To the average non-Native, “kachina dolls” are a beautiful representation of Southwest Native American culture. To Hopi and Zuni people, however, Katsina carries deep meaning. The symbolism inherent in these objects, which are commonly sold as souvenirs, is complex and dates as early as the mid-18th century.

A treasure trove of photographs from across the region documented by rock inscription experts and backcountry adventurers James Knipmeyer and Mike Ford. This exhibit weaves together the records left behind by trappers, traders, missionaries, government expeditions, cowboys, outlaws, homesteaders, explorers, and others.

As the coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a halt in the early months of 2020, Moab resident Mónica Piñera sought to capture the stories arising around her both here in Utah and in her native Mexico.

Block Prints by Everett Ruess is a Utah Department of Arts & Museums’ traveling exhibition which includes a selection of block prints created by artist and writer, Everett Ruess, depicting his travels throughout the western United States in the early 20th century. Running from November 11th through February at the Moab Museum, the prints included in the exhibition are among those he created during the five years period prior to his disappearance in the Escalante canyons in 1934, including travels between the Californian coast, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the canyonlands of Utah and Arizona.

William Grandstaff was an early settler of the Moab region- a Black cowboy and frontiersman who once ran cattle in the canyon we today call Grandstaff Canyon. His story has long captivated imaginations and elicited speculation: what would his life have been like? Where did he come from before Moab, and what was his life like after? How would his racial identity have impacted his life experiences as a frontiersman?

Oral histories paint a vivid picture of days gone by - adding detail and depth to our understanding of the past. How can we preserve community stories moving forward? Learn more about the Museum’s efforts to preserve, diversify, and increase access to the range of oral histories in our Collection and add your family history by visiting the exhibit. "A Grand Heritage" will be on display through the end of April.

This year’s quilt challenge is entitled ‘Flower Power’ and features floral fabrics and other blooming design elements – as well as a few historic quilts from the Moab Museum’s Collection, which feature flowers as well. During the exhibition opening, which was open to the general public, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments with the quilters themselves, throughout the evening. For the duration of the exhibit, visitors may vote on their favorite designs, and the Quilters Guild will provide an award to the winner. The temporary exhibition will be on display mid May through mid June, 2023.

A celebration of the magnificent weavings created by the Diné (which means "the people" in Navajo), the exhibit presents a space for storytelling by The People through weaving demonstrations and approximately 100 textiles displayed in the spirit of historic trading posts across the four corners region. Historic photographs highlight weaving scenes from centuries ago, while contemporary images of heritage sheep shearing remind guests of a deeply rooted tradition that thrives still, today. Interpretive text introduces historical events that influenced weaving styles, and the symbolism inherent in their designs.

The local and national story of Japanese American incarceration during WWII. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Moab Isolation Center played a brief but significant role in the web of Japanese American incarceration facilities: a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp was transformed into a temporary prison camp for so-called “troublemakers” from other camps. A tale of injustice and resilience includes the Smithsonian’s Righting a Wrong poster exhibition and research conducted by Utah State Parks.

Moab’s medical history is defined by dedicated caregivers both inside and outside hospital walls. In times of financial hardship, the question has been posed, What is a hospital worth? But this question inspires yet another conversation: what is a community’s health worth?

This year’s annual show is entitled ‘Seasons’ and features 29 individual pieces from 12 different artists, including 5 “encore” quilts, which they have shown in previous years but fit into the Seasons theme. Seasons, allows quilters to interpret the theme, whether viewed as calendar or personal seasons. Quilters use a variety of techniques and styles showcasing the personalities of the participants. The annual show will be on display through August 17, 2024. Stop by in person to vote for your favorite quilt(s).

Uranium shaped Moab and Moab’s uranium shaped the world. From early vanadium prospecting, through the Cold War to today, the rocks of the Moab region have played an essential role in human history. Uranium mining has indelibly shaped Moab, from the economy to the culture to the landscape. Explore the story of uranium—from the atomic to the global scale—and the inseparable story of Moab. Exhibition opens February 15, 2025 through December 2025.

In 2026, the Moab Museum will participate in the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary with a year-long exhibition series titled Voices of the Plateau: Commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial. This special series will highlight the diverse stories of the Colorado Plateau region, offering artists, Tribal communities, local organizations, and residents—past and present—an opportunity to share their experiences of identity, culture, and home. Throughout the year, the Museum will serve as a platform to elevate these voices, with art as the central medium for expression and reflection.