Smoki Museum, Native American art museum in Prescott, United States.
The Smoki Museum is a Native American art museum in Prescott that houses over 2,000 artifacts spanning multiple centuries. The collection features pottery, basketry, stone tools, and beadwork from many Southwestern tribes.
The museum was founded in 1935 when Kate Cory donated eight paintings and Dr. Byron Cummings from the University of Arizona contributed excavated artifacts. These early donations became the foundation for what would grow into a significant regional collection.
The exhibitions showcase artwork, clothing, ornaments, and ceremonial objects from tribes including the Yavapai, Apache, Pima, and Tohono Oodham. These items reflect the traditions and daily practices of the communities who have lived in this region.
The museum is easy to navigate and provides enough space for visitors to explore the collections at their own pace. Most visits typically last between one and two hours, depending on your interest in the detailed artworks and artifacts.
In 2020, the institution changed its name to Museum of Indigenous People, reflecting a shift toward centering the voices and perspectives of the communities whose objects are displayed. This change shows how museums continue to evolve in their approach to presenting cultural collections.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
