Museum of the Cherokee People
Experience the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people.
Begin your Cherokee introduction at the museum that has shared our vibrant story for 76 years. At the Museum of the Cherokee People, visitors experience the living culture, art, and heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. From exhibitions interpreting our ancestral connection to these mountains to engaging events showcasing the latest art, film, and music from trailblazing Cherokee creatives, there is always something new to learn.
Please note that the Museum’s main exhibit is currently closed while the organization begins a multiyear renovation project. The Charles George Beloved Veterans Hall and changing exhibition space remain open throughout this process. The Museum invites guests to enjoy these offerings at a discounted rate while it develops a new exhibit with care and input from the tribal community.
The Visitor Experience
Visitors to the Museum of the Cherokee People are immersed in Cherokee culture and history through changing exhibitions, special events, and illuminating educational programs.
On select dates, guests can learn about Cherokee cultural practices firsthand from the Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialists. Witness the delicate art of finger-weaving, the skillful practice of rivercane and white oak basket weaving, or engage with Cherokee’s rich oral history tradition.
Meet Cherokee military heroes in the Charles George Beloved Veterans Hall, learn about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ innovation and resilience in the changing exhibition sov·er·eign·ty: Expressions in Sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and find the perfect gift in the Museum Store among its carefully curated selection of goods from Indigenous-owned brands and Cherokee artisans.
History of the Museum
Founded in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People stands as one of the United States’ oldest continually operating tribal museums. Situated in Cherokee, North Carolina, within the Qualla Boundary—the sovereign territory of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the ancestral homeland of all Cherokees—the museum serves as a vital institution for sharing the rich history, culture, and narratives of the Cherokee people. Through its diverse exhibitions, collections, and programs, the museum strives to impart a comprehensive understanding of the Cherokee heritage.
The Museum of the Cherokee People has garnered recognition for its cultural preservation efforts, receiving the prestigious 2022 Guardians of Culture and Lifeways International Award from the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. Additionally, it has been acclaimed as one of the Top Ten Best Native American Experiences by USA TODAY.
Southern Highlands Attractions
The Museum of the Cherokee People is a member of Southern Highlands Attractions, a member organization featuring 20 iconic and long established attractions that will enhance your visit and make a lifetime of memories. Learn more at southernhighlands.org
Museum Information
Plan your visit to the award winning Museum of the Cherokee People.
Visit Cherokee
A culture, a people, and a place that’s actually a sovereign nation, Cherokee is located right in the heart of Western North Carolina. It’s also base camp for hiking in the Great Smokies, arts and crafts shopping, native elk herd viewing, hours of fishing fun, and home to a history that spans millennia. Ready? Let’s go.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Museum of the Cherokee People
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc
