Top Museums in Tempe, United States

Had some down time during a work trip and decided to give the museum a try! I am absolutely OBSESSED with Todd at the front desk! He was so knowledgeable and I could’ve talked to him for hours! The museum was really interesting and I really enjoyed all the different sections, set-ups, and Arizona history I wasn’t familiar with. I definitely recommend checking this place out!

I have always enjoyed the Az Heritage center but now that Todd Bailey is there the culture has really increased and i’ve loved the new exhibits and events!

Todd at the front desk was super friendly and helpful. He gave me a good overview of the place to get me started and a booklet to read for more information. There's a ton of exhibits on different aspects of Arizona history from rail travel and cars, wars, even geology, art, and local history makers. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit and learned a lot about Arizona's rich past. Give yourself at least 2 or 3 hours. There's a lot to see.

We were looking for an escape from the mid-day heat and were pleasantly surprised! Great museum with lots of interesting history of Arizona. Front desk staff member was extremely helpful and kind. Would highly recommend a stop here when in Tempe!

A true hidden treasure. Perfect for anyone curious about the very interesting and complex history of Arizona. One of the better museums in the region it gives a full and in depth account of major times in Arizona history. Great treat for anyone who wants to know the region better.

I have been to the Arizona Heritage Center on several occasions, all work related. In those instances, the facility is wonderful. It is very easy to navigate, and the courtyard and theater areas are excellent. What I have seen of the attractions looks intriguing. Now that this has prompted me to review the Center, I will make time to visit and report back as to the qualities of the rest of it.

A beautiful and popular place for weddings and celebration events! The large outdoor courtyard with access to indoor spaces off each side features a large waterfall as a backdrop to the main event.

Yes, it is an amazing museum, but it's more popular for its central location, desert landscaping, and multifunctional event space.

The photos here were for the Kids in Focus annual fundraising event, with the Walt Richardson Band, strolling musicians, contortionist, acrobats, large dancing figures, a silent auction (photo after the prizes were claimed), and in the museum lobby were the newest photos by some of the kids, and 8 restaurants brought a delicious food item to share, a nice way to try some yummy dishes.

Plan on attending this important event next November, and check out the many scheduled photo exhibits with each child photographer in attendance to sign your photo book and chat with you. Kids in Focus (KIF) is changing young lives! Be part of it!

Really well curated art museum. Entry fee is by donation and they are constantly rotating the galleries so there's almost always something new to see. I great casual way to add a little fine art to your day!

Thought provoking exhibits. Some of them are interactive. There are also some posters you can take home for free. It's small so it's a quick visit. I wouldn't drive exclusively to visit it but it's great if you are already nearby since it's free.

I was expecting a little more but still cool for a free art exhibit. The fuzzy experience was a little odd for me and the child lol

Small university museum. There are about 5 galleries in there. Free admission. The building is nice, with unique architecture. Showing more identity kind of exhibits - like Indian tribes, or Mexican heritage. The student staff is super nice. Great place to just chill and cozy up in the heat of Phoenix

The building is an art piece in itself. The contents inside although not numerous, don’t disappoint. If you’re looking for something with free admission this is a great option. Very pleasant experience with interesting and intriguing exhibits.

Highly recommend a visit to this unique museum. It feels like you are descending into a stone pyramid, the architecture is just as much of the draw as the artwork inside. Be sure to walk upstairs to view the rest of the building from all sides.

As many others said, the building/architecture looks very interesting. I’m not familiar with the brutalist style; instead, I see design elements that resemble Mayan pyramids and a nearby building may be mimicking the Coliseum in Rome :)

Oh, I agree that the exhibits themselves are somewhat underwhelming but, with free parking, the place is worth visiting, even if it’s only for the building itself.

I enjoyed the building itself and the pixel screen at the entrance was beyond amazing! The current exhibits were okay but not much popped out but that's art and tastes varies. I did find a few exhibits with interesting pieces

Overall a nice experience, but the exhibits are quite dated. It’s very large on the inside and spread over two floors but I felt some of the exhibits could really be updated as you can tell they haven’t been for quite awhile. There was a very large focus on World War II as well. That’s great, but a lot of other museums cover that so I felt it was a bit redundant. I would’ve liked to have seen more about Native American and other parts of Arizona history. Or especially some more recent history within the last 30 years.

It’s $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, but I felt that was a little bit high for what you get in return. I could easily see this being a free museum like the Tempe History Museum. At least it should be a donation type of system, $15 was a bit steep for what you get in return. There is plenty of parking out front so that part is very easy. I feel this is especially suited for elementary school kids versus the avid museum visitor.