In the heart of Ute territory in southwestern Colorado stands a museum that celebrates and honors the lives, traditions and background of the Ute Indians. Originally built in 1956 near the ranch of Uncompahgre leader Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta, the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose was recently renovated and reopened. The museum houses approximately 200 Ute artifacts — including a velvet dress that belonged to Chipeta as well as personal effects of Ute leaders Chief Ignacio, Chief Buckskin Charley and Chief Ouray — and a broad collection of works created by contemporary Ute artists.
History Colorado and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Southern Ute Tribe and Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation collaborated on the building’s design and exhibit content.
