Explore, Connect and Be Inspired
We welcome you to discover how our Ancestors lived in the beautiful natural world of this region since time immemorial. For over 8,000 years our people persevered. Now, 350 generations later, we have become a thriving nation with community at its heart. Join us on this unique educational journey and learn about the resilience, rich history and traditions of the Chumash people.
EXHIBITS
Discover our history, culture, and traditions as told by our ancestors. The Chumash Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and vibrant culture of the Chumash people.
At one time, Chumash territory encompassed 7,000 square miles, covering parts of five counties in California: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Kern. It spanned 200 miles of coastline, from Malibu to Paso Robles and inland to the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley, and included Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands.
We invite you to explore our exhibits, both temporary and permanent, and discover the stories of resilience, tradition, and community that have shaped our heritage.
OUR MUSEUM
The Chumash Journey: A Timeless Legacy
Drawing inspiration from the Chumash cultural landscape, our museum stands as a testament to the Chumash people’s indomitable spirit.
Terra cotta tile, local stone, and adobe-like concrete bricks merge with native plants, boulders, and man-made water features, creating an immersive environment that resonates with the echoes of our past. Here, our stories unfold, increasing public awareness of our continuing legacy in the region. We hope you will share our sense of pride in our heritage, and become a part of our enduring story.
The Welcome House: An Embrace from Our Ancestors
Step into the largest ‘Ap of the Museum–the Welcome Gallery. Leave the outside world behind and feel the embrace from our Chumash Ancestors.
This dome-shaped space, illuminated by a skylight leads into the main exhibit galleries. Here’s where your journey into the heart of the museum begins.
SELF-GUIDED GROUP VISITS
Visit our online ticketing page to check for available timeslots and purchase tickets for your group. Group rates are available to groups of 10 or more guests with advanced notice. A group discount of 25% will automatically be applied to your cart at checkout.
Please note that we allow 30 guests to enter the museum every 30 minutes. If your group contains more than 30 individuals, please split your group into smaller groups and select tickets for multiple timeslots.
Review our Code of Conduct (see below) and share with your group.
If you are traveling by bus, please contact museum staff to let us know in advance. Bus parking is available in our Visitor Parking Oversized Lot (#11 on our map).
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so that your group may enter the museum at your scheduled time.
DURING YOUR VISIT
Food, beverages, and chewing gum are not allowed in the museum. Water is allowed. Guests may enjoy food and/or beverages in designated outdoor spaces. The museum does not store food or beverages for guests; please store food items in your vehicle until you are ready to eat. We encourage large school groups to visit our local county park located across the street for larger reservable lunch areas and playground equipment.
Many aspects of the museum are interactive and encourage touching. For non-interactive areas of the museum, we ask guests not to touch and to refrain from leaning on walls, installations, and display cases.
We do not allow sketching or painting in the museum. Guests may bring their own worksheets into the museum. Only pencils may be used in the museum (no pen or marker), and guests must use clipboards or notebooks when writing in the museum. Do not use walls, floors, installations, or display cases for support.
Large bags (more than 13 x 12 x 4 inches) of any type are not permitted. The museum does not have storage space for any oversized bags; please leave large bags in your vehicle. We ask that permitted backpacks are worn on the front. All bags are subject to inspection.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page for information about wheelchair access, service animals, and additional accommodations.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Non-commercial photography is permitted, except where otherwise specified. The use of flash is prohibited within the museum.
VISITOR CODE OF CONDUCT
SYCM&CC will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, including, but not limited to, yelling, violence, intimidation, threats, harassment, aggression, swearing, damage, abuse, or sexual harassment.
Individuals who are aggressive toward staff or other visitors will be expelled from the SYCM&CC and escorted off the property by our Public Safety team.
Please always wear shirts and shoes.
No rough housing at any time.
No climbing on the premises.
No weapons on the premises.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday: Closed
Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
*All guests/ vehicles must exit the property by or before 6pm*
Important: Seeing all exhibitions on display takes visitors approximately 60-90 minutes. Visiting the entire museum property will take 2+ hours. Arriving during the last hour of any given day may impact your ability to have a full experience and should be done at your own discretion.
ADMISSION
Advance online ticket purchase is recommended to guarantee Museum entry and to receive key information before your visit.
Adult (18-64): $15.00
Teen (13-17): $12.00
Child (3-12): $10.00
Toddler (0-2): Free
Seniors (65+): $12.00
Active Military (w/ID): $12.00
SY Chumash Community Members: FREE
