Situated at the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the 5.8 acre Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, stands as a vibrant homage to the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Agua Caliente people. This plaza is a testament to our enduring legacy, offering a compelling narrative that invites both the local community and global visitors to immerse themselves in our heritage.
Chairman Reid D. Milanovich, representing the tribe, expressed the significance of this plaza, stating, “The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza provides an incredible opportunity for us to share and celebrate our history, culture, and traditions with this community and visitors from around the world. Each federally recognized tribe throughout this country has a distinct culture that includes traditions, language, historic clothing, and housing styles as well as historical food and medicine preparations. We want to share our culture with visitors through our authentic voice. This is our story, in our own voice. We are here today just like we have been since time immemorial.”
The design of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza draws inspiration from the core traditions of the Agua Caliente people, encompassing elements such as basket weaving, pottery (ollas), and the melodic bird songs, while reflecting the natural wonders found within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. From the rugged beauty of the desert landscapes to the majestic rock formations of the Indian Canyons and the serene presence of the Tahquitz Canyon waterfall, the design echoes the essence of the Washingtonia filifera palm trees, the sole palm tree native to the California desert.
The architectural firm JCJ Architecture, based in Phoenix, envisioned and brought to life the design concept of the plaza, deeply rooted in the tribe’s values and unwavering commitment to the Agua Caliente people. This outdoor space comprises key areas, including the Gathering Plaza adjacent to the historically significant Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, referred to as Séc-he, meaning “the sound of boiling water” in Cahuilla.
A focal point of the plaza is the impressive Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, spanning approximately 48,000 square feet. The museum houses permanent exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the Agua Caliente people, along with versatile spaces like a changing gallery, educational classrooms, a teaching garden, and meeting-event areas. The Museum Store proudly showcases authentic art, jewelry,
and other merchandise directly sourced from Native American artists and businesses nationwide. Within the museum, the Creation Migration Theater captivates guests with a 12-minute, 360-degree animation narrating the Tribe’s creation story.
Additionally, The Spa at Séc-he, opened earlier, spans over 72,000 square feet and reveres the ancient healing properties of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Featuring treatment rooms, bathhouses, a tranquility garden, a salon, fitness facilities, outdoor pools, and health-conscious dining, the spa stands as a testament to the unique mineral composition of the spring’s water, estimated to be over 12,000 years old and renowned for its exclusive healing properties. Notably, the Tribe has graciously shared these healing waters with visitors for more than a century, with this new spa being the fifth iteration on the site since the late 1880s.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, an embodiment of the Tribe’s cultural heritage and the natural wonders of their ancestral lands, offers diverse experiences and educational opportunities. It serves as a testament to the values and legacy of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, a landmark achievement in the Tribe’s history.
Chairman Milanovich emphasized its importance, stating, “The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is one of the most important achievements in our Tribe’s history. It allows us to share and celebrate our culture and educate guests about our history and who we are as a people. For us, it’s a dream come true that has been in the making for 30 years. When we share our culture, we preserve our culture.”
As an integral part of the Tribe’s long-standing vision, the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza stands as a cornerstone, symbolizingthe Tribe’s commitment to sharing and celebrating its genuine identity for generations to come.
To encapsulate the entirety of The Cultural Plaza’s story in this space would be impossible; it stands as one of Agua Caliente’s most significant achievements. Allocate a day in the near future to immerse yourself in its wonders, and anticipate being drawn back by its allure.
Plan your visit at www.accmuseum.org. The Cultural Plaza is located on 140 N Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
