Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center

We welcome you to discover how our Ancestors lived in the beautiful natural world of this region since time immemorial. For over 8,000 years our people persevered. Now, 350 generations later, we have become a thriving nation with community at its heart.

The Chumash Museum is designed to showcase the Chumash people, both in tradition and in daily life, including areas of medicine, language, song and music, tribal gatherings, family, and community.

Elements of Chumash culture will surround visitors as they progress through the museum, beginning at the Welcome Gallery. The permanent exhibit gallery is where the tribe’s message that spans thousands of years will be told, and a classroom is available for kid-friendly learning and exploration.

Other spaces include a gathering house amphitheater and lush gardens that help visitors learn about the sustainability and balance that have played important roles in Chumash culture for generations.