The Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center Museum reflects the deep history, culture and living traditions of the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) People. The museum showcases the art and lifeways of the Nuumu and Newe. Located in Bishop, California, visitors discover cultural displays, a Memorial Hall paying tribute to Native American Veterans and their families, environmental displays, historical artifacts and collections of historical archives and media. 

Stroll through a sustainable Native Garden along a Walking Trail that leads to the Tribe’s Conservation Open Space Area (COSA) where native plants, birds and traditional landscapes are interpreted for visitors. The Museum Gift Shop offers visitors the opportunity to purchase beautifully hand-crafted art by local tribal artisans, along with publications that highlight Native culture and heritage. The museum serves as both a community center and a resource for researchers and the general public. 

Preserve, Maintain & Revitalize Our Culture

The Cultural Center was envisioned on June 13, 1978, when the Owens Valley Board of Trustees passed a resolution to acknowledge and show support for a permanent place to perpetually preserve, maintain and revitalize the Nuumu and Newe culture. From then on, efforts were made to build the facilities and grounds. For the past 30 years, the Owens Valley Board of Trustees dedicated time and efforts to the operation and safeguard of resources of the Cultural Center and with the support of community members, volunteers and the sub-committees the vision grew into the beautiful center visitors experience today.

More recently, the Bishop Paiute Tribe took the lead on the operations with the respect and reference from the local Owens Valley Tribes. Today, we continue and honor the original purpose. For our community the Cultural Center serves as a living center, a place not only to preserve and tell the story of the old ways, but a community place to learn, teach and continue our traditional ways. Throughout the year the Center hosts various gatherings and events, both traditional and contemporary. We Honor our Past, Share for the Present and Preserve for the Future.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

WINTER HOURS (October - March)                                          SUMMER HOURS (April - September)

Tuesday - Saturday : 10am-4pm                                                Tuesday - Friday: 10am-6pm ; Saturday and Sunday: 10am-3pm 
Sun-Mon: Closed                                                                           Monday: Closed