17 Unmissable Museums in Phoenix

Laura Williams

Updated on:

Photo by Chris Nguyen on Unsplash

Phoenix is home to some of the most fascinating museums in the country. From history and art to science and technology, these museums offer a variety of exhibits that are sure to interest visitors of all ages. Here are 17 of the best museums in Phoenix.


Map



The seventeen museums that are a must-see

1. The Heard Museum

Heard Museum Exhibits - Photo Source
Heard Museum Exhibits – Photo Source

The Heard Museum is one of the most famous museums in Phoenix, and it offers a variety of exhibits that are sure to interest visitors of all ages. The museum is dedicated to the arts and cultures of Native Americans, and it features a wide range of artworks and artifacts from different tribes across the United States. In addition to the museum’s permanent exhibits, the Heard Museum also hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Learn more here.

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix

Phone: 602-252-8840

Hours: Daily 10 AM–4 PM, closed on Mondays

Admission: Adults $23, Seniors (65+) $20, Students (with college I.D.) $9, Children 6-17 years $9, Children 5 years and younger $0, American Indians (with tribal I.D.) $0. You can save a few bucks by booking your tickets online.


2. The Arizona Science Center

Arizona Science Center - <a href="https://www.azscience.org/attractions/permanent-exhibits/">Photo Source</a>
Arizona Science Center – Photo Source

The Arizona Science Center is one of Phoenix’s most famous museums, offering a wide range of exhibits on science and technology. Highlights include the IMAX theater and the planetarium. The Arizona Science Center also provides various educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.

Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix

Phone: 602-716-2000

Hours: Daily 10:30 AM–4 PM

Admission: Adult: $21.95, Seniors (65+): $19.95, Child (3-17): $15.95, Child (under 3) $0


3. The Phoenix Art Museum

Generation Paper - Fast fashion of the 1960s @ Phoenix Art Museum - <a href="https://phxart.org/">Photo Source </a>
Generation Paper – Fast fashion of the 1960s @ Phoenix Art Museum – Photo Source

The Phoenix Art Museum is another must-see museum in Phoenix, and it features a wide range of artworks from different periods and styles. The museum also offers special exhibits throughout the year, so check their website before your visit. In addition to the paintings on display, the Phoenix Art Museum has a restaurant and a gift shop.

Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix

Phone: 602-257-1880

Hours: closed on Mon&Tue, Wednesday 10 AM–9 PM, Thursday-Sunday 10 AM–5 PM

Admission: Adults $23, Seniors $20, Students (with ID) $18, Youth (6-17) $5, U.S. Military Personnel $0. There’s also a pay what you wish special on Wednesday after 3 PM.


4. The Rosson House Museum

Formal Parlor @ Rosson House Museum - <a href="https://heritagesquarephx.org/rossonhouse/">Photo Source</a>
Formal Parlor @ Rosson House Museum – Photo Source

The Rosson House Museum is a historical museum that looks at life in Phoenix during the late 19th century. The museum is housed in an original Victorian home and features period furnishings and artifacts. Here, you can learn about the history of Phoenix and see how life has changed over the years.

Address: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix

Phone: 602-427-0927

Hours: Friday & Saturday 10 AM–4 PM, Sunday12–4 PM, other days closed

Admission: Adults $14, Children (6-17) $8, Children under 5 years: $0


5. The Arizona Capitol Museum

Arizona Capitol Museum - Photo Source
Arizona Capitol Museum – Photo Source

The Arizona Capitol Museum is a small museum located in the Arizona State Capitol building. It offers exhibits on the history of Arizona state government and politics, as well as displays on some of the state’s most famous politicians. Don’t miss the museum’s replica of the Liberty Bell!

See also  Crescent Ballroom: Phoenix's Premier Venue for Music, Food, and Community

Address: 1700 W. Washington St, Phoenix

Phone: 602-926-3620

Hours: Weekdays 9 AM–4 PM, closed on weekends

Admission: $0


6. The Pueblo Grande Museum

Pueblo Grande Museum - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PuebloGrandeMuseum/photos/a.153741591308608/5923195567696486/">Photo Source</a>
Pueblo Grande Museum – Photo Source

The Pueblo Grande Museum is an archaeological museum showcases the ancient cultures of the Salt River Valley region. It features exhibits on the Hohokam, Mogollon, and Ancestral Puebloans cultures and a reconstructed pueblo village. In addition, the Pueblo Grande Museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops.

Address: 4619 E Washington St, Phoenix

Phone: 602-495-0901

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM–4:45 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM-4:45 PM

Admission: Adults $6, Seniors (55+) $5, Children (6-17) $3, Children (under 6) Free, Children 17 & Under Free on Sundays


7. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Children's Museum of Phoenix  - <a href="https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/">Photo Source</a>
Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Photo Source

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a great place to take kids, with its hands-on exhibits and interactive activities. The museum has a wide range of exhibits. Over 300 are interactive, including a grocery store, a doctor’s office, and a fire station. You can also participate in art classes, storytime, and other educational programs.

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix

Phone: 602-253-0501

Hours: Daily 9 AM–4 PM

Admission: Adults and children 1 year and older $16, Seniors (62+) $15, Children under 1 year old Free


8. The Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Fire Engine
Fire Engine – Photo Source

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is located in downtown Phoenix and covers the history of firefighting worldwide. It features exhibits on firefighting equipment, technology, and firefighter memorabilia throughout the years. Exciting interactive exhibits include a simulated firefighting training tower and a hands-on hose wagon. Read more about the museum here.

Address: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix

Phone: 602-275-3473

Hours: Daily 10 AM–6 PM, closed on Sunday and Monday

Admission: Adults $17, Seniors (62+) $15, Children (6-17) $15, Children (3-5) $10, Children under 3 Free


9. The PIMA Air & Space Museum

PIMA Air & Space Museum - <a href="https://pimaair.org/">Photo Source</a>
PIMA Air & Space Museum – Photo Source

Two hours outside of Phoenix is the PIMA Air & Space Museum. It is one of the country’s largest air museums, showcasing an impressive collection of aircraft worldwide. It also offers exhibits on space exploration and aviation history. Some of the museum’s exhibits are indoors, so it’s not a too bad place to visit on a hot day.

Address: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson

Phone: 520-574-0462

Hours: Monday–Sunday 9 AM–3 PM

Admission: Adults (13+) $18.50, Seniors (65+) $15.75, Children (5-12) $12, Children (under 5) Free


10. The Musical Instrument Museum

Mechanical Music Gallery - Photo Source
Mechanical Music Gallery – Photo Source

The Musical Instrument Museum is one of the newest museums in Phoenix, and it offers a unique look at the history and culture of music from around the world. The museum features a wide range of musical instruments and exhibits on the history of different music genres. Famous musicians from all over the world are also featured throughout the museum.

Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix

See also  Fun Golf Activities Near You: Beyond Mini Golf in Phoenix

Phone: 480-478-6000

Hours: Monday–Sunday 9 AM–5 PM

Admission: Adults $20, Children (4-12) $10, Children (under 3) Free


11. The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Western Spirit- Scottsdale's Museum of the West - <a href="https://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/">Photo Source</a>
Western Spirit- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – Photo Source

The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the American West. It features many exhibits, from Native American art to cowboy culture. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops. Another highlight is the museum’s collection of Western-themed artwork, which includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

Address: 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale

Phone: 480-686-9539

Hours: Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 AM–5 PM, Sunday 11 AM–5 PM, closed on Mondays

Admission: $20


12. The Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden - <a href="https://dbg.org/">Photo Source</a>
Desert Botanical Garden – Photo Source

The Desert Botanical Garden is one of Phoenix’s most popular attractions, and it offers a unique look at the desert plants and animals that call the Sonoran Desert home. The garden features a wide variety of desert plants and exhibits desert ecology. The most popular time to visit is during the spring when the desert wildflowers are in bloom.

Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix

Phone: 480-941-1225

Hours: Daily 7 AM–8 PM, Fri&Sat from 6 AM

Admission: Adults $24.95, Children (3-17) $14.95, Children (under 3) Free, Military Personal Free


13. The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo – Photo Source

While not a museum by definition, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country, and it is home to more than 1,400 animals. The zoo offers various exhibits, from African savannas to tropical rainforests. In addition, the zoo provides a variety of educational programs and events. The most popular attractions at the Phoenix Zoo include the giraffe feeding station, the Wildlife World Safari Park, and Stingray Bay.

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix

Phone: 602-286-3800

Hours: Daily 7 AM–1 PM

Admission: Adults $29.95, Children (3-13) $19.95, Children (under 3) Free

Buy your Zoo Ticket online on GetYourGuide here


14. The Arizona Museum of Natural History

Arizona Museum of Natural History – Photo Source

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is one of the state’s most famous museums, offering a wide range of exhibits on the natural history of Arizona. It also features a variety of hands-on interactive exhibits, as well as a planetarium. Interactive exhibits include a working archaeological dig site and a life-size replica of an ancient Hohokam village. In addition, the museum has a gift shop and a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.

Address: 53 N MacDonald, Mesa

Phone: 480-644-2230

Hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM–5 PM, Saturday & Sunday 12–5 PM, closed on Mondays

Admission: Adults $5, Children (3-12) $2, Children (under 3) Free


15. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve

Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve - <a href="https://deervalley.asu.edu/">Photo Source</a>
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve – Photo Source

The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is a small preserve home to over 1,500 petroglyphs or rock carvings. The Hohokam people who lived in the area over 1,000 years ago created the petroglyphs. Impressive views of the surrounding desert can be seen from the preserve. The preserve is open to the public for free, and there is a small gift shop on site.

See also  Gravity Extreme Zone: Phoenix’s Premier Mini-Golf Destination

Address: 3711 W Deer Valley Dr. Glendale

Phone: 623-582-8007

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 8 AM–2 PM, Sunday-Tuesday closed

Admission: General $9, Seniors (62+) $8.10, military & AAA (10% discount) $8.10, Children (7-12) $5, Children (6 and younger) Free


16. The i.d.e.a. Museum

Interactive museum Photo Source
i.d.e.a. Interactive museum Photo Source

The i.d.e.a. Museum in Phoenix, Arizona is a cultural destination for families and children of all ages. Featuring hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and special performances, the museum offers meaningful, educational experiences that support creativity and innovation while fostering a lifelong love of learning. With its diverse array of interactive attractions and events, the i.d.e.a. Museum is an ideal place to explore art, science, culture, and technology in an enriching yet entertaining way!

Address: 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, Arizona 85201

Phone: 480-644-2468

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM – 4 PM, Monday closed

Admission: General $9, Infants under 1 year Free


17. Penske Racing Museum

PENSKE RACING MUSEUM - Featured - Photo Source
PENSKE RACING MUSEUM – Featured – Photo Source

The Penske Racing Museum is a must-visit for motorsports enthusiasts visiting Phoenix. Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the museum showcases a wide variety of racing cars, trophies, and memorabilia from Team Penske’s successful racing history. Visitors can see cars from various racing series, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and sports car racing, as well as historic cars from the 1950s and 1960s. The museum also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the sights and sounds of a race, including a racing simulator.

One of the highlights of the Penske Racing Museum is the IndyCar Gallery, which features a rotating selection of Team Penske’s Indy cars, including the winning car from the 2018 Indianapolis 500. Visitors can also see the NASCAR Cup Series championship trophies won by Team Penske drivers, as well as historic race suits, helmets, and other racing gear.

Admission to the Penske Racing Museum is one of the free museums in phoenix, and is open seven days a week. Visitors can also purchase merchandise from the Team Penske store, including hats, shirts, and other racing memorabilia.

Address: 7125 E Chauncey Ln, Phoenix

Phone: 480-538-4444

Hours: Daily 8 AM–4 PM

Admission: Free

Website: www.penskeracingmuseum.com


Visiting Phoenix’s top museums

Phoenix’s top museums offer a variety of benefits to visitors. The museums provide various exhibits, allowing visitors to learn about different topics, such as history, art, science, and technology. In addition, the museums offer educational programs and workshops, which provide visitors with opportunities to learn more about the exhibits. Finally, the museums are a great place to learn about the history and culture of Phoenix and Arizona.


So there you have it! These are the 17 unmissable museums in Phoenix. Whether you’re interested in history, art, science, or technology, there’s a museum in Phoenix that will pique your interest. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your visit today!

Expand your learning beyond the classroom with educational visits during the back to school period.

3 thoughts on “17 Unmissable Museums in Phoenix”

Leave a Comment

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.