No ideas but in things wrote the poet William Carlos Williams in 1927, the year before the Museum opened. The thousands of “things” in the MNA collection provide an endless trove of ideas that we explore through exhibitions. Each exhibitions tells a unique story of the region through art and objects from our collection.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Shifting Life Zones
Shifting Life Zones invites visitors to explore the transformations unfolding across northern Arizona landscapes. This region, where the concept of life zones originated, is a prime example of how zones are shifting due to climate change. The exhibition unveils the shifting boundaries of plant life as they adapt to a warming world and points to changes here on the Museum’s campus and across the broader region. With vivid displays, interactive elements, and insights from MNA scientists, Shifting Life Zones brings the future of our environment into focus—highlighting the resilience of life and its challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Opens in May 2025
Wagon Road to Mother Road
The Museum of Northern Arizona will mark the Route 66 Centennial with an exciting new exhibit. Wagon Road to Mother Road traces the evolution of U.S. Highway 66, from its alignment with the Beale Wagon Road to its profound impact on northern Arizona landscapes and communities. Based on MNA research, the show reveals captivating stories about the wild side of the iconic highway—including tales of drinking and driving, breakdown camps, car crashes, and the colorful reputation of auto repair shops. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Route 66 and its role in shaping the character of American road travel.
Opens in November 2025
Call of the Colorado Plateau
Step into a world of vast horizons, rugged canyons, and quiet solitude with Call of the Colorado Plateau. This immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore the profound impact of nature on the human spirit. Artists and adventurers drawn to the plateau’s stunning landscapes figure prominently, yet the show goes beyond the visual with multisensory experiences that capture the essence of being in the wilds. Breathe in the earthy scent of sun-warmed juniper, listen to the whisper of canyon winds, and feel the textured sandstone beneath your fingertips. Through tangible encounters, you’ll discover that the beauty of the Colorado Plateau is not only in what you see—but in how it makes you feel.
Opens in January 2026