally the last section told the story of the Navajo and the unfortunate meddlings of the U.S. government. Fortunately after 3 years of torment the Navajo were allowed back to their original lands. I had always wondered where the traditional tribal lands of the Navajo were, and was surprised to find that it is right were I was standing.I hope to be able to bring my children through this area and let them see the beautiful people and the equally beautiful land they call home.

I wasn't expecting an art exhibit, but much of the space was given to paintings. I was hoping to get more of history and life. There was an overview of history and some interactive exhibits which were nice. Nice gift shop. I was the only person there.

Not the greatest zoo, but represents local , indigenous animals. Free admission, although donations probably go a long way.

We enjoyed the paintings and learning about the history of the Navajo people, some of which we were familiar with and some we were not. Our visit was on a Monday morning, so there was not much going on. The hogan outside was locked, so no chance to look inside.

This museum is adjacent to the Quality Inn, so we walked over and spent a couple hours here one day. Admission is free, but we gave generously to their donations jar. We visited a different Navajo Nation Museum in Tuba City years ago, so I was afraid this would just be a copy. But I like this one more. It's got several galleries on different aspects of Navajo history, art, and life.When we visited, there was one section on the history of the Navajo Nation, starting around the time of the Long Walk. It was focused largely on Manuelito and his family. Then there was another section on historic and pre-historic artifacts with an emphasis on the pre-Columbian lifestyle. The last exhibit was an unexpected delight - an art exhibit of modern art by native women, largely about native women.

The small museum in this attractive community center exhibits interesting materials and information about the Navajo culture. The gift shop is primarily a book store with a few beautiful but very expensive craft items.

Enjoyed a quick visit to this museum. Beautiful art and building. Well worth a stop. Great Keshmish Festival too! Our 2 year old enjoyed the kids activities at the festival (Christmas festival).

We thought this sight was well worth the visit. We learned a lot about the Indians history and enjoyed it while we did.