PERMANENT EXHIBITION
John P. McGovern Hall of The Americas
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples and Cultures
Exploring the Rich Heritage and Resilience of the Americas’ Indigenous Communities
The John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas honors the rich diversity and achievements of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. At the heart of the exhibition stands an inuksuk, a stone monument used by the Inuit, symbolizing the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. Spanning from the Arctic to South America, the exhibit showcases hundreds of “belongings,” including shell and stone tools, ceramics, featherwork, and beadwork. Notable items feature instruments and headdresses of the Marake ritual, intricate Plains Indian beadwork, and a totora reed boat from Bolivia.
Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Curator of Anthropology for HMNS, emphasizes that the Hall presents stories that evoke both joy and reflection. It invites visitors to contemplate the ongoing impact of colonization, land theft, violence towards Indigenous women, and the legacy of residential schools aimed at assimilating Indigenous children.
The museum is honored to have a distinguished group representing Indigenous peoples from across the Americas providing guidance on Native perspectives. This includes Concepción Poou Coy Tharin, a Q’eqchi’ Maya artist preserving traditional techniques; Candace Linklater of Moose Cree First Nation, an Indigenous Peoples Reconciliation Educator; Linda Langley from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, an anthropologist focused on preserving endangered languages; Diego Romero of Cochiti Pueblo, an artist skilled in both traditional and contemporary Indian pottery; and Wendi Schovanec, a Cheyenne developer of tribal-specific academic resources for educators.
Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Curator of Anthropology for HMNS, emphasizes that the Hall presents stories that evoke both joy and reflection. It invites visitors to contemplate the ongoing impact of colonization, land theft, violence towards Indigenous women, and the legacy of residential schools aimed at assimilating Indigenous children.
The museum is honored to have a distinguished group representing Indigenous peoples from across the Americas providing guidance on Native perspectives. This includes Concepción Poou Coy Tharin, a Q’eqchi’ Maya artist preserving traditional techniques; Candace Linklater of Moose Cree First Nation, an Indigenous Peoples Reconciliation Educator; Linda Langley from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, an anthropologist focused on preserving endangered languages; Diego Romero of Cochiti Pueblo, an artist skilled in both traditional and contemporary Indian pottery; and Wendi Schovanec, a Cheyenne developer of tribal-specific academic resources for educators.
Open Today: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Plan a Visit Adults $25, Children $16
See Admission Located in Level 3
See Accessibility Please Note:
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday afternoons
Members: HMNS permanent exhibits are always free!
Admission to the Permanent Exhibits is FREE Tuesday afternoons
Members: HMNS permanent exhibits are always free!
Exhibition Highlights
Ancient Artistry
Bonampak Murals: A Vivid Glimpse into History
Step into a room adorned with the Bonampak murals, and you’re stepping into the ancient Maya civilization. Painted around AD 790, these murals depict ceremonies, battles, and daily life, offering a colorful window into a world long gone.
Spiritual Sculptures
Katsina Figures: Symbols of Hopi Tradition
The katsina figures, such as the Huhuwa and Hemis Mana, are a profound expression of the Hopi culture. These wooden figures, adorned with fur, stone, and feathers, represent various ceremonies and beliefs. A glimpse into the spiritual world of the Hopi, they continue to inspire and educate.
Raven Revealed
The Raven Transformation Mask: A Marvel
The Raven transformation mask, crafted by Calvin Hunt of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, serves as a window into the complex cultural practices and beliefs of the Kwakiutl people. Utilizing natural materials like cedar wood and horsehair, it embodies the interconnectedness of nature, art, and society.
Meet the Curators
Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Dirk Van Tuerenhout, Ph.D.
Curator of Anthropology
Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout is the curator of anthropology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS). He works with partners from various cultures to develop exhibitions that connect the past to the present. Dr. Van Tuerenhout specializes in archaeology and is responsible for the care and interpretation of the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas.