Second Floor - East Balcony

Permanent Exhibit

THE KUMEYAAY EXHIBIT, long a popular destination of school classes from throughout the county, has been redesigned and refurbished. When Father Junipero Serra entered the San Diego area in 1769, he encountered a thriving population, peaceful and hospitable. After conscripting native people to build Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the Spanish called them Diegueños after the mission, but the people had their own name: Kumeyaay. Traditional Kumeyaay lifeways are presented in displays detailing food supplies, dress and adornment, games, and ceremonies. The Kumeyaay arts of pottery and basketry are highlighted, and the exhibit has been expanded with a new display of a traditional Kumeyaay house.