Immerse yourself in Cherokee culture through art, history, and vibrant traditions
Since 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People has served its community and visitors as the tribal museum of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign land of the EBCI and ancestral homelands of all Cherokees, the Museum shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs.
With admission, enjoy a self-guided tour of three exhibitions.
What’s on view?
Main Exhibit: Museum of the Cherokee People is a museum in transition! With ambitious plans for a multiyear renovation project and new offsite collections facility, MotCP invites visitors to take a step behind the scenes as the organization considers how to update its 27-year-old exhibit to authentically share Cherokee history, culture, and stories from a Cherokee perspective. Try on your curator and historian hat while you learn about MotCP’s storied history and its exciting future. On view indefinitely.
sov·er·eign·ty: Expressions in Sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians illuminates the complexities of tribal sovereignty and the EBCI’s continuing legacy of resilience. On view through December 30, 2025.
ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ ᎦᏓᏆᏟ Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop at the Museum of the Cherokee People is an exhibition of work by students in the Museum of the Cherokee People’s annual community learning pottery workshop led by renowned ceramic artist Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). 2024 workshop on view through May 28; 2025 workshop opens May 29.
In the Charles George Beloved Veterans Hall, meet heroes of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who have served in the United States Armed Forces. On view indefinitely.
In the Museum Store, shop for authentic art and crafts, Native-authored books for every age, and home goods, apparel, accessories, bath and body care, and gifts from Native-owned brands that you won’t find anywhere else. Open 9am-5pm.
The final tickets of the day are sold at 4pm to ensure you have plenty of time for a self-guided tour of the Museum’s offerings. MotCP proudly offers free admission to members of federally recognized tribes and Museum members. Student, educator, senior, and military rates available. Learn more at MotCP.org.
