Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum Information

The iconic 52,000 sq. ft. facility houses focused Ute and Native Southwestern American Indian artifact collections as well as loaned materials from the National Museum of the American Indian. The building features contemporary materials reminiscent of traditional structures and fills in missing elements in design awareness across the Western Hemisphere's Indigenous architecture. The museum also houses 1500 artifacts. Living classrooms teach Ute culture, and with hundreds of recorded oral histories as well as a growing collection of archival books, films and photographs researchers will have access to important chapters in Native American history.

VISITING THE SOUTHERN UTE MUSUEM

All exhibits and galleries are self-guided.
Photography without flash is allowed unless otherwise directed by Museum staff.
Food & drink are not allowed in the Museum galleries or gallery hallways.
Restrooms are multi-stall bathrooms; a Family restroom with changing table is also available.
Backpacks are not allowed in the Museum galleries exhibit and gallery areas; they may be left at the Welcome Desk.
Pencils & writing paper are allowed in the galleries; pens are not allowed (due to ink).
The facility is equipped to offer space for mobility challenges and child strollers.
A wheelchair is available free of charge.
Limited seating is available throughout the Museum galleries and gallery hallway.

WELCOME GALLERY

Lummi Nation Bear Totem Pole.

2nd Level Welcome Gallery

Nuùchus: A Pictorial Journey
As Colorado’s longest continuous residents, the Ute’s have adapted and thrived throughout the years. These photographs taken around the turn of the 20th century, exhibit the fortitude and longevity of the Ute People. Each image showcases unique elements of Ute Culture. Examples of the Bear Dance, prominent Ute leaders, and intricate bead work can be found in the collection of photographs on display.

PERMANENT GALLERY
Numi Nuuchiyu, We Are the Ute People: The story of the Ute people, from prehistory to modern times, is presented through photographic curtains, audio-visual presentations, interactive electronics, and life-size replicas, including a buffalo hide tipi, cabin, and school room. Six themes preside over the Permanent Gallery: welcome, long time ago, camp scene, reservation life, celebrating traditions, and current events. Ute baskets, a new exhibit case addition, focuses on organic materials and Ute coil technique, resulting in unique designs from three Ute basketmakers. A children’s activity guide is available for this gallery.

GIFT SHOP
The Southern Ute Museum Gift Shop offers Ute and Navajo beadwork, regional horsehair and Acoma pottery, turquoise and silver jewelry, body care products from Native-owned companies, books on Ute history and the local region, and the out-of-print Riders of the West: Portraits From Indian Rodeo (Temporary Gallery Exhibit).

The Gift Shop offers something for everyone. Major credit cards accepted.

GUIDED TOURS & SCHOOL GROUPS
Take advantage of an enhanced learning opportunity! Learn about the journey an item takes, once it enters the museum, to become a display in an exhibit case. The tours are approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the group and the number of questions. Maximum of 10 individuals per guided tour; advanced registration is required.

Groups or individuals of 10 people or less:
$10 per person. One-week advance notice required for staff scheduling.

Tour Groups of 11 people or more:
$15.00 per person. Guided tours will occur in rotation for large groups. Two-weeks advance notice required for staff scheduling.

School groups:
Tour only $3 per person. Tour and Activity $5 per person. School Groups are limited to 9th grade/high school students. Appropriate grade-level worksheets or presentations can be provided for preschool, elementary, secondary, and home-school students. Two-weeks advance notice required for staff scheduling and programming.

MEETING SPACE
Eligible Organizations
Tribal departments, tribal membership, nonprofit organizations, professional associations and affiliate organizations may request to use the Southern Ute Museum’s meeting space.
Rooms Available for Use
The Museum’s meeting rooms consists of two meeting spaces.
2nd Level Conference Room: Seating capacity 10-20. Rectangular tables can be arranged roundtable style or separately.

ANNUAL ART MARKET

Pino Nuche Indigenous Art Market and Juried Show
August 7-9, 2026
Sky Ute Casino and Resort, Ignacio, CO

Mykah, our show is committed to promoting and advancing Native artists. The emphasis of the show is on traditional, quality arts and crafts, handmade, one at a time, by Native Americans. Skill and quality are emphasized and valued. We are also committed to making our show affordable for artists and to helping artists achieve their artistic and business goals.

An Artist Market Advisory Group oversees the show and serves as judges for the Juried Show. Members of the Advisory Group are Southern Ute Museum Staff and locals.