Museums
in Phoenix, AZ

(602) 926-3620

Learn the history of Arizona at the Arizona Capitol Museum. More than 20 exhibits chronicle life in the state from its territorial days to the present. Arizona's history is rich with drama and development, and the museum will shed light on the bootstrapping attitude of the state's early settlers.

The Arizona Capitol Museum tells the story of the state's history through various exhibits and tours, highlighting the diverse cultures and historical figures that helped shape the state.

Visitors can view more than 20 exhibits that tell the story of Arizona's development from territorial days to the present time.

Exhibits include Arizona state symbols, historical figures, natural history, the role of government and the story of Arizona's statehood, the USS Arizona, and photographs from Edward S. Curtis.

One of the biggest and most impactful exhibits is Arizona's Gratitude Train boxcar. The car was delivered to Arizona by the French, as a thank-you for American generosity after World War II. Artifacts on display include a wedding dress from Lyon and a Peugeot bicycle.

The museum also pays homage to the USS Arizona and its pivotal role in the World War II and the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

(623) 939-6186

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Nostalgia is always on display at the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum, where dolls and toys from yesteryear in excellent condition are lovingly on display. If you're a fan of dolls, toys and nostalgic collectibles from bygone eras, you'll love the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum.

(602) 267-2676

Learn something new at the Arizona Military Museum, housed in a raw adobe building built in 1936. Depictions of Phoenix history trace the early years during the Conquistadors, the U.S.-Mexican War and present day.

(408) 965-2787

The Arizona State University Art Museum specializes in contemporary American and British ceramics but that's not all. From its humble beginnings as a library with a small book collection, the museum has grown to more than 12,000 works of art in its permanent collection.

The Arizona State University Art Museum boasts a spectacular collection of contemporary American and British ceramics, but amazingly began as a small display among stacks of books at the school's Matthews Library. Eventually, when a new library was built, the art stayed and interest grew.

From its humble beginnings in 1952, the ASU Art Museum now occupies more than 10,000 square feet of exhibition space, with more than 12,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Along the way, the museum acquired more space, including five large galleries, storage and administrative offices. Contemporary artists are highlighted and emphasized, along with Latin American Art.

(623) 322-2001

Go on a mission to learn more about science and space at the Challenger Space Center. The attractions here allow you to fly simulated space flight missions, explore an Atlantis Space Shuttle model, or tour the Meteorite Exhibit.

(602) 253-0501

Kids play to learn at the Children's Museum of Phoenix, where every exhibit and attraction is meant to be touched, prodded, broken down and rebuilt. Learning centers include an art studio, a book loft, a noodle forest and a rock n' roll ballroom. Let the fun begin!

(602) 275-3473

Put a little spark in your tour of Phoenix at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting. Fantastical fire engines from the mid-1800s are on display, as well as historic helmets and other equipment. You'll be humbled by the National Hall of Heroes, a tribute to the fallen men and women of firefighting history.

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes are a testament to the brave men and women who have devoted - and lost - their lives for the protection of the community at large.

The Phoenix-based museum contains one of the largest collections of firefighting apparatus in the world, with some pieces dating back to 1725. Most of the collection is from America, but there are also pieces from England, France, Austria, Germany and Japan as well.

The museum opened in 1961, and today includes five exhibit galleries and the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which honors firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty and those who have been decorated as heroes.

The various collections span the development of firefighting equipment and practices. The displays you'll find include: Hand & Horse Drawn (1725-1908); Motorized Apparatus (1897-1948); Motorized Apparatus (1918-1968); Motorized Apparatus (1919-1950) and Wildland Firefighting.

A huge collection of Fire Department arm patches and a fire helmet collection are also on display here.

(602) 252-8840

Appreciate handmade goods and native art at the Heard Museum. Ongoing festivals and programs introduce artists to the public. Or shop at the acclaimed Guild Indian Fair & Market, with wares from more than 700 artists.

(480) 478-6000

Hear the history of sound and song at the Musical Instrument Museum. Wireless headsets are issued to each visitor, and you can hear accompanying sounds near each display. Truly a unique museum experience.

(602) 257-1880

Explore a world of possibilities at the Phoenix Art Museum, where the exhibits and attractions are always provocative and thoughtful. Western art, fashion photography and modern art are elevated to new heights at this nationally renown museum.

Phoenix Art Museum holds the distinction of being the largest art museum in the Southwest, featuring more than 285,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Located in downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Art Museum houses a collection of more than 18,000 works of art. Featured categories include American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design.

Art lovers flock to the popular museum, which also hosts various community cultural events, such as festivals, live performances, art films and educational opportunities.

For the younger art crowd, the Phoenix Art Museum has created PhxArtKids. The area is an interactive learning environment, where fun and creativity is the name of the game.

To round out the offerings, the museum also stages photo exhibits with the Center for Creative Photography, a landscaped Sculpture Garden, an organic dining experience with Arcadia Farms, and The Museum Store.

The Phoenix Art Museum opened in 1959. Since then, it has hosted more than 400 worldwide exhibitions.

(602) 534-7278

If there's a crime buff in your entourage, head over to the Phoenix Police Museum, where you'll view artifacts and historical items from when the department was formed in 1881 to present day memorabilia. A recreated 1900s police station is featured along with a 1919 Ford Model T Police Car.

(623) 465-1052

Step back into the wild frontier days at the Pioneer Living History Village attraction. The living history museum is replete with old homes and a bustling downtown, where costumed tour guides will take you to the blacksmith's shop and the sheriff's office.

(602) 427-0927

Tour the 2,800-square-foot Rosson House Museum, a beautifully restored Victorian style home built in 1895. The 10-room mansion served as a residence for its owners and boarders at a time when Arizona was still a territory.

(480) 874-4666

Get a global view of contemporary art, architecture and design at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Ongoing programs and special events that explore deeper meanings behind the exhibits are available to enlighten, educate and enhance the public viewing experience.