Just minutes from downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is Alaska's premier cultural destination representing all Alaska Native peoples. More than a museum, ANHC is a vibrant living cultural center where you discover the traditions, languages, and arts of Alaska Native cultures through live cultural programming and exhibitions.
Explore life-sized Village Sites, see the first monument in our Healing Garden, and learn from dynamic exhibits in the Hall of Cultures. Enjoy cultural demonstrations and performances on the Gathering Place stage. Watch short films and documentaries in the Theatre, shop for authentic Alaska Native art in the Ch'k'iqadi Gallery or from Alaska Native artist vendors on-site, and grab a tasty snack or a drink from Café Di’eshchin.
Whether you're seeking an unforgettable family adventure or a deeper understanding of Alaska's first peoples, ANHC offers an authentic, immersive experience that brings Alaska Native cultures to life.
There is always something new to discover at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Discover ANHC’s Digital Guide
Now, you can experience the Alaska Native Heritage Center from anywhere, at any time, thanks to Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. With our new digital guide, you’ll gain access to a wealth of information regarding our current exhibits, community programs, and digital projects. Immerse yourself in our life-size village sites by listening to an archival audio tour and learn directly from our Senior Curator, Angie Demma, who shared many highlights from our collection. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Alaska Native cultures, this digital guide is perfect for you!
The Gathering Place Daily Programming Schedule
Program |
Time |
Description |
|---|---|---|
ANHC Overview | 9:15AM, 11:15AM, 1:15PM, & 4:15PM |
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is much more than a museum, it is a statewide cultural and education center built by and for Alaska Native peoples. During the ANHC Overview, a staff member will share our mission and highlight our year-round programs such as Master Artist classes, internships, apprenticeships, workshops and culturally grounded healing services that support Alaska Native peoples of all ages across the state. Learn how ANHC preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education.
|
Introduction to Alaska Native Cultures | 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, & 2:30PM |
During the Intro to Alaska Native Cultures, a Culture Bearer will present a brief overview of Alaska's various regions using the large colorful map displayed on the Gathering Place stage. This visual guide helps visitors to understand the geographic locations of the Alaska Native culture groups they will explore more deeply during the guided tours of ANHC's Village Sites. This introduction will provide valuable context for your visit.
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Alaska Native Games: Power, Balance & Focus | 10AM, 12PM, & 3PM |
Watch thrilling demonstrations of traditional Alaska Native Games by ANHC athletes showcasing strength, agility, endurance, and skill. Learn about the history and cultural significance of these games, and how they are still played today in competitions like the Native Youth Olympics and the Arctic Winter Games. Featured games include the One- and Two-Foot-High Kick, One Hand Reach, Seal Hop, Stick Pull, Scissor Broad Jump and others. Experience the power, balance, and focus these games require, and discover how they connect Alaska Native communities to tradition.
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Alaska Native Dance: Heart & Celebration | 10:30AM, 12:30PM, & 3:30PM |
Watch Alaska Native Dance performances by ANHC's own youth dance group or special guest groups, depending on the day. Originally formed in the early 2000s through ANHC's high school afterschool program, our dance group is made up of Alaska Native youth representing several of the cultural groups in Alaska. United by their love of singing and dancing, they share timeless ancestral stories. During each performance, dancers explain the meaning behind the songs, the symbolism of the dance movements, and the regalia worn. Through watching Alaska Native Dance, visitors will feel the heartbeat of Alaska's Indigenous peoples.
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Cultural Presentations | 2PM |
Our Cultural Presentations change daily throughout the summer season. Alaska Native Culture Bearers share a variety of presentations, including storytelling, language lessons, Alaska Native art practices, regalia, and more. Discover everything from traditional Alaska Native practices to contemporary Indigenous methodologies.
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The Gathering Place
With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Tiulana, the Gathering Place is center stage for Alaska Native dancing, compelling Native Games demonstrations, and storytelling led by Culture Bearers. Visitors are invited to participate, learn, and experience the living traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples in this vibrant space.
Join us for a full day of programming during our summer season, with engaging performances and demonstrations scheduled daily.
Daily Programming Schedule
ANHC OverviewOccurs daily at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, 1:15PM, & 4:15PMThe Alaska Native Heritage Center is much more than a museum-it is a statewide cultural and education center built by and for Alaska Native peoples. During the ANHC Overview, a staff member shares our mission and highlights year-round programs such as Master Artist classes, internships, apprenticeships, and culturally grounded healing services that support Alaska Native peoples of all ages.
|
Introduction to Alaska Native CulturesOccurs daily at 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, & 2:30PMA Culture Bearer presents a brief overview of Alaska's regions using the Gathering Place's colorful map. This introduction helps visitors understand the geographic locations of Alaska Native culture groups and provides context for guided Village Site tours.
|
Alaska Native Games: Power, Balance & FocusOccurs daily at 10AM, 12PM, & 3PMWatch exciting demonstrations of traditional Alaska Native Games by ANHC athletes, showcasing strength, agility, and skill. Learn about the history and cultural significance of games like the Two-Foot High Kick, Seal Hop, and more.
|
Alaska Native Dance: Heart & CelebrationOccurs daily at 10:30AM, 12:30PM, & 3:30PMEnjoy vibrant Alaska Native Dance performances by ANHC’s youth group or guest groups. Dancers share the meaning behind songs, movements, and regalia, bringing ancestral stories to life on stage.
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Cultural PresentationsOccurs daily at 2PMCultural Presentations change daily throughout the summer. Culture Bearers share storytelling, language, art, regalia, and more-highlighting both traditional practices and contemporary Indigenous perspectives.
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Visit one of America’s Cultural Treasures
The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is a vibrant cultural and educational center located on Dena’ina Ełnena in Anchorage, Alaska. As the only statewide cultural and educational center dedicated to celebrating all cultures and heritages, ANHC serves as a statewide resource for Alaska Natives from birth until Elder. We look forward to welcoming you to be part of our family! Visit today.