Huhugam Heritage Center, Chandler

About Huhugam Heritage Center

The Huhugam Heritage Center in Chandler showcases the ancestral, historic and current cultures of the Gila River Indian Community, comprising the Akimel O'otham and Pee Posh peoples. Visitors explore art, culture and history through exhibits highlighting treasures from ancestral lands, including nearly 500 O'odham baskets, an exceptional Pee Posh pottery collection and archaeological holdings from Snaketown and other significant sites. The center also displays memorabilia of renowned jazz trombonist Russell Moore and artifacts from the Blackwater Store and Trading Post. The building itself reflects cultural heritage through its distinctive architecture: stepped forms echoing nearby mountains, a circular earthen entry representing a pottery sherd, river rock walls honoring terraced farming traditions and a fountain celebrating the region's artesian springs. A ball court and amphitheater patterned after ancient Huhugam pit ball courts serves as community space for celebrations, traditional dances and performances. The Great House gallery evokes Casa Grande Ruins and offers mountain views from its overlook. General admission is free.