Museums in Phoenix

These museums showcase local, regional, national and international art, ranging from the history of Greater Phoenix's first peoples to avant-garde art installations. Explore some of our most iconic spots, including the Phoenix Art Museum, the largest art museum in American Southwest and home to the Firefly Infinity Room by artist Yayoi Kusama; and the Heard Museum, which hosts one of Greater Phoenix's most iconic annual events, the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.

You'll be doing more than just reading at these museums - you'll be using all your senses. Whether you want to try your hand at playing the bongos at the Musical Instrument Museum, which holds the world's largest collection of musical instruments, or stuff a giant nose with balls to watch how sneezing works at the Arizona Science Center, these museums are for those who want to get a full hands-on experience. 

At these immersive experiences, you're not just looking at something on a wall - you're surrounded by installations and art. You can go to Wonderspaces after a day of shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale exploring, where a revolving group of installations envelops your senses, or head to Lighthouse Artspace down the street, where the works of classic painters such as Van Gogh, Monet and Klimt come to life on the walls. 

At these museums, you may be tempted to take some of these cars and planes out for a joyride. You'll find WWII and Vietnam War aircraft at the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, the world's largest collection of firefighting memorabilia at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, and an impressive collection of race cars at Penske Racing Museum.