Art Queen, the quirky and beloved creative hub in downtown Joshua Tree—famous for its DIY vibes, eclectic artisan shops, and that tiny World Famous Crochet Museum out back.
What Is Art Queen?
Art Queen is a grassroots creative enclave nestled along Highway 62 in downtown Joshua Tree. More than just a collection of shops, this community-centric space blends art galleries, small artisan boutiques, workshops, performances, and the delightfully offbeat World Famous Crochet Museum in an old Foto‑Mat hut.Pinterest+15artqueen.org+15MapQuest+15
In May 2024, Art Queen was purchased by AHA Projects, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit, to preserve its quirky charm and provide affordable space for local artists, makers, events, and performances.Yelp+3aha-projects.org+3Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree+3
Shops at Art Queen
Here are some of the signature shops and galleries you can explore at Art Queen:
- Beauty Bubble
- Gitana Gold
- JT Blanket Co.
- Lorenzo
- Nomadic Ceramic
- R.W. Leather
- Simon Says
- Shari Elf Store
- Space Cowboy
- Strictly Retro
- Studio Alvarez
- Sun Spot
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Other creative spaces include small galleries like Alien Robot Museum, Coyote Little, and La Matadora, along with the charming Crochet Museum.alienrobotmuseum.com+3artqueen.org+3artqueen.org+3
What to Expect – Visitor Impressions
- A vibrant collective of local art, crafts, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind curiosities.MapQuest
- The World Famous Crochet Museum offers a playful, free walk-through experience showing off Shari Elf’s collection of crocheted animals and whimsical creations.MapQuest+8Wikipedia+8Instagram+8
- Visitors describe it as a “must-see oddities” spot—an “artist’s playground” turned DIY gallery, showing off Joshua Tree’s unique desert spirit and creativity.MapQuest
Why It Matters
- Preserving local culture: Thanks to its acquisition by AHA Projects, the Art Queen stays protected from overdevelopment and continues to support local artists and community events.Pinterest+8aha-projects.org+8artqueen.org+8
- Creative vibrancy: It’s a go-to for unique artisan goods, installations, performances, and a great stop for inspiration—whether you’re browsing vintage, ceramics, textiles, or funky galleries.MapQuest+2Alcohol Free Adventure+2
Quick Reference Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 61855 Twentynine Palms Hwy (Hwy 62), downtown Joshua Tree |
| Highlights | Artisan shops, galleries, World Famous Crochet Museum, live events |
| Ownership | Now operated by AHA Projects (since May 2024) to preserve creative culture |
| Atmosphere | Quirky, DIY, playful, and artist-driven |
| Ideal For | Art lovers, collectors, curious travelers, event-goers |
