Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oneida Nation Unveils Massive 21,000 Sq Ft Cultural Hub
Oneida Nation Unveils Massive 21,000 Sq Ft Cultural Hub
19 Jun
Summary
- New center is 14 times larger than the previous Oneida Nation Museum.
- Kahnekano·lú means 'precious waters', reflecting its vital role.
- The center highlights Oneida history and contemporary thriving culture.
The Oneida Nation has unveiled its new Kahnekano·lú Cultural Center, a significant expansion from its previous museum. This 21,000-square-foot facility, fourteen times larger than the original, is set to open this month. Named "precious waters," the center acknowledges the historical and ongoing importance of water to the Oneida people.
The center will offer a rich, multi-sensory experience, moving beyond static displays to include interactive elements like touchscreens and a dance pad for learning traditional Oneida social dances. Visitors can explore the Nation's history, starting with the Great Law of Peace and tracing their journey to Wisconsin in 1820.
This new cultural hub also serves to showcase the Oneida Nation's present-day vibrancy. It features indoor workshop spaces, a storyteller room, and an outdoor area for performances. Exhibits by renowned Oneida artists, including beadwork artist Karen Ann Hoffman, will be on display, alongside a larger gift shop offering original works by tribal artists.
The grand opening ceremony for the Kahnekano·lú Cultural Center is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 760 Airport Drive in Oneida. The event will include traditional songs, dances, and speakers, celebrating the culmination of a two-decade effort to establish this new center.
