Palm Springs is proud of its indigenous people, many of whom still live in the area. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the place to come and celebrate their culture through permanent exhibitions and various activities.
Begin at the museum's Tahquitz Canyon Archaeological Collection. Marvel at over 50,000 artefacts taken from what was one of California's biggest ever excavations. Cahuilla jewellery, tools and pipes are accompanied by detailed field notes and on-site photographs. The Ruth Dunham Shepard Collection is another superbly annotated collection you'll learn much about tribal life from this. The Cahuilla Culture & History exhibit gives you more background on the Cahuilla by way of maps, photographs and various texts.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is renowned for its extensive display of traditional baskets. These have been woven by hand by the Cahuilla people and other tribes from the area. Compare the different styles, techniques and materials. Learn more about basket weaving at the Flora Patencio Collection. Here, you'll also discover the importance of Patencio, a strong leader of the Cahuilla people.
You'll also have the opportunity to meet today's Cahuilla people, who live in nine reservations across California. Speak to curators and artists in residence who will happily tell you more about their ancestors. Sign up to a lecture or workshop or take a guided tour of ancient Cahuilla sites. Every year, Native FilmFest screens films by, about and starring Native Americans. Filmmakers and experts are on hand to make the experience thoroughly enlightening.
If your interest is piqued by the Cahuilla, go along to the museum's research library. It holds extensive resources, including books, news clippings and periodicals.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive. See the official website for seasonal opening times.
