All ethnology museums to visit in Alaska

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 23 ethnology museums in Alaska. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Alaska:

  1. Alaska State Museum1

    Alaska State Museum

     Juneau, AK
    The primary mission of the Alaska State Museum is to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and media from the region. This commitment to preserving the region's history and culture provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore Alaska's rich heritage.
  2. Totem Heritage Center2

    Totem Heritage Center

     Ketchikan, AK
    The Totem Heritage Center, founded in 1976, is a historical and cultural museum located in Ketchikan, Alaska. The city of Ketchikan operates the center, providing a unique insight into the region's rich history and culture.
  3. Anchorage Museum At Rasmuson Center3

    Anchorage Museum At Rasmuson Center

     Anchorage, AK
    The Anchorage Museum, located in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, is a large institution dedicated to various fields including art, history, ethnography, ecology, and science. Housed in a modern building, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits and collections that cater to a wide array of interests.
  4. Sitka National Historical Park4

    Sitka National Historical Park

     Sitka, AK
    Sitka National Historical Park, once known as Indian River Park and Totem Park, is situated in the beautiful city of Sitka, Alaska. The park's status was elevated from a national monument to a national historical park on October 18, 1972. This change in designation reflects the park's significant historical and cultural value.
  5. Alaska Native Heritage Center5

    Alaska Native Heritage Center

     Anchorage, AK
    The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a unique institution that shares the heritage of the 11 main cultural groups of Alaska. These groups include the Athabaskan, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Unangax (Aleut), Alutiiq, Yup'ik, Cup'ik, Siberian Yupik, and Inupiaq people. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of these diverse cultures and their histories through the center's exhibits and programs.
  6. Pratt Museum6

    Pratt Museum

     Homer, AK
    The Pratt Museum, situated in Homer, Alaska, is a regional natural history museum that offers a deep dive into the life around Kachemak Bay in South Central Alaska. The museum's exhibits provide a comprehensive exploration of the region's natural history, culture, and art, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in understanding the area's unique heritage and natural beauty.
  7. University of Alaska Museum of the North7

    University of Alaska Museum of the North

     College, AK
    The University of Alaska Museum of the North, situated on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, is a cultural and historical museum. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Alaska and the Circumpolar North through its diverse collections and exhibits.
  8. Sheldon Jackson Museum8

    Sheldon Jackson Museum

     Sitka, AK
    The campus of the former Sheldon Jackson College is now home to several organizations. These include the Sheldon Jackson Museum, the Sitka Sound Science Center, and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. The buildings of the former school are part of the Sheldon Jackson School National Historic Landmark District, adding to the historical significance of the site.
  9. 9

    Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

     Ketchikan, AK
    The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, located in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a visitor center managed by the United States Forest Service. It forms part of the Tongass National Forest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the region's natural environment.
  10. Fairbanks Community Museum10

    Fairbanks Community Museum

     Fairbanks, AK
    The Old City Hall, currently known as the Fairbanks Distilling Company, is a historic civic building located at 410 Cushman Street in Fairbanks, Alaska. This building holds a significant place in the history of Fairbanks and is a notable landmark in the city. It was originally built to house city offices, police and fire stations, and has undergone several changes over the years.
  11. Kodiak History Museum11

    Kodiak History Museum

     Kodiak, AK
    The Kodiak History Museum, which was known as the Baranov Museum until 2019, is situated at 101 East Marine Way in Kodiak, Alaska. This museum is a significant historical site that offers a deep dive into the history of the Kodiak Archipelago and the Aleutian Islands, with a particular emphasis on the Russian and early American periods.
  12. 12

    Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center

     Bethel, AK
    The Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center (YPCC) is a significant cultural hub located in Bethel, Alaska. It is situated near the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Kuskokwim Campus and city offices, making it easily accessible for visitors. The center is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Yup'ik culture, offering a unique insight into the traditions and customs of this indigenous Alaskan group.
  13. 13

    Sitka Historical Museum

     Sitka, AK
    The Sitka History Museum, previously recognized as the Isabel Miller Museum, is the city museum of Sitka, located in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a significant cultural institution that provides a comprehensive understanding of the city's history and heritage.
  14. 14

    Museum of the Aleutians

     Unalaska, AK
    10,000 years of human history in the region is documented here. State-of-the art galleries and interesting stuff to learn!
  15. 15

    Haines Sheldon Museum

     Haines, AK
    Amazing exhibits with impressive collection of Native American art and artifacts.
  16. 16

    Valdez Museum & Historical Archive

     Valdez, AK
    Interesting small museum about Valdez and the oil spill disaster. Check it out when around!
  17. 17

    Tongass Historical Museum

     Ketchikan, AK
    Well preserved history of Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska in this small museum.
  18. 18

    Alutiiq Museum

     Kodiak, AK
    The Alutiiq Museum is a non-profit institution located in Kodiak, Alaska. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural traditions of the Koniag Alutiiq branch of Sugpiaq ~ Alutiiq, a group of Alaska Native people. The museum is one of four in Kodiak and is the seventh museum in Alaska to be accredited. It is also the second tribal museum in the United States to receive this recognition.
  19. 19

    Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

     Valdez, AK
    The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is a significant feature of the Prince William Sound College campus. In 1998, Maxine Whitney donated a vast collection of native artifacts to the college. These artifacts now reside in the museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's native communities.
  20. 20

    Wrangell Museum

     Wrangell, AK
    Fur and timber industry, gold mining, Native cultures. Worthwhile stop while in Wrangell!
  21. 21

    Iñupiat Heritage Center

     Utqiaġvik, AK
    The Iñupiat Heritage Center, located in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, is a museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, language, and culture of the Iñupiat people. Established in February 1999, the center serves as a significant cultural hub, offering visitors a unique insight into the rich heritage of the Iñupiat community.
  22. 22

    Alaska Public Lands Information Center

     Anchorage, AK
    Exhibits about history, culture and nature in an Old Federal Building. Learn about Alaska!
  23. 23

    Alfred Starr Nenana Cultural Center & Museum

     Nenana, AK
    Local Athabascan heritage, people's of Tanana River Valley as well. Opened May to September only!