United States
Colorado (CO)
Cortez
Things to Do in Cortez
Cortez Cultural Center

Cortez Cultural Center: Hours, Address, Cortez Cultural Center Reviews: 4.5/5

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Cortez Cultural Center

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Cortez Cultural Center
4.5
103
#5 of 21 things to do in Cortez
Visitor Centers
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Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Nonprofit arts and cultural center that includes interpretive exhibits on Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), local artists, and a gift shop featuring items made by local and Native artisans. Free Native American dance performances Monday through Saturday evenings at 7 pm in the summer months. The mission of the Cortez Cultural Center is to promote cultural awareness, the arts, and provide programs that educate about history, diversity and the natural environment.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
103 reviews
Excellent
63
Very good
26
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
2
lsm10
HUNTSVILLE15 contributions
a nice place to start from
Cortez is a nice little town to start your exploration of southern Colorado from. The Cultural center is really interesting. We saw and visited with a Navajo code talker from WWII, and saw traditional Pueblo Indian dances performed by the nicest people. There was fry bread available to try. The schedule for events varies, so check before you go. There is a Walmart there in Cortez, so you can load up on supplies before heading into the mountains. You can buy your fishing license in town also. The Welcome Center has information on every activity in the area and the staff are knowledgable. There is a wide variety of restaurants and shops if you are so inclined. The town is easy to navigate.
Written October 21, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Inspiration22546
Madison, WI4 contributions
Make sure to visit
The free Cortez Cultural Center should be one of your first stops. In the side yard you will see and enter a hogan and view a mural on the wall. Also, there is a facility for viewing the free Indian dancing. They have the schedule inside. They also have, in season, a one-woman show, entitled Woman With Black Shawl. We were unable to see it but bought the story on CD and really enjoyed it. A friend has seen it and says it was wonderful in person, it is free for a donation at the end. Inside there are exhibits and a staff to answer all of your questions about the area.
Written September 1, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
move2wonder
Boston, MA103 contributions
Food for the mind and body
My family came for the free evening program (donations accepted) and what we left with is a greater appreciation for first nations and delicious fry bread. There's free parking surrounding the center and look for an opening to the side for the concrete tiered theater style seating. Feel free to bring a cushion and there's a family selling fry bread in case you're hungry. The presenters/culture sharers were welcoming and open to questions. Families with kids seemed to have enjoyed themselves as did elders.
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lilyelgato
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review and great advice for visitors! We're so glad you enjoyed your visit with us.
Written August 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mvidro
Washington DC, DC395 contributions
Don't miss the 7 PM cultural program (Monday through Saturday)
Friends
While we intended to visit for the small museum, Cultural Center's stand-out program was the Native American dancing (which we discovered by luck). Before each demonstration, a speaker explained its significance. The most impressive by far was the Hoop Dance. This is a great opportunity to see something authentic and ask questions.
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lilyelgato
So glad you found out about the dances! Thanks so much for the review!
Written August 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ropersheri70
4 contributions
Native American Dances
Family
We came here to see the Native American dancing that was advertised. It was so interesting! The Ute Mountain people have a very rich history, and the explanation behind each of their dances was fascinating. The Cultural Center was a beautiful backdrop for this event.
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lilyelgato
Thank you!!!! We're glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written July 12, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aussiewanderers
Sydney, Australia570 contributions
It's just a shop
Couples
Don't be fooled into spending time or effort trying to find it. It's just a shop selling Indian trinkets & other tourist souvenirs.
Written May 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lilyelgato
I'm sorry you visited when we weren't hosting our free Native American Dance program, which we hold 6 nights a week from May 30 through September 1. Or our Music Off The Mesa festival on June 9, or the Tarnished Brass concert on August 4 And that you missed our presentation on Solar Barn Raising, the historic Cortez walking tours, and our Saturday evening art classes. Thank you for visiting our gift shop which helps us fund these programs, and provide meeting space to other nonprofits in our community.
Written May 24, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle R
Vicenza, Italy772 contributions
Native American Dancers and Navajo Code Talker
Family
We thought this place was awesome. I think the Cortez Visitor's center told us to go here, so we did. We caught a free Native American cultural dance, which was just awesome. Very moving. There's also a hogan outside to go in, and lots to see inside, too. You can buy hard-to-find Anasazi beans. But the best thing about this place was the Navajo Code Talker we got to listen to, and then meet, in the evening, all for free. It was amazing hearing his story. Once in a lifetime chance. The Cortez Cultural Center does great things. Don't forget to check out the awesome mural painted on the building's outside. (July 2013)
Written September 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BarbT01
Denver, CO57 contributions
Loved the evening dance exhibit
Couples
We've been to Cortez about 50 times and have never taken the time to watch the evening Native American Dancing that takes place every night at 7PM. I'm now sorry we haven't been to it sooner! Last night the dancing was conducted by a husband and wife team, whose day jobs are teachers near Gallup. He was very funny, and told us about his family history and about the dances. The bead work on her dress was amazing. If you really watched her dance, you noticed that her heels never touched the ground. Tonight one of the last code talkers was going to speak, and I'm sorry we had to head home so we missed it. The little museum also has many nice exhibits, and art work by local artists. We will definitely go back! The show was free, and afterwards you could go up and talk to the dancers. (And did I mention he also plays the native American flute.) Donations were accepted.
Written July 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan C
Boulder, CO44 contributions
Are there perhaps two different Cortez cultural centers?
Couples
It seems that way from reading the reviews. The place we visited under that name had no dancers, no publicity about dancers and no place where one could imagine dancing being done. It fit the description of at least one other reviewer -- a few displays of artifacts from different ethnic groups, including white settlers and a small gift shop. Okay for a short visit, but not amounting to much. Conveniently located in downtown Cortez.
Written September 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan M
Stoke-on-Trent, UK84 contributions
Lovely
Great little centre. Helpful and full of ideas. Some lovely souvenirs to buy. Pointed out some great places to go.
Written September 28, 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 Cortez Cultural Center
Cortez Cultural Center is open:
  • Mon - Mon 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Wed - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM