Museum of Culture and Environment
In This Section
Get Involved
Information on how to get involved with the Museum of Culture & Environment.
Collections
Exploration and donation information for collections at the Museum of Culture & Environment.
Exhibits
Index page for exhibits at the Museum of Culture & Environment
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission, Vision, and Values
Contact the Museum
Contact the Museum.
The Museum is closed from March 18-April 7, 2026. We will re-open on April 8.
Current Exhibits
Learn about microplastics in the life-sustaining waters of our own Yakima River and what you can do about this nearly invisible pollutant and health concern.
CWU biology graduate J Shah conducted this research with her thesis advisor and professor of biology Dr. Clay Arango. The Window on Central showcases the work of CWU faculty and students in the College of the Sciences. J Shah is currently a habitat biologist in Yakima County for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (a College of the Sciences “Window on Central” display)
The Quincy Sloth: How a South American Mammal Made Eastern Washington Home
This student curated and designed exhibit in the Dean Hall Lobby tells the story of the prehistoric ground sloth found in Quincy, WA.
Check out our online exhibits! Explore our collections! Check out our Facebook and Instagram!

Students from the CWU Museum Club install their 2019 exhibit Thanks for the Memories.
The CWU Museum of Culture & Environment resides on land ceded by the Yakama people in 1855. We must respect and take care of this land and all that comes from it. The Yakama people continue their relationship with the land to this day, offering gratitude and stewardship. We acknowledge that the Museum and the collections we steward came to be at CWU because of the many complex legacies of colonialism. And we acknowledge Indigenous CWU students, past, present, and future.
Contact
Museum of Culture and Environment
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7544
CWU News

Lumina Foundation grant to support high-impact practices at CWU
March 16, 2026 by Marketing and Communications

CWU researchers seek to learn how much microplastic is in the Yakima River
March 16, 2026 by Marketing and Communications

Kittitas County awards second two-year contract to CWU mental health clinic
March 11, 2026 by David Leder