Petroglyphs At Alta Museum

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history of Alta while driving through town and at the Alta Museum, where you will view petroglyphs or rock art that is as much as 6,000 years old. Commentary on the way to the museum will describe Alta’s more recent history, especially during the 17th century when Dutch whalers settled there. Thousands of years prior to that, hunter-gatherers carved and painted figures on rock outcroppings in the area. There are so many of them and they are so compelling that UNESCO included the petroglyphs in its World Heritage list. By following a trail near the museum, you can view painted and unpainted rock carvings in the bedrock where they were discovered beneath the turf. Petroglyphs often depict animals, human figures and prehistoric social life. Inside the museum, you may see stones used to carve petroglyphs, as well as sacred art from the Middle Ages, which presents yet another historical perspective of Alta. View rock art – or petroglyphs – that lend insight into prehistoric life around Alta. Follow a trail near the Alta Museum where the rock art was discovered and still remains. See stones used to carve the rock art in the Alta Museum. Learn about Alta’s more recent history by browsing other museum exhibits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.