Visit the Yosemite Museum

Yosemite Museum

Located in Yosemite Village in Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Musuem is home to a variety of artifacts; you'll find displays and demonstrations relating to the culture and lives of the native people who inhabited Yosemite Valley. Interpretive rangers and demonstrators are onsite to answer questions, share information, and showcase techniques used in basket weaving, stone tool making, and more. There is a hands-on area for people to touch and interact with traditional tools, pelts, and games. 

Inside of the museum is a gallery area where rotating exhibits are on display highlighting a variety of things from historic artifacts to modern day art. 

In front of the museum is a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that visitors can enjoy and a recreation of an umacha, a Miwok and Paiute cedar bark house. 

The Yosemite Museum was completed in 1925, designed by architect Herbert Maier in the newly emerging National Park Service Rustic Style. Though few realize it, the Yosemite Museum was the first building constructed as a museum in the national park system, and its educational initiatives served as a model for parks nationwide. 

Details

Duration

30 Minutes

Depending on whether or not the exhibit area is open, you may spend longer than 30 minutes exploring the Museum and interacting with the interpreter and demonstrator onsite. 

Activity

Museum Exhibits

The Yosemite Museum has an art gallery with changing exhibits and the Indian Cultural Exhibit. The Indian Cultural Exhibit offers displays and demonstrations relating to the culture and lives of the native people who inhabited Yosemite Valley. In front of the museum is a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that visitors can touch and a recreation of an umacha, a Miwok and Paiute cedar bark house. Interpretive rangers are available to provide additional information. 

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Yosemite Village

The Yosemite Museum is located in Yosemite Village in Yosemite Valley. There is no visitor parking onsite.

With a car

• Walk: Park at the Yosemite Village Day Use Parking Area. From there you can walk through Yosemite Village to get to the Museum (approximately 1/2 mile walking). 
• Shuttle: The Yosemite Museum is located closest to shuttle stops #5 and #9. The Museum is located next to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. 

Without a car

• If you arrive to Yosemite via public transportation, use the Valley Visitor Center stop to access the Yosemite Museum. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The Yosemite Museum is open year-round. 

Time of Day

Day

The Yosemite Museum is typically open from 9 am - 5 pm. 

Accessibility Information

This facility is accessible.

Parking

A few accessible parking spaces are available just west of the visitor center. To reach these parking spaces, enter Yosemite Valley on Southside Drive, and go west (left) on Sentinel Drive. Continue onto Northside Drive, and follow the blue-and-white accessibility signs. Turn right on Village Drive. Stay on Village Drive until reaching the “Do Not Enter” sign marking the shuttle-bus route, and then turn left. Accessible parking spaces are on the right side of the road. 

Visitors can also park at the day-visitor parking area and take the free shuttle bus, which has wheelchair lifts and tie-downs, to the visitor center.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in park facilities and on shuttle buses if they meet the legal definition of a service animal.