S’edav Va’aki Museum

4619 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
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Hours:
Monday 9 am to 4 pm (September-June) and 9 am to 2 pm (July and August), Tuesday-Wednesday closed, Thursday 9 am to 8 pm (September-June) and 9 am to 2 pm (July-August), Friday 9 am to 4 pm (September-June) and 9 am to 2 pm (July and August), Saturday 9 am to 4 pm (September-June) and 9 am to 2 pm (July and August), Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm (September-June) and closed July-August

Overview

S’edav Va’aki Museum (SVM) is situated on an extraordinary archaeological site, where visitors can learn about the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People, known to archaeologists as the Hohokam, who lived in the Phoenix area and its surrounding regions. They have been intimately connected to the landscape, transforming it for their needs, including irrigation canals and agricultural fields still visible behind the museum. The Akimel O'Odham, descendants of the people who lived at S'edav Va'aki, still live and thrive in the Phoenix area.

Visitors can walk along a 2/3-mile outdoor trail exploring a prehistoric Va’aki (platform mound), a ballcourt, full-size replica houses, and a demonstration garden. Indoors, enjoy our permanent and changing exhibit galleries, which explore archaeology, the awe-inspiring artifacts of the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People, and contemporary indigenous themes.

SVM offers programming for adults, children, and families throughout the year, including classes for kids, arts and crafts workshops, and lectures. Our annual events, such as the Indian Market, children’s summer programs, Ancient Technology Day, and more, provide engaging experiences for all ages and interests!

SVM is easily accessible by the Sky Train, the Light Rail, and free parking.

Admission:
Adults (18-64): $13.00, Seniors (65+): $10:00, Students with ID: $6.00, Children (6-17): $6.00, Children (under 6): Free, Museum Members: Free, *Discounted Admission on Thursday evenings (4pm-8pm)
Regular Hours (September-June) Monday, Friday, Saturday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-8pmSunday: 12-4 pm Tuesday-Wednesday: closed

Visit our website for full hours.

Accessibility Information

The museum and archaeological site are ADA accessible and offer designated accessible parking. Two wheelchairs are available at the front desk for visitor use.

Discovery Backpacks are available for checkout and are designed for visitors of all ages. These backpacks include sound-canceling headphones, sunglasses, multi-sensory interactive activities, and a variety of fidget toys.

The canal map featured in the main exhibit, “S’edav Va’aki and the O’odham,” includes tactile elements intended to provide hands-on, interactive exploration.
All gallery videos are closed captioned.

Sign language interpreters can be provided upon request with at least two weeks’ advance notice.

Mapped location of S’edav Va’aki Museum

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