Many people come into Juneau on a cruise ship with limited time to explore. The Sealaska Heritage Institute is a great place to visit if you have limited time (or lots of time) in Juneau. It’s walking distance from the cruise port and very near everything else that’s downtown. Here you’ll find a Tlingit clan house, historic and modern art and artifacts, and a wonderful shop full of Alaska Native creations. Whether you’re visiting for the full experience or can just stop in to see the artisan works in the store, it’s worth visiting the Sealaska Cultural Center.
While this isn’t a large museum like the Anchorage Museum, the art and exhibits here are very local and direct from the Southeast Alaskan community. Keeping the arts and culture alive is what your visit to the Sealaska Center supports, so visit and enjoy, maybe purchase a piece from the museum store, and learn a little about Alaska Native culture!
Why Visit the Sealaska Heritage Institute?
The crowning gem of the Sealaska Heritage Institute really is the Tlingit clan house within the larger building. A full scale reproduction of a traditional Tlingit long house, it’s a beautiful piece of art and functional space Within you’ll find totem poles and cast art, as well as exhibits about carving and traditional artisan processes for creating such impressive spaces.
The other part of the Sealaska Heritage Institute that’s really interesting is the gallery space. Here you’ll find recent artisan works, including beadwork, carving, fiber pieces and more. As I left the main gallery what stood out most to me was how vibrant and active the Alaska Native cultures of Southeast Alaska are today. Juried pieces alongside antique works show that the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples are very present and active in Juneau and beyond.
Events at the Sealaska Heritage Institute
During the summer months, and in particular on weekends, there are events in the public square in front of the Sealaska Center. If you happen to be in Juneau when there’s an event, be sure to stop by and either respectfully observe or participate (if invited to). One of the best ways to understand indigenous cultures is to be a part and LISTEN to the stories of the people who are leading interactions and experiences. The Sealaska Heritage Institute is an amazing tool of the Alaska Native community for communicating and showcasing the history and lifestyle of the local indigenous groups. I really love spending time here.
Sealaska Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan your visit.
- Operating Dates/Season: year-round; summer 10:00 am -6:00 pm daily; winter 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday, closed Sundays
- Office phone number: 907-586-9114
- Organization website: Sealaksa Institute
- Institute address: 105 Heritage Way, Juneau AK 99801
More Ways to Experience Alaska Native Culture in Juneau
I love visiting Juneau, and the Alaska Native culture all through the city makes it one of the best places to both learn about and experience indigenous culture in Southeast Alaska. While you’re here, whether for a day or several, you’ll have lots of opportunities to see Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian art all around the city. Here are our tops picks for where else to see art and find great cultural moments around Juneau:
- Alaska State Museum – exhibits and art
- Juneau City Museum – exhibits and art
- Governor’s Mansion – antique totem pole on display outside
- Juneau Waterfront – totem poles and murals
- Franklin and Front Street Shops – look for “Alaskan Owned” signs to support locals
Who is the woman in the cruise terminal mural?
When you’re walking on the Juneau waterfront from the cruise ships, you’ll see a large, beautiful mural of a woman looking out over the port. This is Elizabeth Peratrovich. She was an Alaska Native civil rights activist from the Tlingit people. Peratrovich attended an integrated high school in Ketchikan at a time when white people and Native Alaskans were separated by laws. As an adult she championed ending segregation of the Alaska Native people from the white people, which became the USA’s first anti-discrimination law. You can find her image in the mural in Juneau and her namesake on several parks and monuments around Alaska.
More Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
I think Juneau is a fun city and it’s set in one of the most beautiful areas. If I were moving back to Alaska I would move to Juneau. Surrounding by mountains and the Tongass National Forest, there are loads of outdoor things to do in Juneau. Pair the surrounding waters of the Inside Passage and close proximity to Glacier Bay National Park (accessible by water) and you’ve got a hub of beauty and adventure.
What really sets Juneau apart though is the presence of Alaska Native culture. From the people you meet to the shops in the tourist areas, the totem poles on the waterfront to the Tlingit art at the Sealaska Center, the indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska are alive and well here in Juneau. As you plan the things to do that are most important to you, make sure you include some time to learn about the peoples whose ancestral lands you are visiting.
- Alaska State Museum
- walk the waterfront to see totem poles and the humpback whale fountain
- visit Mendenhall Glacier
- visit Cope Park for the beautiful stream, trails and playground
- go kayaking and bald eagle watching
- check out local indigenous art at the Sealaska Center
Dining in Juneau
I think Juneau is one of the better towns in Alaska for good food. Whether you’re sticking around downtown or you’re heading up to Auke Bay, there are lots of good places to eat in Juneau. We’ve picked some of our favorites for meals and drinks, but there are MANY more options around town for a great meal. One of the coolest places to find food in Juneau is actually the food truck park. You’ll find salmon tacos, burgers, oysters and Alaskan beverages. There is often live music and it’s a good combination of tourist and locals.
- Hangar on the Wharf – mellow, pub fare
- El Sombrero – good Mexican food
- Sacred Grounds Cafe – indigenous owned, LGBTQ+ inclusive for drinks and grab-n-go breakfast or simple lunch
- Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos (in the food truck park)
- SALT – a bit fancier
- Devil’s Club Brewing Co – brewery with pub food
Where to Stay in Juneau
I like staying in downtown Juneau because it’s such a walkable town, but if you’re planning to be here for a few days and really explore the area there are LOTS of cabins and vacation rentals away from the city, including up in beautiful Auke Bay. Be prepared for higher hotel and vacation rental costs due to limited inventory. Alaska isn’t an inexpensive destination, but the experience is worth it.
More ideas for your visit to Juneau and the Tongass National Forest:
I hope you add a visit to the Sealaska Heritage Institute to your time in Juneau. The stories and art are fascinating and I know you’ll love it. If you have any questions about visiting Juneau, adding indigenous Alaskan activities or sites to your trip, or have questions about Southeast Alaska, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help with travel planning for an Alaska Trip!
