Starting today, Phoenix's S’edav Va’aki Museum will be off-limits to culture buffs and history enthusiasts. The museum is slated for a four-month hiatus as it undergoes a series of renovations, the first significant upgrade of its kind in two decades. According to a statement from the City of Phoenix, the closure is necessary to facilitate the installation of a new exhibition layout and modernize the space.
Among the galleries slated for renovation is “The Land and the People,” the museum’s primary exhibition, which has not undergone significant updates since the early 2000s. In addition, the museum’s HVAC system—essential for maintaining proper climate control for both visitors and delicate artifacts—will also be upgraded.
For those who still thirst for knowledge, the S’edav Va'aki's online presence remains ever-active. In an attempt to bridge the gap until doors reopen, the museum's Virtual Programming page offers many at-home options. Interested individuals can dive into online exhibits or watch curated content on the museum’s YouTube Channel. Not to mention, there's an opportunity to take a virtual stroll along the Interpretive Mound Trail via Google Maps.
Looking forward to the museum's physical reopening, the curatorial team is implementing a newly developed interpretive plan that entails a complete overhaul of beloved exhibitions such as "Following Their Roots" and "What’s in Our Name?” As the staff finalizes the touches on new exhibits, visitors can anticipate an enriched journey through the region's heritage awaited with much anticipation.
