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Arizona (AZ)
Prescott
Things to Do in Prescott
Smoki Museum

Smoki Museum, Prescott: Hours, Address, Smoki Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Smoki Museum

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Smoki Museum
4.5
120
#14 of 76 things to do in Prescott
History Museums
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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About
Museum that features exhibits and works from American Indian art and culture.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
120 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
36
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ166,281 contributions
History & Culture of the Indigenous People of Arizona
History & Culture of the Indigenous People of Arizona

The Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture, now The Museum of Indigenous People, in Prescott is well-worth the time to first find it (it’s hidden by a school yard, down a narrow little street), then spend time there. In October, I got my chance to spend a few hours there, and it was worth the time.

We were in Prescott for some business meetings for my wife, and I had several days to explore. I started my morning at the Smoki Museum.

The architecture is excellent, in an understated way. It is Yavapai/Hopi “pueblo,” and was built in 1935, as part of the CWA program.

Besides the artifacts and artwork, it has an ongoing program of presentations, classes and educational series, so it offers many different experiences, depending on the date of visit.

On this October morning, there were not additional programs offered, but still very much to see.

I spent about two hours there, but depending on what is being offered, one could well spend much more time. If one has even a passing interest in Native American Culture, the Museum of Indigenous People is a must-see.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
4oystercatcher
washington state438 contributions
DO NOT miss this hidden museum
The volunteer who showed us around was so informative and kind without boring us. We were the only visitors and we learned so much about the first people.

The stone building is amazing and the items on display are well-curated and simply displayed, in a classy way. Again I did not have high expectations of this little place but I was floored at what I was able to learn here.

If you have ever wondered about the first people of this part of the world this museum is a must-see. There is also a small gift shop with native jewelry of merit and some other items that were well chosen. Do not miss this place if you want the real deal and/or to see the weavings, the looms, and the basketmaking. There is alot to see and one must pay close attention to absorb it all or to gain a sense of what life was like for the people of these lands. You will leave a changed person if you pay proper attention to all that is offered. I visited the back area designed for children and it seemed to be well thought out also.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marc
7 contributions
Appropriation of Native Culture
They stole Native American culture and made a all white tribe of Prescott's rich. The native americans were banned from doing their dance so white guys put on make up and wigs and did it themselves. Best part is the museum does not understand their own appropriation of native culture.
Written December 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kenneth J
Prescott, AZ23 contributions
Great collection of early Americana
Tools of the early settlers, and many pictures of historical interest, showing how our city looked in the early days.
Written September 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Canyouhearmeow
Prescott, AZ17 contributions
Excellent collections and properly displayed.
Friends
Quiet, well lit, beautiful building, kind attendants. Very informative.
Nice selection of items to purchase. Go there and find out who the SMOKI PEOPLE were.
Written July 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AARON K
PARIS8 contributions
Fabulous museum - well worth the trip.
Couples
This is a small but extremely well done museum focusing on Native American history. The display of pottery, tools, artifacts, clothing, etc. is exceptionally well displayed with ample explanation provided in a free booklet provided upon admission. The staff are very nice and well-informed and there is a small shop with a variety of items for purchase - all Native-American made - at very reasonable prices. For anyone visiting Prescott and especially for those with an interest in Native-American culture, this museum should not be missed.
Written June 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jane R
Melbourne, Australia83 contributions
An interesting story
This museum tells the tale of how a group of non Native Americans were dancing Native American dances at a time when Native Americans were not allowed to do so. It explains the evolution of the realisation that this was not appropriate. Some excellent displays of pottery and baskets.
Written June 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ace4experimentals
75 contributions
Cultural Appropriation... What!!??
Family
I found it strange and ridiculous that they spend half the space of the small building talking about Cultural Appropriation and how they are offended by it and the Boy Scouts are bad and football teams are bad and how it’s racist and on and on. It looks to me to be a place for them to push their political agenda while charging admission for people to see it with a few Native American artifacts, pictures and displays around. They don’t seem to have many things there and what is there does not have a lot of explanation about it.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
leaflady
Prescott, AZ17 contributions
Hidden Gem
Couples
This is a very interesting small museum tucked away on a side street a few blocks from the square. The building itself is spectacular and the collections are quite nice. It's a very interesting place to spend a few hours.
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cndrocks
Lakeville, MN198 contributions
Extended stay in Prescott
Couples
While many said this is a must see, I was rather un-impressed. Volunteers were very helpful and informative. However many local tribes have removed their cherished artifacts and memorabilia. Mostly due to early 90’s fallout over the Smoki celebrations and what seems to be more of a fraternal organization of businessmen being offensive and violating sacred history. Basically the group was a mix of white men and some native Americans impersonating tribal dances for the oldest existing rodeo in the world. At a time long ago, it was the only thing that saved the rodeo in it’s decline, much like Bill Cody’s traveling western shows. While there are a lot of examples of all the pottery and basket variations from the surrounding tribes, it is evident that the museum is altering it’s coarse and trying to be more politicly correct and honor the tribes, vs. offending by way of the ceremonies and dances the business people created to influence tourism. It would be somewhat akin to a Al Jolson museum in this current environment. History, but necessary ?
Written February 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Smoki Museum
Smoki Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Smoki Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Smoki Museum tours on Tripadvisor