Hopi Cultural Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Hopi Cultural Center |
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General information | |
Address | AZ-264, Second Mesa, Arizona 86043 |
Coordinates | 35°47′36″N 110°38′43″W / 35.79323°N 110.64523°W |
Opened | 1971 |
The Hopi Cultural Center is a special place on the Hopi Reservation in Second Mesa, Arizona. It's where you can discover the amazing culture, history, and art of the Hopi people. The center has a museum, a restaurant with tasty Hopi food, and even a place to stay. Sometimes, special Hopi ceremonies happen here, but many are private.
Discover the Hopi Cultural Center
The Hopi Cultural Center is found in Second Mesa, Arizona. It's a great spot to learn about the Hopi way of life. The center has a few different parts for visitors to enjoy.
You can find a comfortable place to stay at the center's motel. It's built to look like traditional Hopi buildings. The motel has 33 guest rooms and even meeting rooms.
There's also a gift shop where you can buy unique arts and crafts. These items are made by talented local Hopi artisans. You can also try delicious Hopi food at the center's restaurant.
The center also hosts fun cultural programs. For example, on "Planting Day," visitors can learn about Hopi farming. Some special Hopi dances, like Katsina dances, are open to the public. However, you can't take photos or videos during these ceremonies.
Explore the Hopi Museum
The Hopi Cultural Center Museum is full of incredible Hopi art. You can see beautiful kachina dolls, amazing woven pieces, and unique pottery. The museum also has old documents and photographs that tell the story of the Hopi people.
When the museum first opened, it borrowed many items from the Museum of Northern Arizona. Over time, it built its own collection. Famous artists like Michael Kabotie and Priscilla Namingha have had their work shown here.
History of the Hopi Cultural Center
The idea for the Hopi Cultural Center came from a Hopi artist named Fred Kabotie. He wanted to bring Hopi culture and art back to the Hopi Reservation. In 1965, he started planning the center.
Fred Kabotie and others created the Hopi Cultural Center, Inc. It was set up as a nonprofit group. The Hopi tribe then asked for money from the Economic Development Administration in 1968. The new building officially opened on June 26, 1971. Governor Jack Williams even spoke at the opening event.
In 1973, some Hopi artists formed a group called the Artist Hopid. These artists included Michael Kabotie, Terrance Talasawaima, and Neil David Sr.. Later, Delbridge Honanie and Milland Lomakema joined them. They opened a shop and studio right in the Hopi Cultural Center.
The Artist Hopid group wanted to record Hopi history through art. They also aimed to teach both Hopi and non-Hopi people about Hopi cultural values. Their work was very popular. Because of their success, they received grants to help their art.
The museum at the cultural center also received a grant. This money helped them buy special display cabinets. These cabinets were designed like those used at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Terrance Talaswaima was the first curator of the museum. Anna Silas later became the director in the 1990s and worked there for almost forty years.
The center's restaurant was updated in the early 1980s.