Museum of the Cherokee People

About

Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People shares Cherokee history, culture, and stories with over 85,000 visitors annually. One of the country’s oldest tribal museums, the Museum has been recognized for its innovative storytelling and exhibitions, collections and archives, and research and educational programs. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the tribal museum of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, MotCP is located in the heart of Cherokee’s Cultural District on the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ancestral homelands of all Cherokees.

The Museum of the Cherokee People is open from 9am-5pm seven days a week. Ticket sales close at 4pm. A self-guided tour of the Museum takes approximately one hour. The Museum is open daily except the day preceding the Thanksgiving holiday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Recent Blog Posts

1/29/2026: THis year’s ICE EXTRAVAGANZA HAS BEEN CANCELLED In anticipation of the incoming winter storm and associated travel impacts, and for the safety of
Get ready to chill and stroll through a winter wonderland at the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville, a signature event of the Visit
Get ready to bundle up and make memories at the coolest celebration of the season! The Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend transforms Haywood County’s