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Main Exhibits

Visitors in the permanent gallery

The Land and the People

This exhibit highlights the Sonoran Desert, the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People who lived at the site of S'edav Va'aki, and their descendants, the O'Odham, who today share knowledge and stories about their homeland.

The exhibit provides information about growing food in the desert, getting water and the tremendous feat of engineering hundreds of miles of canals. View awe-inspiring artifacts ranging from pottery, tools, jewelry, to baskets. Learn about prehistoric architecture, astronomy, trade, and artisans.

Visit the museum to understand why this place is so important and how – through hearing the stories by native peoples and seeking archaeological clues – people have thrived in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years. ​

Visitors in the permanent gallery
Lobby video screen

Introductory Lobby Gallery

Hear directly from O'Odham community members speak about the importance of S'edav Va'aki, preservation, cultural continuity, and educating the public through our touchscreen display. 

You can also watch a short video explaining where the site sits in time and location along the Salt River. 

Lobby video screen