The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will officially open the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center on May 15, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and traditions of the Chumash people.
Located in Santa Ynez, California, the 14,000-square-foot facility features a portion of the tribe’s 24,000-item collection, including baskets, instruments, ceremonial regalia, and tools.
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Designed by Jones & Jones Architects, the museum’s architecture incorporates dome structures inspired by traditional Chumash dwellings, while the surrounding 3.5-acre park showcases native plant species and outdoor exhibits.
“Our museum holds not only artifacts, but the spirit of our ancestors,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. “This is a dream five decades in the making.”
Highlights include the Tomol House, home to the traditional redwood canoe Muptamai, cultural demonstrations, and the Ancestors’ Grove, honoring past generations.
Visitors will be welcomed by George Rivera’s sculpture Keeping Our Culture Alive, and can experience immersive exhibits and hands-on cultural learning. The museum also houses a state-of-the-art preservation facility and a gift shop featuring Indigenous-made items.
The museum will be open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at sychumashmuseum.org.
Source: Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center Set to Open May 15
