Yosemite Museum & Library, Museum in Yosemite Village, Yosemite National Park, United States

The Yosemite Museum sits within the national park and displays exhibits about indigenous peoples, early settlers, and the Sierra Nevada landscape. The collection documents both human and natural history spanning multiple centuries in this valley.

The museum opened on May 29, 1926, in a building designed by Herbert Maier and funded by a $70,500 grant from the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial. It was the first museum built in the National Park Service. After the Valley Visitor Center opened in 1966, most of the building was converted to office space.

The exhibits reveal how indigenous peoples and early settlers lived and used the valley for generations. Visitors encounter craftsmanship and learn about the deep connections people developed with this place.

The museum is located near the visitor center and easy to reach by following the park's main paths. Entry is free, though hours vary by season so checking ahead helps you plan your visit.

The on-site library holds a substantial photo collection showing how the valley changed over many decades. This archive is a valuable resource for researchers and visitors wanting to understand the park's long-term story.