Inupiat Heritage Center

I traveled thousands of miles specifically to see this museum after reading several books about Utqiagvik and the Inupiat people. 5 days ahead of my visit, I found out the day I was planning to visit would be Alaska Day. So I called the center on 10/13 (Monday) to ask if they would be open that Friday, 10/17 so I could change my flight from Anchorage if needed to make sure I would be there on a day they were open. The man on the phone said yes, they would be open Friday. Their website also did not list it as a holiday closure, nor did their Google listing; both said they would be open regular hours. I traveled all the way to Utqiagvik from the lower 48, spending $1500 on flight and hotel to do so. Friday morning, around 9:45am I walked a mile from my hotel by the airport to the heritage center....to see that they closed! Except there's somebody inside at a table that comes to the door! "Oh yeah, sorry. We decided to close for the holiday. We'll be open Tuesday." I could not believe it! I would understand if it was my own oversight, but the fact that I called to verify ahead of time, and their website and Maps listing all indicated it would be open is very frustrating. And there's even somebody waiting inside just to answer the door to say they are closed! This is the major tourist site in the town that is difficult and expensive to visit; I'm not sure if I'll ever have another chance to come and see. A huge disappointment. The people I met in Utqiagvik were all very nice and welcoming, but this closure after I did everything I could to verify they would be open (even though someone was posted at the center to answer the door???) was such an incredible letdown.

Absolutely worth a visit, no doubt it's extremely cold however, the local history it provides with the traditions, and daily life through thoughtful exhibits and real stories. It feels authentic, welcoming, and genuinely educational. A must-see stop in Utqiagvik.

Beautiful history and friendly staff. Walked right in with no delays. Local artists are often present and amazing to watch and learn

The museum was amazing. Everything showcased in the museum was so beautiful. I love how the culture is preserved and shown with pride. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Great experience!

We tried to visit on Sunday, July 20th at 3 p.m. We had called weeks before and earlier and verified they were open until 4 pm. We walked 1.5 miles from the airport and when we got to the door someone came out and said they were closed. When we said we called and they were open until 4, he kept saying they were closed and did not answer what time they closed. No apologies, no attempt at excuses - just kept repeating that they were closed. This strongly seemed like the staff were trying to pull a fast one by cutting out early while getting paid for the museum to be open. I'd be cool with that if they were at a McDonalds in Tulsa on a slow night, this is a place that people must TRAVEL 800 MILES BY AIRPLANE WITH LITERALLY NO COMPARABLE ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY. People spend $600 for an airplane ticket and a minimum of two days of their lives to get to this place -- a few employees feeling lazy and closing up early has serious consequences. We didn't get in and honestly won't ever have the opportunity to get back. Management should take note of who was staffing the museum on July 20, find out why they closed early, and ensure that employees are monitored to ensure they are keeping the place open for the scheduled times. For four eager visitors on July 20th, this just sucked.

The museum was nice, but the best experience was talking with the artists attached to the side of the building. Delbert was so kind!

I enjoyed the heritage center, many new (to me) and interesting informations. Just stuff its not so welcoming, strange atmosphere inside cause of them

great place to learn about the history of the Inupiat history. very glad I took the time to stop in and see and learn this history. very nice display of both the history and culture of these people

This is a great place to learn about the Inupiat Culture and whaling. However, it charges a hefty fee for admission ($20 for adults, $10 for kids). And I must say, it's not really worth it, since there is only one exhibit. However, everything inside is well explained, and I learned a lot about whaling and harvesting the muktuk. This was a highlight of Barrow for me.

Interesting displays and exhibits representing native life on the North Slope. Taxidermy, art, and artifacts very well done. We toured it on our own and returned the next day as part of the Tundra Tour. Talking with our native tour guides about the displays really enhanced the experience. Interesting watching and talking with the local artists as they plied their craft as well. One of the only places to visit in the area and should be a must on anyone's list while in Barrow.

The Iñupiat Heritage Center (IHC) houses exhibits, artifact collections, a library, a gift shop, and a traditional room where traditional crafts are demonstrated and taught. It brings people together to promote and perpetuate Iñupiat history, language and culture.

I came hear with my cousins kids who live in Barrow. The kids really loved the exhibits which included a picture of their uncle. My favorite part of the museum is that you can watch local artist practice their craft. A grate place to stop I'd you are in barrow.

Barrow museum artist stole my money!! We visited the museum in May 2016. In the back of the museum local artists use pieces of whale baleen to design and then sell to tourists. Do not buy anything from Issac T. Simmonds!! He took our $160 to make a custom piece of art and now 4 months later we still have not received our artwork in the mail. The museum fully condones this behavior as they have done nothing to get our money back and the last I checked Issac is still working there! I spoke with the museum director and she knows of Mr.Issac and even knew that he's done this before and the museum still allows a con artists to work in their shop!!