The Museum of Culture and Environment approaches our diverse and changing world with an interdisciplinary perspective, examining human life, culture, and our interaction with the environment. The Museum is located in Dean Hall on the Central Washington University campus.

Current Exhibitions

Peruvian Textile Traditions: A Living Heritage

Enemies of the State: Soviet Punk 1979 – 1991

Diary of a Dust Mite (Dean Hall Lobby)

Being the First: LatinX Pioneers in Public Service (Window on Central)

Upcoming Events

Earth Day Family Festival

Date/time: Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE!

Come learn about conservation efforts within our own backyard!  Throughout the day community organizations will help visitors learn about the important work they do, including The Nature Conservancy, Mid-Columbia Fisheries, Washington State Parks, OUR Environment, Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, Mountain to Sound Greenway and many others!  Thanks to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Department and RVSP, there will also be document shredding services and a drug take-back station in the O-5 parking lot across the street from Dean Hall, on Wildcat Way.

10:00 AM April 27 Salmon Run 5k/10k and kid's run

Peruvian Dance workshop with Fabiola Serra (TusuyPeru)
Date/Time: May 11, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Cost: $10 Donation

Description: Learn about native Peruvian dance in this energetic workshop with Fabiola Serra, lifelong dancer and director of Ellensburg dance group TusuyPeru!  In Peru, diverse cultures have produced many rich dancing traditions.  Try out Peruvian dance techniques while also exploring the cultural roots of these dances. This is a great opportunity for showing off your dancing skills, learning something new, or just spending time with family and friends!

Triunfar: Moving Forward
Date/Time: May 15 at 5: 00 PM
Cost: Free

This event will conclude the MCE’s Window on Central series for 2018 – 2019, Being the First: Latinx Pioneers in Public Service. Throughout the year, student researchers involved in this project have interviewed a diverse group of Latinx leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest, including entrepreneurs, journalists, and public servants. Along the way, they have expanded their research into a new project, “Triunfar,”which means to not only succeed in an endeavor, but to triumph!  Join the MCE and the “Triunfar” students for food and good conversation, as we consider both the challenges and triumphs shared by interviewees. What is the future for Latinx communities at CWU and beyond? And how do the Triunfar students envision the legacy of their research for future generations at CWU?
 

Peruvian Guitar with John Paul Shields

Date/Time: May 23 at 5:30 PM

Cost: Free

John Paul Shields spent 2 1/2 years in Peru studying guitar, including a year's study with the late virtuoso Raúl García Zárate, who was listed as one of the top 15 cultural contributors to Latin America. Join in a musical expedition of the Peruvian guitar as he plays and gives background to the music he learned and the experiences that went with it.

Spin-in @ the Museum!
Date/Time: June 1 10AM – 3PM
Cost: Free

Make yarn at the museum! Spinners and non-spinners are invited to drop in between noon and 3 p.m. Want to learn how to make yarn? We'll provide materials and teach you the basics. Already know how to spin? Bring your own spindles, spinning wheels, and join us for an afternoon of fibery fun.