Arizonas Aerospace Museums & Attractions
Explore the history of flight at Arizona’s air and space museums, which display thousands of old birds at fascinating destinations around the state.
Great weather and wide-open spaces have attracted aviators, air military operations and the aerospace industry to Arizona for decades.
Stop by one of the Grand Canyon State’s aerospace attractions to learn about more than a century of aviation.
Trace the history of flight that has occurred in Arizona, around the world and even into space. It’s a great way to have a high-flying time.
John Wesley Powell Museum
Browse through the John Wesley Powell Museum in Page to see photos, sketches and memorabilia of John Wesley Powell’s voyages on the Colorado River from 1869 and 1871. You’ll also find a wonderful collection of Native American artifacts on display – as well as the history of Page, and films of the construction of Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam.To learn more about Major Powell, stop by the Powell Museum bookstore and gift shop to stroll through the variety of books on Major Powell. While in Page, make the most of your travels to northern Arizona by exploring as many of the wonderful and charming area attractions.
Sedona Tour From Phoenix
Sedona is a place known to preserve a charming, natural heritage. We would dare say that it is mystical. This tour includes a visit of the city surrounded by beautiful red mountains and a jeep excursion in its surroundings. If you are not familiar with this city, here is an article on what to do in Sedona.
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Museum Of Northern Arizona
Learn about the Colorado Plateau through the variety of exhibits, collections and over five million Native American artifacts at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Museum is the only accredited museum in Flagstaff, and is dedicated to preserving the Northern Arizona heritage.The 200-acre museum is home to the award-winning permanent anthropology exhibit entitled Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau. Take your time strolling through eight different galleries, and viewing the anthropology, biology, geology and fine art collections. See the iconic landscapes and explore the city of Flagstaff while enjoying your visit to northern Arizona.
The Best Museums In Arizona
- Heard Museum : This is one of the nation’s premier museums devoted to Native American cultures. In addition to historical exhibits, a huge kachina doll collection, and an excellent museum store, there are annual exhibits of contemporary Native American art as well as dance performances and demonstrations of traditional skills.
- Musical Instrument Museum : This huge museum houses thousands of musical instruments from all over the world. There are galleries organized by countries and continents, as well as exhibits of such rare instruments as the first Steinway piano ever made and the Steinway piano on which John Lennon composed “Imagine.”
- Phoenix Art Museum : This large art museum has acres of wall space and houses an outstanding collection of contemporary art as well as a fascinating exhibit of miniature rooms.
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art : The Phoenix area’s largest museum of contemporary art is noteworthy as much for its bold architecture as for its wide variety of exhibits. Unlike most other art galleries in Scottsdale, this museum eschews cowboy art.
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: The Phoenix areas newest museum is a major endeavor: Two vast floors of Western art and artifacts in a striking building in the heart of downtown Scottsdale.
- Desert Caballeros Western Museum : This museum in the Wild West town of Wickenburg is a celebration of all things Western, including Western art and the trappings of the American West.
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The Best Museums In Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is home to some of the best resorts in the United States with championship golf courses and world-class spas. Hiking Camelback Mountain is a favorite for those looking for a little adventure and sunshine, plus the views are fantastic. But what about cultural experiences and places to enjoy some air-conditioning? There are tons of museums in Phoenix for you to get both some history and culture while cooling off from that hot Arizona sun.
We have put together a list of all the best museums in Phoenix and the surrounding metro area. Whether you want to learn about dinosaurs, see some authentic Cowboy art or try your hand at musical instruments from around the world, there is a spot in Phoenix for you to check out.
The Musical Instrument Museum
My favorite, the Musical Instrument Museum is the only one of its kind in the world. Even its architecture reminds you of a musical instrument, a piano. Home to thousands of musical instruments from all over the world, the MIM showcases them along with dance costumes and recordings of playing them in their original settings. Ive visited the MIM often since they first opened, and I never get tired of it, always find something new and exciting there.
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Some Facts About The Arizona Museum Of Natural History
- Owned and operated by the City of Mesa
- Founded 1977
- Over 1 million visitors since 2000
- 60,000 objects of natural history, anthropology, history & art
- 10,000 historic photographs
- Cares for Sirrine House, 1896 home of Joel Sirrine on Center Street
- Preserves and interprets Mesa Grande, one of the last surviving Hohokam platform mounds in Arizona Mesa Grande and Sirrine House listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Thousands of students from hundreds of schools throughout Arizona visit the museum each year
- Core of the museum is a 1937 WPA era building that originally housed Mesa City Hall, municipal courts, city library, police and fire departments
- Expansions in 1983, 1987 and 2000 bring the museum to 80,000 square feet
- Research Facility at northwest corner of Macdonald and Pepper added in 1995
List Of Museums In Arizona
This list of museums in Arizona encompasses museums which are defined for this context as institutions that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Museums that exist only in cyberspace are not included. The list also includes public non-profit art galleries, and national, state and local parks that feature visitor centers with exhibits.
To use the sortable table, click on the icons at the top of each column to sort that column in alphabetical order click again for reverse alphabetical order.
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Grand Canyon Tours From Phoenix
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
This is a great package that includes transportation from Williams, Flagstaff and Sedona and a helicopter flight with views of the vast Grand Canyon.
Tour of the Grand Canyon on Route 66 and Williams
If the helicopter is not for you, you can opt for a guided overland tour of the Grand Canyon trails. It also includes a stop in Williams on Route 66.
The Pueblo Grande Museum
From the present-day Native people, you can go farther back in history and learn about their ancestors. Dedicated to the archaeology of the area, the Pueblo Grande Museum is another unique museum in Phoenix, a great place to learn about the ancient people who lived here thousands of years before air conditioning was invented. Known as the Canal Makers, they were some of the best engineers of the ancient world, able to figure out how to bring water into the dry Valley of the Sun.
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Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art
Location: 7374 E 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is in the Old Town district of Scottsdale and features many different modern artworks. The minimalist building has a variety of changing exhibits and different special events. Its definitely a cant miss for any fans of contemporary and modern artwork. The public skyspace created by James Turrell is a popular experience where visitors can witness the desert sky and the way the light changes throughout the day. If you visit on Thursdays, admission is free.
Try These Underated Phoenix Museums
Blah blah Phoenix Art Museum, yada yada Heard Museum, something something Arizona Science Center thats probably the furthest some people get when trying to list cultural centers in the Valley of the Sun. Well heck, Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the country, and theres much more to museum hopping around here than some may realize.
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What To Do In Phoenix Natural Attractions
Museums arent for you? All right! If youre in Phoenix in the summer, leave your hotel in the middle of the afternoon dressed for the hot weather, grab your hat and water bottles and venture out to discover Papago Park, an interesting nature reserve in an urban setting, east of Phoenix Airport towards Scottsdale.
Western Spirit: Scottsdales Museum Of The West
Location: 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona is just one of the 19 different states covered at the Western Spirit museum where the focus is on the Wild West. Youll find paintings, saddles, spurs, sculptures, and many different artifacts and stories about the west while exploring this museum. There is a Heritage Hall that features influentials Western Americans, many different art galleries featuring different artists that focused on western landscapes, cowboy paintings, and other important parts of western life. There are impressive collections of Hopi pottery and different bronze statues done by John Coleman depicting Native American culture. The museum gives you a great introduction to this part of the country with its wide-open spaces.
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Contemporary And Modern Art Collections
The collection includes both contemporary and modern art. If you are wondering about the difference between the two, you are not alone. It is mainly about the time when the artwork was created. The contemporary collection features works of art created since the 1960s, including all mediums, from paintings and sculptures to new digital and media art.
The modern art collection features works of art just a little bit older, created in the first half of the 20th century. It includes works representative of the major movements of the time, including Post-Impressionism, Surrealism, Geometric Abstraction, and the early Abstract Expressionism.
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
Location: 3711 W Deer Valley Dr, Glendale, AZ
Native Americans carved more than 1500 petroglyphs along a trade route and you can take a guided tour or hike yourself along a 1/4 mile trail to see these ancient carvings for yourself. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Native American cultures that lived in the Southwest from 500 to 5000 years ago. The museum has a video about the different carvings and possible interpretations that you should not miss before you hit the trail to see them for yourself. In addition to the museum and the trail, there is a picnic area and amphitheater to spend a little more time and enjoy the outdoors on a cool day.
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Historic Museum That Connects Visitors To The Arizona Governments Fascinating Past
1700 W Washington St. | Phoenix | azlibrary.gov/azcm
Last, but not least, is the Arizona Capitol Museum. This historic museum features fascinating exhibits detailing the stateâs rich political, social, and cultural history. Guests can learn about everything from the USS Arizona to the stateâs historic mining communities. Located inside the State Capitol Building, the museum is the perfect spot to visit during a day tour exploring the history of Arizona. Nearby, guests can find the Arizona Legislature and Executive Tower.
âThe Arizona Capitol building is now turned into a historical museum. The admission is free and parking is free in the lot across the street. It has 4 floors of the history of Arizona and lots of interesting facts about the state itself. It just so happens the time I visited the place, there was a 50 years exhibit about my favorite basketball team, the Phoenix Suns!â – Yelp Review
Entertaining Museum Offering 300+ Interactive Play Areas For Children Up To 10
215 N 7th St. | Phoenix | childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Looking for somewhere new to take the kids? Working inside all day can get boring and monotonous. Change up your kidsâ routines by taking them to the Childrenâs Museum of Phoenix.
The Childrenâs Museum of Phoenix features over 300 play experiences spread throughout three floors. In addition to its vast selection of play rooms, the Childrenâs Museum teaches classes on music, art, yoga, science, and more interesting subjects your kids will love! As one of the three top childrenâs museums in the nation, the Childrenâs Museum of Phoenix is sure to entertain and inspire your little ones.
âAn absolutely fun place to take children. Full of excitement and joy. The tree house is a favorite. I mean who doesn’t love a treehouse and it also reminds adults we are not as young as we think we are lol. My youngest loves the art room he loves to paint so the big rocket ship he got to paint was amazing and building different crafts on the table is just as fun.â – Yelp Review
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Out Of Africa Wildlife Park
www.outofafricapark.com
Nine animal shows tours and more await visitors here at Out of Africa Wildlife Park where animals may be seen in a garden-like setting. View big cats such as rare white tigers lions and cougars while other park inhabitants include coatis foxes bears wolves and exotic birds. Family friendly activities include safari jeep tours for up close and personal viewing of exotic animals.
Goldfield Ghost Town & Mine Tours
www.goldfieldghosttown.com
Revisit the boomtown days of Goldfield during the 1890s when a gold strike made Goldfield a lively mining town. Visitors can explore shops and historic buildings tour the Mammoth Gold Mine pan for gold and ride the states only operating narrow-gauge railroad for a short tour of the area. Staged gunfights on the weekends complete the picture of life in the Old West.
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Other Museums In Phoenix Worth Visiting
I only included my favorite museums in Phoenix in the above list. However, the city has many more, and you can find one for any taste.
If you are in Phoenix with kids, the Childrens Museum of Phoenix is one of the best indoor playgrounds/learning centers for them. They can spend a whole day there, while you enjoy an air-conditioned space in the heat of the summer.
For those who find space and space exploration of interest, the Challenger Space Center offers exhibits relating to the subject.
The Arizona Capitol Museum or the Tempe History Museum are both perfect for those interested in the states history. However, those who want to know a bit more about the history of the region, beyond the state of Arizona will find the River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills of interest.
Art enthusiasts will find the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art a great place to visit, with exhibits showcasing contemporary art, architecture and design pieces in rotating exhibits.
Phoenix Museums And Attractions
Arizona is filled with fascinating museums and exciting attractions. Historic districts, art galleries, botanical gardens and zoos provide hours of fun and learning in Phoenix. The following is a list of must-sees of Phoenix museums and attractions. Before visiting the museums and attractions listed call ahead for hours and fees.
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Stunning Paintings Dating Back To The Renaissance Line The Walls Of This Contemporary Space
1625 N Central Ave | Phoenix | phxart.org
The Phoenix Art Museum houses over 18,000 historical art pieces from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Since 1959, this expansive museum has hosted festivals, live performances, and special educational programs on art history for the general public. An interactive space gallery, photography exhibition, and landscaped sculpture garden can also be found at this popular museum.
Interested in learning more about the fine arts? Visit the Lemon Art Research Library. Housed inside the museum, this specialized fine arts library offers over 40,000 books and files to peruse for free.
âIf you need a quiet place to get away to.. this is it.. roam this museum and soak in all of the beautiful things on display .. you could spend a couple of hours seeing everything. From paintings to statues to light installations there is always something in each collection to appreciate…A must see!â – Yelp Review
Pueblo Grande Museum And Archaeological Park
www.pueblogrande.com
Visit the world of the Hohokam Indians the first residents of this area of the Southwest who mysteriously disappeared in the mid-15th century. Check out the indoor displays that detail the Hohokams agricultural system and daily life then follow the trails around the ruins of an actual excavated Hohokam village.
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Firefighter Occupational Cancer Is The Leading Cause Of Line
In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network , the International Association of Firefighters has designated January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide firefighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention, and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments.
#FFCancerMonth #FightFFCancer #IAFF
Start Your Visit With The Indoor Gallery
The Indoor Gallery is the best way to start a visit, to understand the ancient process of canal making and the length of the ancient canals, sections of them still in use today. Showcasing ancient pottery with elaborate designs, jewelry, and tools, and the diorama of a miniature ancient city, the gallery brings the past alive.
Before heading outside, stop at the Hands-On Gallery to understand archaeology and ancient artifacts better. The gallery even offers children and adults alike the chance to make their own ancient artifacts.
Of course, the highlight of this museum is the archaeological site. Because it is outside, this is one museum in Phoenix you should visit in the winter or shoulder seasons.
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