Explore Arizona: Museum of Northern Arizona

Founded in 1928 as a community effort by a group of Flagstaff citizens, the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) is a private, nonprofit institution that was originally established as a repository for Native American artifacts and natural history specimens from the Colorado Plateau. The original founders, zoologist Dr. Harold S. Colton and artist Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, who were from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were dedicated to preserving the history and cultures of northern Arizona.

Over its 75-year history in Flagstaff, MNA has evolved into a regional center of learning with collections, exhibits, educational programs, publications, and research projects that serve more than 100,000 people each year. As the only accredited museum within 150 miles of Flagstaff and the only natural history museum within 250 miles, the Museum of Northern Arizona plays a vital role as interpreter of the Colorado Plateau.

To enhance the lives of those who share an interest in and love for the natural and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau, the Museum of Northern Arizona has created a dynamic and ever-evolving community where people of all ages, interests, and cultures come to build relationships with each other on a forested, nearly 225-acre intergenerational campus.

The intergenerational campus includes the Museum and its treasure house repositories for more than five million Native American artifacts, natural science specimens, and fine art pieces; Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy, a nationally and internationally-acclaimed charter high school; The Peaks, a senior living community offering independent, assisted, memory-loss, and skilled nursing residency; the Colton Research Center; a residential field camp for Native American interns, college students, and researchers; Coyote Springs, a single family residential community; Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, The Historic Colton House, an historic retreat center, and Pearson Hall. Many of the Museum's 52 buildings are on the National Historic Registry.

Museum of Northern Arizona
3101 N. Ft. Valley Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone
928-774-5213
http://www.musnaz.org/