Maturango Museum
Ridgecrest, CA
Description
The Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, California celebrates the natural and cultural history of the Upper Mojave Desert with exhibits of plants, animals, Native American artifacts and contemporary arts and crafts. Emphasis is given to the Panamint Shoshone, indigenous to the area. An excellent gift shop with books and maps is attached. There is no fee for entering the gift shop.
Maturango Museum is best known for the guided tours it sponsors -- in conjunction with nearby China Lake Naval Weapons Station (NAWS) -- to one of the largest concentrations of rock art in the western hemisphere.
Museum Expansion
The Museum Gift Shop opened in October of 2013. Expansion is under way on Phase II which includes a larger Gallery/Lecture/Concert room. This expansion will turn the current gallery into an additional exhibit hall.
New building entrance
Petroglyph Tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays throughout much of the year, requiring advance reservations and a fee. Reservations are accepted in person, by fax or mail. Payment is required at the time of the reservation. Four tour guides, all volunteers, are required on each tour. There is a maximum of 50 visitors per tour. Special arrangements can be made for large-group tours.
Information on petroglyph tour dates - Maturango Museum
Admission Fee
$5.00 Adults; $3.00 children or senior citizens
There is no charge for anyone under age 18 or for active duty military.
Seasons/Hours
Open 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Closed Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving.
Location
At the corner of China Lake Boulevard (Ridgecrest's main street) and Las Flores Avenue.
100 East Las Flores Avenue
Ridgecrest, California 93555
760-375-6900 | FAX 760-375-0479
matmus@maturango.org
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