Limited-Time Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition
AUGUST 30 – NOVEMBER 9, 2025
Explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on the landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality.
“Water/Ways” explores the relationship between people and water, and the centrality of water in our lives, including:
- The effect of water on the environment and climate
- The practical role of water in agriculture and economic planning
- The impact of water on culture and spirituality
With the Rancho’s success implementing water conservation projects, the exhibition aligns with Looking Back to Advance Forward’s innovative water capture elements such as permeable surfaces, water basins, rain gardens, filter strips and a 22,000-gallon underground cistern to capture and reuse 95% of water from each rainfall.
“Water/Ways” also includes two multimedia kiosks that provide a variety of short videos about water as a natural resource and its influence on the environment and human culture.
Events will be planned throughout the coming months, please check the website or sign-up for our E-Newsletter to stay informed!
Hours and Admission
Admission
The exhibition is free and open to everyone – special tours for students or groups can be arranged by request. Reserve your free ticket to visit here. Walk-up guests are always welcome.
For special tour requests, please contact Laura Willbanks at lauraw@rancholoscerritos.org.
NOTE: Special Events may impact public hours.
The exhibition is open during the Rancho’s public hours.
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 1-5 pm
Thursday: 1-5 pm
Friday: 1-5 pm
Saturday: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday: 1-5 pm
Newport Beach, CA. Photo: The Jon B. Lovelace Collection of California Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith’s America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
Pond depleted due to drought, CA. Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture by Cynthia Mendoza
Water/Ways was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and inspired by an exhibition developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, www.amnh.org.
Top photo: Pakhnyushchy/Shutterstock.com