During the summer months, Joshua Tree art galleries are a great way to get in the air conditioning and experience the vibrant art scene of the desert. Joshua Tree has long been considered a mystical and inspirational refuge for artists, and their presence can be felt throughout this eclectic area where art galleries, installations and murals can be found on nearly every corner. Here are our top 5 stops to inspire your inner artist and find the next masterpiece for your home.

1. Hey There! Art Gallery

Close to Joshua Tree National Park is Hey There Art Gallery. The gallery which was founded by intrepid artists and good friends Mark Todd and Aaron Smith features recognized and up-and-coming artists against a high desert backdrop. The gallery shares space with The Mincing Mockingbird, which features a wide variety of stationery and prints. 

Check It Out: @heythere_projects

Hours of Operation: Visit the website here for more information.      

Address: 61675 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Distance from the WKNDR at Joshua Tree National Park: 19.7 miles/29 min

2. JTAG

Located in downtown Joshua Tree near the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park is the Joshua Tree Art Gallery is a co-op art gallery owned and run by a dozen or so local Joshua Tree artists. This. It is right on the highway going through Joshua Tree. The gallery includes a mix of genres and mediums and it is well worth the visit if you are in the area.    

Check It Out: @joshuatreeartgallery

Hours of Operation: Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.     

Address: 61607B 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Distance from the WKNDR at Joshua Tree National Park: 19.7 miles/29 min

3. Twentynine Palms Art Gallery

Located a mere 7 minutes from the WKNDR Airbnb at Joshua Tree National Park and only a minute from the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center is the 29 Palms Art Gallery, the most long-standing non-profit creative arts institution in the community. The 29 Palms Art Gallery offers a comprehensive art experience for artists and non-artists alike, with its inclusive gallery space and interactive and experiential classes. Equally impressive as the art is the space it’s housed within, a historic adobe structure.

Check It Out: @29palmsartgallery

Hours of Operation: Monday - Wednesday: Closed , Thursday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.     

Address: 74055 Cottonwood Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Distance from the WKNDR at Joshua Tree National Park: 3.7 miles/7 min

4. Artomotive Art Gallery

Open the first Saturday of the month as part of the Art Cruise 29 is the Artomotive Gallery. The gallery was founded by Sheliah Bailey and features a variety of local artists who use metal to produce desert inspired art pieces and installations. 

Check It Out: @art.o.motive.gallery

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday and Sunday: Closed, Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.     

Address: 6540 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

Distance from the WKNDR at Joshua Tree National Park: 4.5 miles/8 min

5. World Famous Crochet Museum

The renowned World Famous Crochet Museum was founded by Shari Elf, who in fact does not know how to crochet (surprise!). Her extensive collection of handmade animals can be found throughout this tiny museum. Being labeled World Famous should be reason enough to visit the World Famous Crochet Museum in Joshua Tree which also offers one of the most instagrammable lime green storefronts. And while this may be billed as a museum, it very much goes beyond this definition and should be viewed as an art installation.   

Check It Out: @worldfamouscrochetmuseum

Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  

Address: 61855 CA-62, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 

Distance from the WKNDR at Joshua Tree National Park: 19.4 miles/25 min

Click here for more unusual stops like the Crochet Museum on our top 10 list of strange art attractions around Joshua Tree.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite art gallery is.