• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-201892143071
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/noah-purifoy-desert-art-museum/1567696",
  "destination": "Joshua-Tree-National-Park",
  "title": "joshua-tree-national-park",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Joshua-Tree-National-Park",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
Top Choice

Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum

© gabriel12/Shutterstock

Noah Purifoy's Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture created in the high desert of Joshua Tree, California.

The 'Junk Dada' sculptures and installations of African American artist Noah Purifoy (1917–2004) are collected by the world's finest museums, but some of his coolest works can be seen for free at his former outdoor desert studio north of Joshua Tree. Toilets, tires, monitors, bicycles and beds are among the eclectic castoffs he turned variously into political statements, social criticism or just plain nonsense. Pick up a pamphlet for a self-guided tour.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-242366292923
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/noah-purifoy-desert-art-museum/1567696",
  "destination": "Joshua-Tree-National-Park",
  "title": "joshua-tree-national-park",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Joshua-Tree-National-Park",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-899134890372
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/noah-purifoy-desert-art-museum/1567696",
  "destination": "Joshua-Tree-National-Park",
  "title": "joshua-tree-national-park",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Joshua-Tree-National-Park",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}