LA QUINTA MUSEUM

Preserving the past, enriching the present, and enhancing the future for all generations.

About The La Quinta Museum

The La Quinta Museum showcases La Quinta’s history and cultural arts through displays on two floors. There is a diorama of a Cahuilla Indian village and another depicting native animals. Photos of the early resorts remind us of the attraction of the desert early on. The community room exhibits a 32-foot long mural of La Quinta highlights painted by Andre Blanche.

The La Quinta Museum is a Cultural Museum with two exhibit galleries. Gallery 1, located on the 2nd floor, is local history featuring the Cahuilla Indians, The Desert Club, and The La Quinta Hotel. Gallery 2, located on the 1st floor, features new revolving exhibits that change every three to four months.

La Quinta Museum EXHIBITS

Community Room

Mural by André Blanché (part of the La Quinta Art in Public Places program). Dorothea Lange photo gallery of Coachella Valley images.

The Story of La Quinta

Enjoy our newly expanded local history exhibit! Dive into the stories of our city, from the original stewards of the land, the Cahuilla, to the homesteaders, ranchers, and dreamers looking for a desert oasis.

Abandoned planes, trains, and automobiles

Abandoned Planes, Trains, and Automobiles on exhibit through November 16, 2024

Experience the award-wining photography of Ken Lee in Abandoned Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, a nocturnal journey through the hidden landscapes of California’s deserts. Explore California’s abandoned transportation relics, reflecting its storied history in aviation and aerospace innovation, the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, and vibrant car culture. Photographer Ken Lee guides us through these rarely seen locations, using light to unveil forgotten scenes in haunting, dreamlike exposures.

Spotlight exhibit in our Local History gallery:

LQ Fact or fiction: The Fisherman Steps

Have you heard that the rock stairs in the La Quinta Cove have a Hollywood connection? They do— but it might not be the one that you think! Find out what’s fact and what’s fiction in this spotlight exhibit.

Programs & Events

For the full complement of exhibits and programs, please visit the La Quinta Museum Facebook Page.

Dia de Muertos Mini Altar Exhibit
October 29 – November 9
Día de Muertos Mini Altar Exhibit, on exhibit through November 9, 2024 Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead is traditionally observed on November 1 and 2. Celebrated mainly in Mexico and places with Mexican heritage, it’s a holiday that helps families honor their ancestors. Altars honor family members,…
Sketchbook Journaling
November 1
Friday, November 1 & 15, 1-3 p.m. Sketchbook Journaling Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
Artist Reception and Music at the Museum
November 7
Thursday, November 7, 4 – 6 p.m. Artist Reception and Music at the Museum: Ken Lee and Rick Shelley Join us at 4pm to meet photographer Ken Lee, and learn about his process in creating the amazing photos in our Abandoned: Planes, Trains and Automobiles exhibit, Next up at 5…
Genealogy Meet-Up at the Museum
November 9
 Second Saturday each month 1-3 p.m. Genealogy Meet-Up Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in all things Genealogy, join us for discussion and collaboration.
STITCH Fiber Arts Club
November 12
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. STITCH Fiber Arts Group Bring your fiber project, meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project.
TED Talk Hangout
November 13
Wednesday, November 13, 1 p.m. TED Talk Hangout Let’s enjoy a TED talk on the big screen, and then discuss! This month: Lindsay Morcom presents “A history of Indigenous languages — and how to revitalize them”.
FIND MORE LA QUINTA EVENTS

THE La Quinta HISTORICAL SOCIETY

La Quinta Museum
La Quinta Museum

The La Quinta Historical Society is a volunteer, nonprofit service organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich multi-cultural history of La Quinta through:

La Quinta Historical Society strives to touch all ages from youth to seniors, socio-economic and multi-ethnic groups, community residents and area visitors, in an effort to link the present, the past, and the future with the treasured history of La Quinta.

For information:

GET IN TOUCH

Have a question? Ask someone at the Museum!

Museum Contact Form

For La Quinta Museum questions or inquiries, please fill out the form below.

Contact

77885 Avenida Montezuma
La Quinta, CA 92253

Phone: (760) 777-7170

Hours

Tuesday – Saturday:
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday & Monday:
Closed

ONLINE

La Quinta Museum
La Quinta Museum

View the Free Visitors Guide to La Quinta

VIEW OUR FREE VISITORS GUIDE

See why LQ is truly the Gem of the Desert. Check out places to eat, shop, and play. Download the guide today.