Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College

OUR EXPERIENCES
Located on the Fort Lewis College campus at 6,872 feet atop a mesa overlooking historic downtown Durango, Colorado, the Center of Southwest Studies is a renowned museum, library, and archives that supports experiential learning, research, and active engagement with the many histories, cultures, and environments of the Southwest. Travelers can visit to explore dynamic exhibitions, attend free public programs and lectures, discover regional stories and history through our collections, and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Southwest Colorado and the broader Four Corners region.

ABOUT US
The Center of Southwest Studies shares the mission of Fort Lewis College to promote inclusive, experiential learning that fosters innovation, growth, and community engagement. As a museum, archives, and library dedicated to the diverse cultures, histories, and environments of the Southwest, we offer exhibits and educational programs for the College and the broader public, provide collections-based learning opportunities and internships for students, and preserve and provide access to our research collections.

IMPACT
The Center of Southwest Studies creates positive impact by preserving and making accessible the history, art, and cultural heritage of the Southwest while providing meaningful educational and community experiences. Established in 1964 through a generous gift from Morley and Arthur Ballantine, the Center has grown to steward more than 80,000 museum objects and 6,000 linear shelf feet of archival collections, including approximately 1,000 oral histories, 200,000 photographs, and 1,700 maps.

As Fort Lewis College’s official state repository, the Center preserves 145 years of institutional history, from military fort and federal Indian boarding school to today’s four-year liberal arts college. Through exhibitions, programs, tours, research, and student engagement, the Center reaches thousands annually and advances FLC’s academic mission as one of only 13 Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions in the nation and the only public four-year undergraduate institution in the Four Corners region.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: museum@fortlewis.edu

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1–20

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for self-exploration of the gallery and research library. Guided tours require pre-arranged reservations to ensure staff availability.

Do you have group rates?
No

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm. We are closed during academic year breaks (Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break) and federal holidays in the summer months.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
Handicap parking spaces, elevators, hands-free door access, and the gallery is located on the first floor (no stairs required). The building also has handicap accessible restrooms.