From museums to musicals, a visit to Greater Phoenix is a showcase of the budding arts and culture scene.
For art-loving visitors, Greater Phoenix offers a vast number of enchanting and unique museums. The world-class Phoenix Art Museum boasts more than 17,000 pieces in various collections. In Copper Square-Downtown Phoenix, discover Phoenix's beginnings at the Museum of History or visit the distinctive Museo Chicano for an overview of historic and contemporary Mexican art. On the first Friday evening of each month, familiarize yourself with Phoenix's many emerging artists and innovative art galleries at artLink's First Friday Art Walk.
To explore Arizona's Native American cultures from past to present, visit Phoenix's informative Heard Museum, with its fabulous collection of art and artifacts. Or stop by the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park which features intriguing archaeological sites including a prehistoric ruin. Located just outside the city, the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum offers a glimpse of the past's rugged pioneering life. Visitors find powwows, Indian markets and Territorial Day celebrations as well as Jeep tours to ancient villages and sites equally fascinating.
Other intriguing places include the Arizona Science Center, where you can explore the future as well as the past with hands-on exhibits. The Bead Museum offers a unique historical perspective with a collection exceeding 100,000 items. There are even museums devoted to dolls and toys, and mining and minerals.
The Greater Phoenix Area is also home to an impressive roster of performing arts companies and theaters. The sound of music soars to new levels of beauty at the Arizona Opera and Phoenix Symphony while Ballet Arizona continues to delight audiences with exciting dance productions. National touring groups and resident companies grace the Herberger and Orpheum Theaters, as well as the Gammage Auditorium.
Whether you seek history or novelty, you'll find that the arts and cultural scenes suit your taste here in Greater Phoenix.
Arts, Performances & Cultural Attractions
ART GALLERIES
Celebration of Fine Art
(480) 443-7695, FAX: (480) 596-8179, Site: Loop 101 at Scottsdale Rd.,
Scottsdale, AZ, www.celebrateart.com E-mail: info@celebrateart.com Contact: E. Thomas & Ann Morrow. A seasonal fine-art event. January 17 through March 28, 2004. It's like visiting 100 juried artists' studios in one day. Artists' demonstrations and sculpture court.
Rima Fine Art & House of Renoir
(480) 994-8899, FAX: (480) 994-7307, 7077 E, Main St., Ste. 1, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, www.rimafineart.com E-mail: rimafineart@qwest.net Contact: Tracy Penwell. Fine paintings and sculpture from established contemporary artists and French Impressionists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A Scottsdale "gallery scene" favorite. Virtual tour & on-line gallery.
Scottsdale Gallery Association
(480) 990-3939, FAX: (480) 947-8427, P.O. Box 2810, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-2810. An association of fine art galleries dedicated to the promotion of the visual arts. Sponsor of the Scottsdale ArtWalk, Thurs. evenings, 7-9pm in downtown Scottsdale.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Arcosanti, The Cosanti Foundation
(928) 632-7135, (602) 254-5309, FAX: (928) 632-6229, HC 74, Box 4136, 1-17 at Cordes Junction, exit 262, Mayer, AZ 86333, www.arcosanti.org. Paolo Soleri's architecture project is an "urban laboratory" in progress. Tours include Soleri bronze-bell foundry. Gift gallery, cafe, bakery, guest rooms, weekly dialogues with Soleri. Concerts, conferences. Open to public 9am-5pm.
Cosanti Foundation
(480) 948-6145, FAX: (480) 998-4312, Paolo Soleri's Cosanti Foundation, 6433 Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85253. Paolo Soleri's studios/gallery. Unique complex of earth-formed concrete structures housing the foundries where the famous Soleri Windbells are made and sold. Visitors welcome.
MUSEUMS
Arizona Capitol Museum
(602) 542-4675, FAX: (602) 542-4690, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, www.lib.az.us/museum/capitol.cfm E-mail: capmus@lib.az.us. Built in 1900, the Capitol exhibits include restored offices, legislative chambers and the USS Arizona Silver. Open weekdays 8am-5pm. Free tours 10am and 2pm or by appointment. Open Thursday (Jan.-May) 8am-8pm. Open Saturday (Jan.-May) 10am-3pm. Wheelchair accessible. Free admission.
Arizona Doll & Toy Museum, Heritage Square-Science Park
(602) 253-9337, 602 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ. Featuring dolls, doll houses, miniatures and toys from yesteryear and familiar modern playthings. Gift shop. Admission $2.50 adults; $1 children- Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. noon-4pm. Closed Mon. and month of August.
Arizona Historical Society Museum
(480) 929-0292, FAX: (480) 967-5450, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281, www.ahs.state.az.us E-mail: ahs@ahs.state.az.us. Museum features 20th-century history. New upscale cultural center offers unique interactive exhibits, guided tours, museum shop and facility rental. Free admission, free parking.
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
(602) 255-3795, FAX: (602) 255-3777, 1502 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3210, www.admmr.state.az.us/musgen.htm.
Arizona Science Center
(602) 716-2000, FAX: (602) 716-2099, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix,
AZ 85004, www.azscience.org. Explore 350 hands-on science exhibits, experience the excitement of a five-story-screen theater, and travel to space in a planetarium. Admission varies. 10arn-5pm daily.
The Bead Museum
(623) 931-2737, FAX: (623) 930-8561, 5754 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, AZ 85301, www.beadmuseumaz.org E-mail: info@beadmuseumaz.org. The Bead Museum is home to more than 100,000 beads and beaded artifacts from earliest times to the present. Museum Store, tours and classes available.
Challenger Space Center
(623) 322-2001, FAX: (623) 322-3716, 21170 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382, www.azchallenger.org
E-mail: gwarnick@azchallenger.net. Unique space-based education center where families, tourists, and others learn teamwork through the experience of a successful simulated space mission. Proud to be a Smithsonian affiliate.
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
(623) 582-8007, FAX: (623) 582-8831, 3711 W. Deer Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85308, www.asu.edu/clas/anthropology/dvrac E-mail: dvrac@asu.edu. View more than 1,500 ancient petroglyphs along easy 1/2-mile trail in desert preserve. Indoor exhibits interpret the petroglyphs from different points of view. Gift shop.
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
(602) ASK-FIRE, (602) 275-3473, 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008. The Hall of Flame houses the largest collection of fire apparatus, equipment and memorabilia in the world. Across from the Phoenix Zoo on Van Buren St.
Heard Museum
(602) 252-8848, FAX: (602) 252-9757, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004-1323, www.heard.org. The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is one of the best places to experience the Native cultures and art of the Southwest. See traditional items and Native American fine art. Amenities include cafe, auditorium, shop and 10 exhibition galleries. Admission.
Heritage & Science Park
(602) 262-5029, 115 N. 6th St., Phoenix, AZ. Four square blocks including several museums, historic buildings, restaurants and gift shops.
Heritage Square
(602) 262-5071, 115 N. 6th St., Phoenix, AZ. A historic park with structures from the city's original town site. Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm: Sun. noon-4pm.
Hoo-Hoogam Ki Museum
(480) 850-8190, FAX: (480) 850-8961, 10005 E. Osborne Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85256. Located on the Salt River Indian Reservation, just minutes east of Scottsdale. The museum features the cultural lifeways of the Pima and Maricopa tribes.
Museo Chicano
(602) 257-5536, 147 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Museum, with gift shop and bookstore, presenting Latino arts, history and culture. Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm.
Phoenix Art Museum
(602) 257-1880, FAX: (602) 253-8662, 1625 N. Central Ave., (northeast corner Central Ave. and McDowell Rd.), Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.phxart.org E-mail: info@phxart.org. The largest in the Southwest, the Museum features special exhibitions and more than 16,000 works in its collection of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, contemporary art and fashion design. Interactive ArtWorks Gallery for children. Open Tues.-Sun.
Phoenix Museum of History
(602) 253-2734, Heritage and Science Park in Copper Square, 105 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.pmoh.org
E-mail: jacqueline@pmoh.org. Interactive exhibits on early Phoenix history and development. Museum Store. Discounted parking and walking distance from the Civic Plaza. Meeting space available. Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. noon-5pm. Admission. Wheelchair-accessible.
Phoenix Police Museum
(602) 534-7278, 101 S. Central Ave., Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85004, http://phoenix.gov/police/museum1.html. The Police Museum is located at the Barrister Place Building and is open Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 9am to 3pm. No charge.
Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum
(623) 465-1052, FAX: (623) 465-0683, 3901 W. Pioneer Rd., exit 225 off 1-17, Phoenix, AZ 85086, E-mail: pioneervillage@netzero.com. Houses the largest collection of Territorial days-authentic historic buildings in the state. Working Blacksmith, School, Exhibit Hall, Petting Zoo, Trolley Rides, Old West Gunfights.
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
(877) 706-4408, (602) 495-0901, FAX: (602) 495-5645, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034, www.pueblogrande.com E-mail: prlpgstf@phoenix.gov. Experience a prehistoric Hohokarn ruin. Fascinating exhibits feature the ancient Hohokam, archaeology and Southwestern themes. Exciting workshops and tours. Museum store with authentic Indian arts.
Rosson House Historic Museum
(602) 262-5029, 6th & Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Restored historic home built in 1895. Docent-guided tours. Wed.-Sat., first tour 10am, last tour 3:30pm, Sun. first tour noon, last tour 3:30 pm.
Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum at Goldfield Ghost Town
(480) 983-4888, FAX: (480) 474-9410, P.O. Box 3845, Apache Junction, AZ 85217-3845, www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org E-mail: smhsgold@aol.com. Arizona geology and wildlife, Native American artifacts, exhibits featuring local artists and premier collection of maps/books on the Superstitions and the Lost Dutchman's gold.
Taliesin West
(480) 860-2700 Ext. 494 or 495, (480) 860-2700, FAX: (480) 451-8989, The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Cactus Rd. and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85261, www.franklloydwright.org E-mail: bevhart@franklloydwright.org Contact: Tour Manager. Wright's desert masterpiece. Daily, hourly, in-depth, family and Friday-night tours. Gift shop. National historic landmark. Open all year.
West Valley Art Museum
(623) 972-0635, FAX: (623) 972-0456, 17420 N. Ave. of the Arts, Surprise, AZ 85374, www.wvam.org. Local, national and international fine-art exhibits and special programs. Tues.-Fri. Museum Store hours Tues.-Sun. 10am~4pm.
PERFORMING ARTS & THEATERS
ASU's Gammage Auditorium
(480) 965-5062, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 870105, located at Mill Ave. and Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85287-0105, www.asugammage.com Contact: Kariann Medina. Gammage Auditorium offers the best in performing arts from Broadway shows to concerts, dance, comedy and more.
Actors Theatre of Phoenix
(602) 253-6701 Ext. 110, FAX: (602) 254-9577, P.O. Box 1924, Phoenix, AZ 85001, www.atphx.org E-mail: michael@atphx.org. A professional theater company in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Presenting New York-quality productions at the city's premier arts venueclassics, contemporary and musicals.
Arizona Theatre Company
(602) 256-6995, FAX: (602) 256-7399, 502 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ
85003, www.arizonatheatre.org. Arizona's leading professional theater company produces a variety of playsfrom classics to contemporary worksfeaturing talents from throughout the world. Staged at the
Herberger Theater Center Oct.-May. Group discounts. For tickets call (602) 256-6995.
Ballet Arizona
(602) 381-0184 Ext. 15, (602) 381-1096, FAX: (602) 381-0189, 3645 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018, www.balletaz.org E-mail: davtd@balletaz.org. Ballet Arizona is the Southwest's premier professional ballet company. Performances are held at the Orpheum Theatre and Symphony Hall in Phoenix, and at various theaters throughout the state.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
(888) 504-7256, (480) 325-6700, FAX: (480) 325-6746, 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205, www.broadwaypalmwest.com E-mail: tickets@broadwaypatmwest.com. This new, 500-seat, year-round, professional dinner theater presents full-length Broadway musicals and comedies combined with a savory buffet meal to create a dinner-and-show package that is exceptional!
Dodge Theatre
(602) 379-2800, FAX: (602) 379-2801, 400 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 800, Phoenix, AZ 85001, www.dodgetheatre.com E-mail: cmoses@awarena.com. It is completely different and is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue designed specifically for concerts, Broadway and family-stage shows, boxing and convention meetings.
Herberger Theater Center
(602) 252-8497-Box Office, (602) 254-7399, Ext. 116, FAX: (602) 258-9521, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ 85004,
www.herbergertheater.org. The Herberger Theater Center is a two-stage complex featuring year-round music, drama and dance performances presented by four resident professional performing companies.
Phoenix Symphony
(800) 776-9080, (602) 495-1117, FAX: (602) 253-1772, 455 N. 3rd St. #390, Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.phoenixsymphony.org. Arizona's largest performing-arts group presents classics, pops, family, chamber concerts and special events. Call for a schedule and group discounts.
Valley Youth Theatre
(602) 253-8188, FAX: (602) 253-8282, 525 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.vyt.com E-mail: bobb@vyt.com Contact: Bobb Cooper. Valley Youth Theatre is an award-winning theater company that features Phoenix's finest young actors providing a full season of musicals and plays for audiences of all ages.