Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration

February 7, 2026 — January 3, 2027

For thousands of years, the tranquility of the High Desert has been punctuated by the explosive power of volcanoes. Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration explores the natural history and science behind the West’s most iconic powerhouses. This immersive gallery experience will engage visitors’ senses with hands-on activities and intense visuals, feeling the coarseness of volcanic rock and hearing stories about historic eruptions. Under Pressure takes a deep dive into the geologic giants that exist all around us.

Prophets – Paintings by Hilary Baker

February 21, 2026 — April 26, 2026

A new, unexpected series of works by artist Hilary Baker, Prophets investigates the symbology of moths. Though great pollinators and surprisingly beautiful, moths have long been saddled as omens of destruction and misfortune. Baker began painting moths after witnessing the loss of her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January of 2025. However, her examination of moths, through crisp graphic stylings and contemporary color fields, also brings to light images of spiritual messengers, capable of transformations and navigating darkness.  

Kids Curate

May 2, 2026 — June 7, 2026

Kids Curate returns to the Museum in May! Come enjoy the students’ artworks based on what they learned over months of special in-class visits as well as field trips to the Museum.

Art in the West

July 18, 2026 — October 2, 2026

Art in the West is an annual juried exhibition and silent auction featuring traditional and contemporary art that celebrates the landscapes, wildlife, people, cultures and history of the High Desert—a region that stretches from the eastern slope of the Cascades and Sierras to the Wyoming Basin and Colorado Plateau.

The High Desert Museum is always working on announcing additional exhibitions. Check back for updates! If you have questions, email info@highdesertmuseum.org.