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Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum and Desert Railroad (HISTORY/SPECIALIZED)

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23280 N. 43rd Ave., Phoenix 85310

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(623) 670-1904/www.adobemtndesertrrpark.com

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Open Sun 12-4:30, Sept-May 5, closed holidays/Free

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Ride the train from the South end of the park to the Museum. Displays include a small narrow-gauge 1884 locomotive, model railroad layouts, and prototype historical displays. Special viewings for schools and groups by appointment.

 

African American Multicultural Museum (ART, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY)

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617 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite A, Scottsdale 85257

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(480) 314-4400/www.aammuseum.org

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Open Thu-Sat 1-5/Free

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Our mission is “Fellowship through Education.” The Museum highlights multiculturalism while emphasizing positive contributions of African Americans to the world.

 

Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum and Archives (NATIVE AMERICAN)

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47685 N. Eco-Museum Rd., Maricopa 85139

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(520) 568-1356/www.ak-chin.nsn.us/events.html

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Open Mon-Fri 8-5/Free

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Him-Dak means “way of life” in our language, passed to us through the centuries.  We have the responsibility to pass it on to future generations.  This is a reflection of ourselves as we define our values and identities to share with visitors.

 

Arizona Capitol Museum (ART, HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE, SPECIALIZED)

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1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix 85007

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(602) 828-3628/www.azlibrary.gov/azcm

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Open Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat 10-2, Sept-May/Free

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The Arizona Capitol Museum is celebrating Arizona’s vibrant cultural heritage through history. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records includes the Capitol Museum and is a Division of the Secretary of State.

 

Arizona Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety Heritage Museum (HISTORY, SCIENCE, SPECIALIZED)

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2102 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix 85009

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No phone number available/www.ahpa.com/news-issues/support-the-arizona-highway-patrol-department-of-public-safety-heritage-museum

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Unscheduled date for grand opening.  Check website for information.

This statewide law enforcement agency is dedicated to protecting human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity, ensuring highway and public safety, and providing support to other criminal justice agencies.

 

Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park (ART, NATIVE AMERICAN, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORY, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON) 

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1300 N. College Ave., Tempe 85281

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(480) 929-0292/www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org

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Open Tue-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4/Admission charge

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This is the principal museum in the Phoenix metropolitan area covering the changes that have made Arizona what it is today. We invite conversations about Arizona’s future based on what we know about its past.

 

Arizona Military Museum (HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE, NATIVE AMERICAN, SPECIALIZED)

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5636 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix 85008

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(602) 267-2676/https://dema.az.gov/army-national-guard/papago-park/arizona-military-museum

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Open Sat-Sun 1-4 /Free

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Arizonans’ military service from Conquistadors to the Middle East wars is portrayed with displays of uniforms, weapons, artifacts, and narratives.

 

Arizona Museum of Natural History (HISTORY, NATIVE AMERICAN, SCIENCE, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY)

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53 N. Macdonald St., Mesa 85201

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(480) 644-2230/www.azmnh.org

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Open Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5/Admission charge

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AzMNH features dinosaurs, natural history of the southwest, Native American cultures, history, gold panning, territorial jail, and interactive exhibits. For families and all ages.

 

Arizona State University Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections, Luhrs Gallery (HISTORY, NATIVE AMERICAN)

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Hayden Library, ASU Tempe Campus, Tempe 85287

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(480) 965-4925/www.asu.edu/lib/archives/galleries.htm

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Open during all academic library hours/Free

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The ASU Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections curate and display documents, images, ephemera, and artifacts related to the history of ASU, Arizona, and the Southwest.

 

Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum (SPECIALIZED)

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3806 N. 3rd St., Suite 200, Phoenix 85012

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(602) 452-7000/http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/en/about-our-council/about-us/history-committee.html#museum

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Open by appointment/Free

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An exhibit of Girl Scout uniforms, handbooks, and memorabilia from 1912 through today with an emphasis on Girl Scouting in Arizona.

 

Cave Creek Museum (ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY)

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6140 E. Skyline Dr., P.O. Box 1, Cave Creek 85327

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(480) 488-2764/www.cavecreekmuseum.org

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Open Wed-Sun 1-4:30, Fri 10-4:30 Oct-May/Admission charge

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Connect to 140 years of Cave Creek History at the Cave Creek Museum.  Today is Tomorrow’s History!  Be a part of it!

 

Center for Archaeology and Society:  Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve (ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, NATIVE AMERICAN, HISTORIC SITE) 

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3711 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix 85380

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(623) 582-8007/shesc.asu.edu/dvpp

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Open Tue-Sat 9-5 Oct-Apr; Tue-Sat 8-2 May-Sept /Admission charge

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The Preserve is home to the largest concentration of Native American petroglyphs in Phoenix. Hike ¼-mile trail to view 1,571 petroglyphs made 500 to 7,000 years ago. This archaeology museum is a family destination.

 

Chandler Museum (HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE) 

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300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler, AZ 85226

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(480) 782-2717/http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=996

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Open Tue-Sat 10-4 /Free

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The Chandler Museum is to be the community’s principal resource to explore its people’s history, culture, and their place in the rapidly changing world of today.

 

Children’s Museum of Phoenix (CHILDREN/HANDS-ON)

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215 N. 7th St., Phoenix 85034

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(602) 253-0501/www.ChildrensMuseumOfPhoenix.org

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Open Tue-Sun 9-4/Admission charge

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Learning is a joy at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix with hands-on, educational, and fun exhibits for children 10 and under.

 

Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Aviation Museum (HISTORY)

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2017 N. Greenfield Rd., Mesa 85215

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(480) 924-1940/www.azcaf.org

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Open Wed-Sun 9-3 Jun-Sept; daily 10-4 Oct-May/Admission charge

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Premier military aviation attraction in greater Phoenix area.  Over 30 military aircraft from WWI to Vietnam War.  Warbird rides available in 7 aircraft including the B-17 Sentimental Journey.  Event venue.

 

Desert Botanical Garden (CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, SPECIALIZED)

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Papago Park, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix 85008

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(480) 941-1225/www.dbg.org

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Open daily 8-8 Oct-Apr; 7 am-8 pm May-Sept/Admission charge

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Desert Botanical Garden is a living museum featuring more than 50,000 plants, including rare, threatened, and endangered species.

 

Desert Caballeros Western Museum (ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, ART, HISTORY, NATIVE AMERICAN, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON)

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21 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg 85390

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(928) 684-2272/www.westernmuseum.org

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Open Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4, Jun-Aug closed Mondays /Admission charge

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An Arizona treasure known for its extraordinary collection of American Western fine art, fascinating, hands-on history exhibits, and annual western art exhibition and sale.

 

Gilbert Historical Museum (HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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10 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert 85296

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(480) 926-1577/www.gilbertmuseum.org

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Open Tue-Sat 9-4/Admission charge

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Displays artifacts and photographs that reflect Gilbert and the surrounding areas’ past and unique way of life.

 

Glendale Community College (ART)

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6000 W. Olive Ave., Glendale 85302

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(623) 845-3755/www2.gccaz.edu/academics/departments/art/art-collection

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Open Mon-Fri 7 am-10 pm/Free

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Glendale College Art Collection includes paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, masks, and photography.

 

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting (SPECIALIZED, HISTORY, SCIENCE, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON)

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6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix 85008

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(602) 275-3473/www.hallofflame.org

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Open Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun Noon-4/Admission charge

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Nation’s largest firefighting museum; Restored fire apparatus, National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, hands on exhibits for children pre-school to age 12.

 

Heard Museum (NATIVE AMERICAN, ART, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY)

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2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004

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(602) 252-8840/www.heard.org

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Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5, Sun 11-5/Admission charge

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One of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of Southwest Native peoples, from history to today’s contemporary work.

 

i.d.e.a. Museum Formerly Arizona Museum for Youth (ART, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON)

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35 N. Robson St., Mesa 85201

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(480) 644-2468/www.ideamuseum.org

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Open Tue-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4/Admission charge

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The i.d.e.a. Museum inspires children of all ages to experience their world differently through art, creativity, and imagination.

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Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum (HISTORY)

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13912 W Camelback Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

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(623) 535-4414/ http://lphsmuseum.org/

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Maricopa County Justice Museum and Learning Center (HISTORIC SITE, SPECIALIZED)

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125 W. Washington St., Old Court House 6th Floor, Phoenix 85004

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(602) 682-8585/www.justicemuseum.org

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Open Mon-Thu 12-1/Free

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Learn about Maricopa County’s legal history, its court cases, important elements of the Rule of Law, and individual rights and liberties guaranteed in the US and Arizona constitutions.  The museum is housed in a restored cellblock.

 

Mesa Grande Cultural Park (NATIVE AMERICAN, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORIC SITE)

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1000 N. Date St., Mesa 85201

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(480) 644-3075/www.mesagrandeculturalpark.org

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Open Wed-Fri 10-2, Sat-Sun 10-4 Oct-May/Admission charge

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Take a self-guided tour of a Hohokam temple mound.  Nine kiosks with four themes are placed throughout the trail to provide information about the Hohokam, history of the mound, nature, and more.  For group guided tours, call (480) 644-3553.

 

Mesa Historical Museum (HISTORY, SPECIALIZED)

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2345 N. Horne Mesa 85203

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(480) 835-2286/www.mesamuseum.org  www.azspringtrainingexperience.com

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Open Wed-Sat 10-4/Admission charge

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The Museum explores the history of the region and promotes civic engagement through its programs and exhibitions.  Home of Play Ball:  The Cactus League Experience.

 

The Museum of Casa Grande (NATIVE AMERICAN, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE, SPECIALIZED)

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110 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 85122

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(520) 836-2223/www.tmocg.org

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Open Thu-Sun 12-4/Admission charge

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Experience Casa Grande’s colorful heritage at one of Arizona’s finest small museums.  Explore historic buildings, archaeological artifacts, and period exhibits.  Visit today and discover Casa Grande!

 

Musical Instrument Museum (ART, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, NATIVE AMERICAN, HISTORY, CHILDREN/ HANDS-ON, SPECIALIZED)

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4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 85050

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(480) 478-6000/www.mim.org

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Open daily 9-5/Admission charge

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The Musical Instrument Museum welcomes visitors to explore and experience the rich diversity of the world’s music and musical instruments.

 

Peoria Arizona Historical Society (CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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10304 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria 85345

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(623) 487-8030/www.peoriaarizonahistoricalsociety.net

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Open Tue, Thu, Sat 10-2 Sept-May; Jun-Aug by appointment/Free

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Peoria Agricultural Museum displays early days of agriculture, Central School Museum built in 1906, early lifestyles, and Business and Government Museum.

 

Peoria Jail House Museum (CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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8322 W. Washington St., Peoria 85345

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(623) 487-8030/www.peoriaarizonahistoricalsociety.net

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Open Tue, Thu, Sat 10-2 Sept-May; Jun-Aug by appointment/Free

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Built in late 1930’s as a WPA project.  Souvenir photos can be taken behind the bars in the jail cell while dressed in prisoner uniforms.

 

Phoenix Airport Museum (ART)

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

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3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix 85034

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(602) 683-3647/skyharbor.com/museum

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Open 24 hours daily/Free

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Showcasing Arizona’s unique artistic and cultural heritage in 35 exhibition spaces in six buildings.  City of Phoenix Aviation Department.

 

Phoenix Art Museum (ART)

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1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004

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(602) 257-1880/www.phxart.org

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Open Wed 10-9, Thu-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5/Admission charge

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Phoenix Art Museum is a vibrant destination connecting people to great art from around the world to enrich their lives and communities.

 

Phoenix Police Museum (HISTORY, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, SPECIALIZED)

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Historic City Hall

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17 S. 2nd Ave., Phoenix 85003

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(602) 534-Past (7278)/www.phoenixpolicemuseum.com

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Open Mon-Sat 9-3, closed city holidays/Free

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The museum has activities for everyone to explore the history of the Phoenix Police Department.

 

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park (NATIVE AMERICAN, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY, SPECIALIZED)

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4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix 85034

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(602) 495-0901/www.pueblogrande.com

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Open Mon-Sat 9-4:45, Sun 1-4:45; May-Sept closed Sun and Mon/Admission charge

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Experience a prehistoric Hohokam ruin, full-size replicated native dwellings, fascinating exhibits, and museum store. Located on the light rail line.

 

River of Time Museum (CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, ANTHROPOLOGY/ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORY, SCIENCE, SPECIALIZED)

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12901 N. La Montana Blvd., Fountain Hills 85268

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(480) 837-2612/www.riveroftimemuseum.org

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Contact museum for hours and admission prices.

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Grab a paddle and start your journey!  Explore water and its ongoing role in shaping Arizona.  Discover how changing cultures relate to water, and learn about the future of water sustainability in the state.

 

Rosson House Museum (ART, HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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Heritage and Science Park, 113 N. 6th St., Phoenix 85004

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(602) 262-5070/heritagesquarephx.org

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Open Wed-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4/Admission charge

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The 1895 Rosson House Museum, an example of Victorian Eastlake style architecture, is the cornerstone of Historic Heritage Square, a National Register Property.

 

Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area (HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale 85302

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(623) 930-4200/www.glendaleaz.com/srpha

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Open Thu-Sat 10-2, Sun 1-4 Sept-May; Fri-Sat 10-2 Jun-Jul; closed Aug/Free

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Tour the restored Main House at one of the Valley’s oldest ranches. Explore the 17-acre historic site.

 

Scottsdale Historical Museum (HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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7333 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale 85251

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(480) 945-4499/www.scottsdalemuseum.com

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Open Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4; closed Jul-Aug; Jun and Sept call for hours/Free

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Museum is located in the Little Red Schoolhouse on the Scottsdale Mall and contains permanent exhibits of Winfield Scott and local history plus changing exhibits.

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Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (ART)

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7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale 85251

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(480) 874-4666/www.smoca.org

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Open Tue, Wed, Sun 12-5, Thu-Sat 12-9/Admission charge with select free hours

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SMoCA champions modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. We support the art and artists of our time.

 

Scottsdale Police Museum (HISTORY, SPECIALIZED)

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8401 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale 85251

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(480) 312-1922/www.cipaas.org

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Open Mon-Fri 9-5/Free

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The museum has exhibits showcasing the history of the Scottsdale Police Department.

 

Sun Cities Area Historical Society/Del Webb Sun Cities Museum

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10801 W Oakmont Drive

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Sun City, AZ.  85351

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623 974-2568/www.delwebbsuncitiesmuseum.org

 

Sunnyslope Historical Society and Museum (HISTORY)

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737 E. Hatcher Rd., Phoenix 85020

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(602) 331-3150/sunnyslopehistoricalsociety.org

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Open Fri-Mon 12-4/Free

The ‘40s House-Open Fri 12-4/Free

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Explore and learn about Sunnyslope’s educational facilities, daily living, early beginnings and families, William R. Norton and his development of the Sunny Slope Townsite, Desert Mission, and John C. Lincoln Hospital.

 

Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum (HISTORY, NATIVE AMERICAN, ART, ANTHROPOLOGY/ ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORIC SITE, SPECIALIZED)

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4087 N. Apache Tr., Apache Junction 85119

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(480) 983-4888/www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org

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Open daily 9-4/Admission charge

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The museum collects, preserves, and displays the artifacts, history, and folklore of the Superstition Mountains and adjacent regions.

 

Tempe History Museum (CHILDREN/HANDS-ON, HISTORY)

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809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe 85282

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(480) 350-5100/www.tempe.gov/museum

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Open Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5, closed Mondays and major holidays/Free

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A center where the community comes together to explore Tempe’s past, share its present, and imagine its future. Tempe: Distinct, Diverse, Dynamic tells the story of Tempe, a Southwestern desert urban community.

 

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights (HISTORY, HISTORIC SITE)

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5025 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix 85008

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(602) 256-3221/www.TovreaCastleTours.com  www.TovreaCarraroSociety.org

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All tours must be pre-purchased from website.  Group tours:  Thu 9.  Regular tours:  Fri-Sun:  Oct-Apr 8:30, 11; May 7:30, 10; Jun and Sept 7:30; closed Jul-Aug/Admission charge

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Explore 44 acres of Sonoran Desert with a unique Castle atop.  Stories of the three families who occupied the land beginning in 1907 are told as docents lead guests on a tram ride through the property and a visit to the Castle.

 

West Valley Art Museum (ART)

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8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria 85345

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(623) 972-0635/www.wvam.org

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Open Mon-Wed 10-4, Thu 12-6, or by appointment/Free

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The museum’s unique collection of world-wide ethnic dress and related textiles, 20th century fine art prints, and artists of Arizona is shown in the Peoria City Hall Art Gallery.

 

Museum Support Organization

 

Arizona Humanities

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1242 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004

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(602) 257-0335/www.azhumanities.org

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AH is a nonprofit agency, the Arizona affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. AH supports public programming in humanities disciplines and brings the humanities to residents throughout Arizona.

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