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Get Involved

Information on how to get involved with the Museum of Culture & Environment.

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Collections

Exploration and donation information for collections at the Museum of Culture & Environment.

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Exhibits

Index page for exhibits at the Museum of Culture & Environment

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

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Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission, Vision, and Values

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Contact the Museum

Contact the Museum.

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The Museum of Culture and Environment is located in Dean Hall on the Central Washington University campus. It is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Contact page

The Museum is closed from March 18-April 7, 2026. We will re-open on April 8.


Current Exhibits

Plastic Runs Through It: Microplastics in the Yakima River

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!

 Three students from the CWU Museum Club install their 2019 exhibit Thanks for the Memories.

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

A piece of microplaslic is visible on a researcher's finger

CWU researchers seek to learn how much microplastic is in the Yakima River

March 16, 2026 by

Two female CWU Psychology visit in the CCPAC on the CWU campus

Kittitas County awards second two-year contract to CWU mental health clinic

March 11, 2026 by

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