
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
An outdoor desert museum featuring imaginative sculptures crafted entirely from salvaged materials, offering a unique artistic and reflective experien...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring

Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An outdoor desert museum featuring imaginative sculptures crafted entirely from salvaged materials, offering a unique artistic and reflective experience.
"It's a pretty unique little place, not a bad spot to stop at and its unique."

🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead!
Expect a dirt road drive; a car with higher clearance is recommended for a smoother journey.
💰 Donation Welcome
Support this unique art space by contributing to the donation box at the entrance.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whimsical Junk Sculptures
Entire 10-acre site
Explore imaginative art installations crafted entirely from discarded materials, from toilets to tires.

The 'Cabin' Installation
Central area
A testament to ingenuity, this 'cabin' showcases the power of creative reuse and thoughtful construction.

Thought-Provoking Assemblages
Various locations
Discover art that sparks reflection on consumerism, waste, and the human impact on the environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert Drive
Respect the Art and Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead!
Expect a dirt road drive; a car with higher clearance is recommended for a smoother journey.
💰 Donation Welcome
Support this unique art space by contributing to the donation box at the entrance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around a 10-acre site, so sturdy footwear is a must!
🎶 Bring Your Own Soundtrack
Enhance your experience with music; some visitors suggest Pink Floyd for a desert vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead!
Expect a dirt road drive; a car with higher clearance is recommended for a smoother journey.
💰 Donation Welcome
Support this unique art space by contributing to the donation box at the entrance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around a 10-acre site, so sturdy footwear is a must!
🎶 Bring Your Own Soundtrack
Enhance your experience with music; some visitors suggest Pink Floyd for a desert vibe.
🚫 Respect Private Property
Park only in the designated 'for noah's art site' area to respect neighbors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum for its unique, imaginative, and thought-provoking art created from salvaged materials. Many appreciate the free admission and the opportunity for self-reflection. While the drive can be bumpy, the artistic experience and the resilience of the desert art are highly valued.
"We were staying in Joshua tree and looking for something to do so we stopped at this art museum. It was started in the late 80s and the owner spent the rest of his life building this art. He passed away in the early 2000s and its pretty neat how long so much of these items have survived for the last 20 plus years in the desert. Very unique stuff and im not much of an art guy but still a pretty unique little place. It's not a bad spot to stop at and its unique."
Robert Gailie
"Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum is an unconventional, eccentric, and strikingly imaginative installation.. Every installation is crafted from waste and the number of artworks made from old toilets alone is surprising! Created by the late artist Noah Purifoy, the art is captivating but how it's withstood the harsh desert climate.
Getting there isn’t the easiest—expect a bumpy drive along a dirt road but the journey is scenic. You'll find plenty of signs along the way guiding you to the museum which is at the edge of the desert in a quiet residential area. Marked parking and entrance access, making it easy.
At the entrance, you’ll find a donation box and brochures too!
Do visit this place and get your imagination rolling!"
Shruti Daga
"if you need a moment to yourself to self reflect or just to get inspired, this is a great spot to get stuck in thought.
also note that there is a dedicated parking area that is labeled "for noah's art site" (seemingly kindly provided by the neighbors) across from the site. dont park anywhere else as it is private property and you need to respect the area"
Daniel Park
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located north of Joshua Tree and requires a drive on a dirt road. While signs guide you, expect a bumpy journey. Some visitors recommend a vehicle with higher clearance for comfort.
The drive involves a dirt road which can be bumpy. It's part of the adventure, but if you have a vehicle with lower clearance, take it slow and steady.
Follow the signs once you're in the general area. The museum is situated at the edge of the desert in a quiet residential zone.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking area labeled 'for noah's art site,' kindly provided by neighbors. It's important to park only in this designated spot.
While possible, a regular car might make the dirt road drive less comfortable. Driving slowly and carefully is advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission and parking are free! However, there is a donation box at the entrance, and contributions are greatly appreciated to help maintain the site.
As an outdoor museum, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light to appreciate the art.
No advance booking is required as it's a free, open-air museum. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Yes, you can spend as little as an hour or as long as you like exploring the 10-acre site. It's a great stop if you're passing through the area.
Yes, you can find brochures at the entrance which can provide more information about the artworks and the artist.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the unique art installations.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting that enhances the textures and colors of the found art.
While generally permitted, always be respectful of the art and the environment. Avoid disturbing any installations.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations or contact the museum's administrators if you plan to use a drone.
Expect to capture unique, eclectic, and often surprising images of art made from everyday discarded items.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
It's a 10-acre outdoor space filled with fascinating sculptures made from salvaged materials. It's unconventional, imaginative, and thought-provoking.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on your interest in exploring the art and reflecting on its meaning.
As it's an outdoor desert site, facilities are very limited. It's recommended to bring your own water and use restrooms before you arrive.
The art has impressively withstood the desert climate for years, showcasing the durability of Purifoy's creations.
You'll find a wide array of assemblages made from found objects, including old toilets, tires, wood, and metal scraps, transformed into unique sculptures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the 10-acre site, bring plenty of water, and ensure children understand the importance of not touching or disturbing the art installations. The open space allows kids to move around freely, making it a more relaxed visit than a traditional museum setting.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Why it's great for day-trippers: It's free to enter, doesn't require a significant time commitment (though you can spend hours if you wish), and offers a distinct visual experience. Combine it with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park for a full day of diverse exploration.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives
What to expect: You'll find a vast collection of sculptures that are both visually striking and intellectually stimulating. It's a place to ponder the artist's process, the transformation of waste into art, and the power of creative expression in unconventional settings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Noah Purifoy
Visitors often remark on the surprising durability of the artworks, which have weathered the harsh desert elements for decades. This resilience is a testament to Purifoy's vision and the materials he chose. The museum is not just a collection of objects; it's an environment that encourages contemplation and a deeper understanding of the artist's message.
Exploring the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with art that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. It's a place where imagination meets resourcefulness, and where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.
Navigating the Desert Landscape
This off-road element adds to the sense of discovery and adventure, setting the stage for the unconventional art that awaits. It’s a reminder that some of the most rewarding destinations require a little extra effort to reach. The scenic desert surroundings also contribute to the overall atmosphere, making the drive itself a memorable part of the visit.
Upon arrival, visitors will find a designated parking area, a thoughtful provision by the local community that underscores the respect for Purifoy's artistic endeavor. This attention to practicalities, like clear signage and dedicated parking, ensures that the focus remains on appreciating the art and the unique desert environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit