• Open Call: Art Donations & Live Artists

    IVDM is looking for exquisite artwork to be donated towards to our Wine Tasting & Silent Auction. We are also looking for artists to participate the night of the event as live artists and contribute their works to the silent auction. 

  • Dottie's Sponsorship Club

    Meet Dottie! IVDM recently adopted a Sonoran Desert Tortoise, we are excited to announce Dottie's Sponsorship Club is now available to help support her care and be updated on all things Dottie, including a separate monthly newsletter!

  • Open Call for Oral History - Founders Exhibit

    In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum (IVDM) is excited to be hosting its first Founder’s Exhibition, May of 2024!

    As part of the exhibit, We are searching for: written responses, photos, documents, audio files, videos discussing your experiences with IVDM, both past and present.

    If you have information/experiences you would like to share, please fill out Oral History form found below, OR reach out to IVDM’s Head Curator, Ryan Pagett (curation@ivdesertmuseum.org) to make an appointment for an Oral History interview.

  • Native Voices | Native Truths: A Contemporary Experience

    Now on display from January - April 25, 2024. This is an in-house exhibit developed by Curational Research Fellow Ryan Pagett in collaboration with 17 indigenous artists from Southern California & Northern Baja California!

  • Yoga in the Yuha

    Join us for a series of rejuvenating yoga sessions amidst the serene beauty of the Yuha Desert! Led by the following talented instructors: Lissbeth Garcia, Dipa Patel, & Lauren Layton. Grab your yoga mat and get ready to unwind!

  • Jacumba Hikers: Davies Valley/ Canyon with a View & Coat Hanger Cave

    Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 8:00AM

    This 4-mile loop hike begins in a sandy wash at the NW corner of Davies Valley. We will then ascend up a boulder-filled canyon (climbing boulders is required) which leads to a small valley with more (optional) boulder climbing opportunities. After exploring this beautiful valley, we’ll return via a small canyon or a Jeep trail with stunning views of the lower desert. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM. We will carpool or caravan to the trailhead in high-clearance/4-wheel drive.

  • Traditional Craft Day-Ewaas

    FREE COMMUNITY EVENT: Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00AM-4:00PM. The Kumeyaay were masters of the desert and lived in domed shaped homes called ewaas. We will create small models of these traditional homes. This event is FREE to all visitors of IVDM, with no reservations required. All ages welcome!

  • IVDM Lowlanders: Sacatone Overlook

    Sunday, April 7, 2024- 8:00AM

    Learn about the McCain Valley Recreation Area and history of the region with views of the Carrizo Gorge and remnants of the abandoned San Diego to Arizona Railroad! Dog friendly! Leaves IVDM parking lot at 8:00AM.

  • Evening with an Expert: Matthew Herbst

    Saturday, April 20th, 2024 from 6:00PM-9:00PM- ALL AGES WELCOME!

    You will enjoy a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, ask burning questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the Colorado Desert. Tickets include food & drinks! Catered by Ursa.

  • April Volunteer Day

    Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10:00AM-4:00PM.

    You will get to organize photos, talk with museum staff, and learn about local history! Please either call us at (760) 358-7016 or email us at curation@ivdesertmuseum.org and we will get you signed up. We look forward to working with you!

  • Stargazing: Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation

    FREE COMMUNITY EVENT: Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 7:30PM-10:00PM.

    Mercury is observable for only a few weeks each time it reaches greatest separation from the Sun – moments referred to as greatest elongation. These apparitions take place alternately in the morning and evening skies, depending whether Mercury lies to the east of the Sun or to the west. We will have an informational talk, telescopes, games, and snacks! Don't forget to bring your own chairs & binoculars! This event is FREE to all visitors of IVDM, with no reservations required. All ages welcome!

  • Traditional Craft Day-Acorns

    FREE COMMUNITY EVENT: Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 10:00AM-4:00PM. The Kumeyaay were masters of the desert and acorns were, and still are, a prominent food source. Learn about how acorns were used and make Shawii!

    This event is FREE to all visitors of IVDM, with no reservations required. All ages welcome!

  • Wine Tasting & Silent Auction

    Friday, May 17, 2024 from 6:00pm-9:00pm

    Join us for a fabulous evening of sipping and bidding at our 9th annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction on May 18, 2024 - cheers to good wine!

  • The Imperial Valley Desert Museum is a new facility in the heart of the Yuha Desert housing Indigenous and historic artifacts found within the Imperial Valley and surrounding region. Opening a new museum in the twenty-first century, we do not want to be seen as an exhibit within four walls, but to engage and interact outside of the limitations of the "box" – both metaphorically and physically.

    OUR MISSION is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the deserts of Southern California through outstanding collections, research, and educational programs.

    OUR VISION is to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of the deserts of Southern California.

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, recognize our place on the traditional lands of the Kumeyaay who have been here, as they say, 'since the beginning', with a vibrant and rich history dating back over 10,000 years. The lands of Imperial and San Diego County include the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups composed of Quechan, Cahuilla, CoCoPah, Pai Pai, and Kumeyaay. Each of these groups are still present and active today.

    Visit Us

    11 Frontage Rd
    Ocotillo, CA 92259

    Hours of Operation

    Mon-Tue
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    CLOSED
    Wed-Sun
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    10am-4pm

    Admission

    General
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    $5

    Upcoming Events