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Fully packed with fascinating wonders of the ancient world, Best Museums in Phoenix have always been on the list of the most visited destinations in Arizona. The people of Arizona and other ancient civilizations have preserved their rich traditions and history here for generations. It’s no surprise that Phoenix is now as a cultural hub. These venues bring you face-to-face with the art and history of the people, showcasing evidence of ancient crafts and major historical events in Phoenix and also beyond.
A visit to Phoenix is only complete with a tour of these Phoenix museums, so we have made a list of the best ones here. To help you choose the best museums to complete your tour of Phoenix, let’s dive into the list.
Heard Museum
History and Background
The people of Arizona and other ancient civilizations have preserved their rich traditions and history here for generations. It’s no surprise that Phoenix is now regarded as a cultural hub. These venues bring you face-to-face with the art and history of the people, showcasing evidence of ancient crafts and major historical events in Phoenix and beyond.This is why most of the artifacts on display here portray the rich cultural heritage of Indian Americans.
Exhibits and Collections
Even though the Heard Museum has artifacts from different cultural backgrounds, its main focus is on artifacts from Southwest USA. The rich cultural heritage of the people of Southwest is through exhibits, live performances, and demonstrations. During Heard’s signature exhibits, artifacts that tell stories of the people are displayed for all to see. Amazingly, most of these artifacts have survived different civilization stages for thousands of years. So, one can only imagine the ages of the art collection in this museum and the hands that have handled them.
Internationally, it is recognized for its originality, and quality of its artifacts, festivals, and educational programs. The rich gallery here contains some signature exhibits such as; Larger Than Memory, Stories Out of Lines, and Away From Home. These exhibits will open your eyes to see where the natives are coming from and what they went through.
Some notable artifacts and artworks in Heard Museum include
- Navajo Creation Story
- Gazer
- Jeved Makai Creates the Milky Way
- Inlaid Silver Box
- Beaded Cape Necklace
- Katrina Dol
- Basketry
- Grand Procession.
How long does it take to see the Heard Museum?
You can see everything in the Museum within two hours. It also depends on your speed, physical tolerance, and interest.
What is the Heard Museum famous for?
The Heard Museum is famous for its rich collection of artifacts and preservation of Indian American culture.
Is the Heart Museum worth visiting?
Yes, The Heard Museum is worth visiting as it is one of the few places that have preserved the history and culture of Arizona’s ancestors.
Phoenix Art Museum
History and Background
The Phoenix Art Museum was officially opened on November 18 1959 and dedicated three days later on November 21, 1959. It is known for its plethora of art collections from all over the world. due to this, it is regarded as the largest visual arts museum in the Southwestern US. Apart from the artifacts, you will also find lots of modern artworks. This museum in Phoenix also hosts events such as festivals, educational programs, exhibitions, and live performances.
Exhibits and Collections
During exhibitions, contemporary and classical arts from the nooks and crannies of America, Europe, and Asia are richly showcased. This museum in Phoenix has partnered with the University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography to feature a photography exhibition too. Fashion design collections are also available for exhibition.
Notable paintings found here include those from artists like Ubertini, Marcellus Coffermans, Carlo Dolci, Eugene Boudin, Gilbert Stuart, Ernest Lawson, Yayoi Kusama, Kehinde Wiley, and lots more.
Visitor Information
Being one of the best museums in Phoenix az, the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the easiest-to-locate venues in Arizona. Its official address is Number 1625 N Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.
The Museum is open to receive visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursdays to Sundays. It extends its operation time to 9 pm every Wednesday. Its admission fees are on the affordable side, considering the awesome experience that awaits you there. Generally, adults pay $28 for admission while kids between 6 and 17 years old pay $18. Students and elders are excluded from this admission fee as they have special discounts.
You can also see the great collections here for free on the first Friday of every month and every Wednesday, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Visitors can buy their tickets ahead of their visits as on-site purchase attracts an extra $2 charge.
Membership and guided tours
For unlimited access to the museum throughout the year, you can get a membership for just $80. This subscription can is for one member of your family or friend as it covers two adults.
The two-year membership plan costs $144 and it covers two adults too. There is a one-year Family Membership plan for two adults and a kid below 18 years. This costs $90. The last membership plan is the Family 2-year plan which costs $162. It covers two adults and a kid.
Guided tours are also on the list of things by this museum. The docents assigned to you will give you deeper insight into whatever piece you find there.
How long does it take to walk through the Phoenix Art Museum?
Being very large, it will take about two hours to walk through the Phoenix Art Museum.
What is the largest art museum in Arizona?
The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest in Arizona.
Does Phoenix Art Museum have free parking?
There is a free parking space for visitors just behind the building.
Arizona Science Center
History and Background
This science museum was founded in 1984 and was known as the Arizona Museum of Science and Technology. The building was designed by Antoine Predock but was not ready till 1997.
Being a science-oriented museum, it is focused on STEM education and it’s currently offering scholarships to girls in STEM. Moreover irrespective of your gender at birth, the scholarship is open to every student who identifies as a girl. At-home science projects are also for students to make learning more fun.
Exhibits and Collections
It is the place to get a picture of what the past scientists had in mind, what the present scientists are working on, and the future of science. The state-of-the-art planetarium will present you with mind-boggling facts to keep your science mind curious. Furthermore Atrium water interactive exhibits will take you to the world of water life.
Apart from the planetarium, you also get to enjoy a magnanimous 3D screen IMAX theater.
Visitor Information
Arizona Science Center is located at Number 600 E Washington Street, Phoenix Arizona 85004, US. You can visit this Phoenix museum any day of the week from 10:30 am to 4 pm. Admission fees are $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids between 3 and 17 years old. Parking spaces are not free. Also, the admission fees only give you access to general things in the museum as the planetarium and Imax theater attract extra charges.
Apart from the scholarship programs for girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Arizona Science Center also offers other Educational programs and workshops. There is a program for kids between 3 and 17 years old. They also offer training for educators and also other adults. Currently, it can take in 500,000 learners yearly.
What is the Arizona Science Center for?
Arizona Science Center is also best known for its numerous interactive exhibits.
How long does it take to go through the Arizona Science Center?
It takes less than 2 hours to go through Arizona Science Center unless you want to see the planetarium and Imax theater which will increase the time.
How long does the AZ science test take?
The AZ science test takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
History and Background
Children’s Museum of Phoenix was opened in 2008. Before that, it used to be called the Phoenix Family Museum, and it was first established in 1998.
Exhibits and Collections
It offers three floors and over 300 play experiences to keep kids excited from the moment they enter the venue till departure. Its interactive exhibits of noodle forests, climbing structures, grocery shops, and also others are suitable for kids under 10 years old.
Every exhibit in the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is strategically for helping children learn while having fun. It’s a location where fun and education coexist in harmony.
Visitor Information
This Phoenix museum is at 215 N 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034, US. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. The admission fee is $17 per person. This fee does not apply to kids below 1 year old as they are free.
Children’s Museum of Arizona offers special educational programs such as math and science classes, yoga, and art studios to fire up their little artists’ minds.
Where is the Children’s Museum of Phoenix located?
Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located at 215 N 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, US.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, you should always purchase your ticket online ahead of your visit to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions in the Children’s Museum of Phoenix but the facilities there are built for children aged 0 to 10.
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
History and Background
This is one of the Phoenix museums that was on an archeological site of over 1,000 years and is for preserving the Hohokam culture. In March 2023, its name was changed to S’edav Va’aki Museum.
Exhibits and Collections
What better way is there to learn the history of Phoenix than to visit this archaeological site? This venue holds the keys to unfolding the lives of the ancestors of Phoenix.
There are three separate galleries to see in this Phoenix museum. The changing gallery contains archeological exhibits from Southwest US culture. Additionally, the second gallery is the children’s hands-on gallery which contains fun and educational activities to introduce kids to archaeological science. The main gallery contains the Hohokam artifacts and also discussions on Pueblo Grande.
Visitor Information
It is located in the very heart of Hohokam culture in Pueblo Grande, 4619E, Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85034-1909. And it is open to the general public from October to April, 9 am to 4:45 pm, Monday to Saturday. From May to September, it runs from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 4:45 pm. As an organization, you get every major holiday, so you may likely not find it open. So admission fees for adults are #6 while children between 6 to 17 years pay $3.
This museum in Phoenix offers educational programs and tours to schools. The fee is #1 per student and free admission for 1 student. Free admission for a teacher per 7 students. Take-home packages are also for teachers and students.
Where is Pueblo Grande?
Pueblo Grande is an archaeological site located in Phoenix, Arizona.
What are the archaeological sites around Phoenix?
Some of the archeological sites in Phoenix include S’edav Va’aki, Montezuma Castle National Monument, as well as others.
How can schools arrange a field trip to the museum?
So to book a school field trip, you need to call the Museum’s official phone number to arrange in advance.
Conclusion
Phoenix is one of the best places in Arizona to visit for people with a flair for artifacts and history. Which makes a visit to Phoenix incomplete without visiting the places that hence hold these artifacts and history. Hence take advantage of our list of the best museums in Phoenix az and make your trip to Phoenix worth every second you spend there. Therefore, a toast to eye-opening facts about Phoenix.
