What to do and see in Phoenix, Arizona (AZ): The Best Museums

The World's Only Global Musical Instrument Museum. Home of the MIM Music Theater--a 300-seat acoustically superb performance space--as well as the award-winning Café Allegro (open 11 am - 2 pm daily) and the MIM Museum Store. The average guest spends nearly four hours at MIM. Please allow plenty of time to fully enjoy MIM's galleries and exhibits. Open daily, 9 am - 5 pm; Closed Thanksgiving; Open Christmas, 11 am - 5 pm. General Admission: $20; Teens (ages 13-19): $15; Children (ages 4-12): $10; Children 3 and under: Free. Hours and prices are subject to change.

The Jewish experience in Arizona is a unique one. Many Jews arrived in Arizona in the 19th century and played vital roles in the development of Arizona's mining industry, agriculture, and commerce which helped to settle the American West. Since then the Jewish population has become integrated into virtually every aspect of Arizona life. The AZJHS is dedicated to preserving local Jewish history, promoting awareness of our state's diverse history, and making local history accessible to all. Visitors to our newly renovated home, now called the Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, can experience firsthand a bit of local history when they tour our 90 year old landmark historic building. Come explore our museum gallery, stay for one of our many fun, culturally rich programs, share a photograph with our archive, join our monthly book discussion group, or celebrate a special occasion in our beautiful sanctuary.

Celebrating Arizona's vibrant cultural heritage through history! Housed in the restored Capitol Building, this museum presents programs and exhibits about the government of the Arizona Territory and the early days of statehood. Always FREE Admission Open: Monday through Friday 9am - 4pm

Phoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years and is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. In addition to an annual calendar of exhibitions, Phoenix Art Museum’s permanent collection galleries are drawn from more than 19,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. Visitors also enjoy photography exhibitions through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona. The Museum presents a variety of public programs year-round, including tours, lectures, films, special events, and more designed to enlighten, entertain and stimulate visitors of all ages. Voluntary-donation times every Wednesday from 3 to 7 pm and the first Friday of every month from 3 to 7 pm.

The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., the Heard Museum reveals the cultures of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances and displays the work of contemporary Native American artists. Artists demonstrate their work during the week and musicians perform on most weekends.

A Phoenix Point of Pride, this museum is a cultural locus, featuring local artisans and offering its own arts and crafts workshops.

The world's largest firefighting museum chronicles the history of the profession and commemorates fallen firefighters.

Celebrating Wells Fargo's role in Arizona's colorful history, the Wells Fargo History Museum is just steps away from the US Airways Center and Chase Field. Exhibits include an authentic 19th century stagecoach, a replica stagecoach you can climb aboard, gold and precious minerals, a replica mine shaft, antique firearms, working telegraph and other artifacts depicting the settlement of the American West. The museum's impressive collection of original artworks includes the world's largest collection of famed illustrator N.C. Wyeth's western themed work. The museum store features a variety of Wells Fargo branded gifts, collectibles and apparel. Tours are available with advance reservations and admission is always free.