Museum Exhibitions and Events

Shadow and Water: Puppets of Indonesia and Vietnam - September 6 - December 20, 2017

There will be a public opening reception on Wednesday, September 6th from 4:30-6 pm.

Puppetry traditions of Asia provide a window to view society and culture. Noble princes and princesses, gods and demons, clowns and village characters cast shadows across the Indonesian stage, while Vietnamese puppets move along the water capturing the heart of rural life and familiar folktales. Both traditions come to life through the Rick and Nancy Ostrom Puppet Collection, which is on loan to the museum. 

Exhibition Highlights…

• See a beautiful collection of Wayank Kulit and Wayang Golek shadow puppets and Vietnamese Water Puppets. 
• Make shadow puppets and enjoy an interactive puppet theatre.
• Learn how x-ray analysis revealed secrets beneath the surface of the puppets.
• Explore the history, myths, and methods of the puppet traditions.

Click here for directions to the museum.

Vietnam: The Hmong Chapter - September 14th

Exhibition, Reception, Panel Discussion & Documentary Preview

Join the CSU Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology in a collaborative program with the museum, KIXE and the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, for a reception and special exhibition on Hmong culture and the war coupled with a panel discussion.  Meet Hmong elders and historians in a panel discussion and explore the museum's exhibition, Hmong Reflections: Stories of Our Own.  Hear how North State stories and insights align with the voices of Ken Burns’ most recent documentary on the Vietnam War Era of American history.  The event is free and open to the public. 

5:30-6:30 Reception at museum, featuring traditional Hmong foods.

7:00-7:30 Preview of Ken Burns new documentary, The Vietnam War, in Colusa Hall, room 100A.

7:30-8:30 Panel Discussion, in Colusa Hall, room 100A.

Have questions? Give us a call or send a quick email!
Phone: 530-898-5397    
Email:  anthromuseum@csuchico.edu

Free Family Day on Museum Day Live!

The museum will join hundreds of museums around the country for the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Live!  Come celebrate the powerful role that museums play - as places to remember our past, reflect on the present and dream of the future.  Museums can provide a spark for young people and inspire curiosity and wonder about their world.

Bring the family and enjoy free activities and fun!  

Grow With Us!

If you haven't already heard the good news, the museum has expanded - thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Valene Smith.  The additional gallery space became available when The Turner Print Museum moved to the new HFA Building on campus. The expansion allows the museum to have 3 annual exhibits per year and provide museum studies students with more hands-on learning opportunities.

Join our museum family and help us continue to bring unique and engaging programming to the North State. 

Click here to learn about all the great things happening at the museum in our Summer 2017 Museum Newsletter.

Explore the Museum's Collection Online

Graduate student Bella Quijano has completed part of her Master's Thesis - an online exhibition featuring 3D images of the museum's collection of hats from around the world!  Click on the poster image below to see the museum's first ever online exhibit, Hats, Caps and Headdresses: Headpieces from around the World.