The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, part of the fascinating community of Palm Springs, California, is more than just a place to view artifacts and crafts. This unique facility tells the story of the Cahuilla Indians, primarily the Caliente Band.
Located at 219 South Palm Canyon Drive, and part of the Village Green Heritage Center complex, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the result of years of effort to preserve the age-old culture. Included in the museum space are exhibits, films, artifacts and photos that help with this task. Special emphasis is put on tours, traditional skills and education.
According to information from the museum and the Cahuilla, the people are scattered over nine reservations in Southern California. Though they share a common language, the different groups live in various locations throughout the southern part of the state, including Palm Canyon. The name, Agua Caliente, comes from the Spanish for hot water, because the people are linked to hot mineral springs. Currently, more than 10,o00 acres of the reservation are within the city limits of Palm Springs.
Recognizing the need for an expanded vision for the people and the museum, a new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is planned. This, they believe, will help continue spreading knowledge and passing on traditions.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m. From Labor Day through Memorial Day (winter hours) the museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. (760) 778-1079.
