May at the Moab Museum brings a vibrant blend of culture, community, and storytelling to Center Street, anchored by the opening of a major new exhibition and opportunities to engage more deeply with the region’s past and present.

All month long, the Museum is proud to present Lowrider Culture in the American Southwest, a dynamic exhibition developed in collaboration with the National Hispanic Cultural Center and leading artists and cultural advocates. The exhibition opens with a special celebration featuring Art Limon, founder of the Los Angeles Lowrider Alliance, whose work has helped bring lowrider traditions into major museum spaces across the country. As Limon notes, this exhibition arrives at a pivotal moment: a time when audiences are ready to understand lowriding not just as cars, but as a deeply rooted cultural expression.

Emerging from Mexican American communities in the 1940s, lowriding is a powerful blend of artistry, engineering, and community pride. Lowrider Culture in the American Southwest traces these origins while connecting them to the broader history of the region, including the enduring influence of Hispanic communities in nearby San Juan County and across the Colorado Plateau. From vaquero traditions to contemporary custom car culture, the exhibition highlights a living legacy that continues to shape the American Southwest today. Visitors can experience the exhibition throughout May and into late July.

This exhibition also contributes to the national United States Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the founding of the United States. At the Museum, this milestone is an opportunity not only to celebrate courage and innovation, but also to reflect on the many stories—past and present—that define the nation. By centering diverse voices and experiences, the Museum invites visitors to see themselves as part of this ongoing history.

Later in the month, the Museum opens its doors for a special community learning opportunity. On Tuesday, May 26th from 6 to 8 pm, Moab History 101: Open Session offers an engaging introduction to local history for guides, recreation professionals, and curious residents alike. Developed in collaboration with Blaine Reniger of History Moab, the session includes an in-depth guided tour of the galleries alongside a presentation drawing on historic photographs, oral histories, and objects from the Museum’s collection. Designed as both an educational and conversational experience, the program encourages participants to connect their own knowledge and stories to the region’s past. The session is $40, with scholarship opportunities available.

Looking ahead, the Museum continues its work as a hub for regional storytelling with the upcoming opening of the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail on July 28, 2026—another powerful addition to the Semiquincentennial programming.

Whether you’re drawn by the artistry of lowriders, the richness of local history, or the chance to connect with community, May is an ideal time to experience all the Moab Museum has to offer. And be sure to mention you read about it in Moab Happenings