Signs of all types, including one from the Jerry's Lee Ho Market, middle, are on display as final preparations are being made at the Ignite Sign Art Museum on Oct. 9, 2018 in 蜜柚直播.

This story was originally published in 2022, created by #ThisIs蜜柚直播 and underwritten by听.听Thank you for supporting the听local organizations听that support us!听


We all know 蜜柚直播 is known for its clear skies and sunny weather. The warm weather allows locals and visitors alike to participate in various outdoor activities, like hiking and outdoor markets, nearly year-round.听

But did you know that we have just as many, if not more, indoor activities? One of the best things to do indoors is exploring some of the many museums and art galleries we have around the city.听

Keep in mind that hours of operation may change with the seasons, so it鈥檚 best to double-check before heading out.听

Here are 34 蜜柚直播 museums and galleries (listed in alphabetical order) worth checking out:

African American Museum of Southern 蜜柚直播

A walk through the Student Union Memorial Center at the University of 蜜柚直播 offers an opportunity to learn about how African Americans shaped the history of Southern 蜜柚直播.

Where:听, room 244

Tickets: Free

For more information, visit the .

Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

Chuck Huus, from Maine, takes a closer look at a display at the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, inside the old Pima County Courthouse.

If you鈥檙e a fan of the annual that rolls into 蜜柚直播 every February, you鈥檒l enjoy this museum. The museum has galleries focusing on gem and mineral evolution, minerals native to 蜜柚直播 and Mexico, and, of course, stunning gems.

Where:

Tickets: $15 for general admission. Discounts are available for seniors 65+, active military, students with ID and kids ages 4 to 12.

For听more听information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 History Museum

This statue of John Campbell Greenway is outside of the 蜜柚直播 History Museum on Thursday, April 21, 2011.

This history museum is operated by the 蜜柚直播 Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving 蜜柚直播鈥檚 history since the late 1800s. The museum features a transportation gallery that shows how 蜜柚直播ns used to get around and how that evolved over time. Other exhibits include a miner鈥檚 hall and historical treasures such as Spanish Colonial silver, and jewelry from a former emperor and empress.

Where:听.

Tickets: $12 for general admission; $11 for seniors $65+, active duty military or veterans and students ages 14 and up.

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播-Sonora Desert Museum

Visitors walk a trail as the sun sets over the grounds at the 蜜柚直播-Sonora Desert Museum during Cool Summer Nights, Mad About Monsoons, 蜜柚直播, Ariz., July 16, 2022.

The 蜜柚直播-Sonora Desert Museum is an absolute must-see while in 蜜柚直播. This museum embodies the best of the Sonoran Desert鈥檚 flora and fauna. While there, check out the gardens, raptor flights and native 蜜柚直播 wildlife. Plus, enjoy a stingray touch experience, too! There鈥檚 a little something for everyone here.

Where:

Tickets: $29.95 for general admission ($24.95 if you鈥檙e an 蜜柚直播 or Sonora resident). Discounts are available for seniors 65+, active or retired military members, children and low-income families.听

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 State Museum

蜜柚直播 State Museum on the University of 蜜柚直播 campus in 蜜柚直播, Ariz. on January 10, 2022.

If you've ever been to the University of 蜜柚直播 campus, you鈥檝e undoubtedly walked by the 蜜柚直播 State Museum. It鈥檚 the large building to your left as soon as you walk from the Main Gate Square area.

鈥淎SM curates millions of archaeological, ethnographic, and modern objects created by the Indigenous peoples of the region,鈥 according to their . They also have an expansive library and archive system.听

Where: .

Tickets: $8 for adults; $6 for seniors 65+, military members and more; free for local college students with ID, Native Americans and SNAP card holders.

For more information, visit the .

Blue Lotus Artists Collective

This downtown gallery is dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black artists. "Our gallery is a place where the community can come together to celebrate, appreciate and see the art and talent of Black artists," the website says.

Where:

Tickets: Open by appointment.

For more information, visit the .

Children鈥檚 Museum

Blaire Manalisay, left, 6, puts her groceries away inside the restaurant attraction at the Children鈥檚 Museum 蜜柚直播, 200 S. Sixth Ave., on March 25, 2021.

The Children鈥檚 Museum is the perfect place to take the kiddos in your life. The downtown museum offers 10 fun indoor exhibits for kids to explore and learn about things like gravity, electricity and public safety. There鈥檚 also a roomy courtyard for kids to run around in. Don鈥檛 forget to check out their smaller sister location inside Tohono Chul, too!

Where:听Downtown,听200 S. Sixth Ave.; Tohono Chul, .

Tickets:听$12 per person; free for kids under 12 months; discounts are available for SNAP or WIC card holders and military families.听

For more information, visit the .

Coit Museum of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Assistant curator Stephen Hall opens drawers in the Willis R. Brewer Memorial Room to reveal even more pharmaceutical artifacts at the University of 蜜柚直播 College of Pharmacy Museum on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

This is one of the more unique museums that 蜜柚直播 has to offer. The museum initially opened in 1966 with the help and collection of a former 蜜柚直播 pharmacist. The museum, where you can see medical oddities, was recently renovated. Among the interesting finds: chewed licorice-gum from John Dillinger.听

Where:听.

Tickets: Free

For more information, visit the听.

Decode Gallery

This submission-based photography gallery features exhibits from local and international photographers.听鈥淥ur objective at Decode Gallery is to support emerging fine art photographers, and give them the important opportunity to show their work. Fine art photography was meant to be shown in a physical space, we help artists get there!鈥 .

Where:

Tickets: Free听

For more information, visit the .

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

The once-isolated DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun on North Swan Road attracts visitors from around the globe.

The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun has 鈥渟ix permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events and native cultures of the Southwest,鈥 according to their . They also offer a rotating collection of original DeGrazia artworks.

Where:

Tickets: $8 for adults; $5 for people ages 13-18; free for kids under 12.

For more information, visit the .

Etherton Gallery

Terry Etherton, owner of Etherton Gallery, places a framed photograph in a box while packing up items at 135 S. Sixth Ave., in 蜜柚直播, May 26, 2021. After 33 years on South Sixth Ave., Etherton moved his gallery to a new location in Barrio Viejo, across from the 蜜柚直播 Convention Center.

The Etherton Gallery is a photo enthusiast鈥檚 dream. The place is filled with 鈥20th century and contemporary fine art photography,鈥 according to their Facebook page. The gallery presents five specially curated exhibitions each year.

Where: .

Tickets:听Free

For more听information, visit the .

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium on the University of 蜜柚直播 campus in 蜜柚直播, Ariz. on January 10, 2022.

Take a trip out of this world at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. Learn about our solar system or go back in time and learn about fossils, minerals and meteorites at one of the museum鈥檚 exhibits. If you鈥檙e looking for something a little more otherworldly, check out the museum鈥檚 laser shows.

Where: .

Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors 55+ and military members; $8 for kids 3-15 and college students with ID; $3 for SNAP card holders. Combo tickets are also available for $24 per adult, which get you access to science exhibits and a planetarium show.

For more information, visit the .

Fort Lowell Museum

The Fort Lowell Museum located at 2900 N. Craycroft Road, on Aug. 21, 2020.

The Fort Lowell Museum at Fort Lowell Park is an 1880s adobe reproduction of officers鈥 quarters during the Apache Wars. The park remains open, but the museum is temporarily closed until further notice.

Where:

Tickets: Not currently available.

For more information, visit the .

Franklin Auto Museum

A row of Franklin cars can be viewed at the Franklin Auto Museum. The museum has 23 HH Franklin vehicles that were popular in the first half of the 20th century. Only 3500 exist in the world today.

With this impressive collection of Franklin cars at the Franklin Auto Museum, you'll see how people used to cruise around in style. Franklin brand cars were produced from 1902 to 1934 and stopped production due to fallout from the Great Depression.听

Where:

Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors 62+; $5 for teens and students; free for kids under 12.

For more information, visit the .

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum

A group of toy train enthusiasts have "amassed an extensive collection of classic and vintage trains." You can get a preview of the exhibits online!

Where:

Tickets: $5

For more information, visit the .听听

Hall of Champions

A pedestrian walks past The University of 蜜柚直播's Kathleen "Rocky" LaRose Legacy Lane in front of The Jim Click Hall of Champions, 1766 E. University Blvd., at the University of 蜜柚直播 in 蜜柚直播, Ariz. on May 20, 2020.

The UA Hall of Champions pays homage to over 100 years of 蜜柚直播 athletics. The museum offers rotating exhibits featuring some of the best college athletes to ever play the game. The hall is open to the public.

Where: .

Tickets: Free on weekdays

For more information, visit the .听

Ignite Sign Art Museum

Illuminate your day with a visit to the Ignite Sign Art Museum. This museum in midtown houses a large collection of historic neon signs. Some of the signs you can find here include Molina's Midway Restaurant, the De Anza Drive-In Theater and an old Arby鈥檚 sign, just to name a few.

Where: .

Tickets: $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors 65+, military members and students with ID; $8 for kids ages 6-17; free for kids under 6.

For more information, visit the .

International Wildlife Museum

Go on a global trek at this museum and learn about more than 400 types of mammals, birds and even insects. The International Wildlife Museum features taxidermied animals,听hands-on exhibits and interactive computers with programs to help you learn about wildlife and the ongoing efforts to conserve it.

Where:

Tickets: $12 for adults; $8 for seniors 62+ and military with ID; $6 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids 3 and under.

For more听information, visit the .

Museum of Contemporary Art

Every third Thursday night, MOCA opens its doors for free.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as MOCA, sits in an old repurposed firehouse in downtown 蜜柚直播. Aside from the cool building, find tons of contemporary art in one of the museum鈥檚 rotating exhibits. The museum includes art from local artists and beyond.

Where: .

Tickets: $7 for adults; $4 for seniors and students; free for kids.

For more information, visit the .

Museum of Optics

The Optical Sciences Building at the University of 蜜柚直播 in 蜜柚直播 on July 23, 2018.

Find historic and antique lenses, cameras, telescopes and microscopes at this museum. The John E. Greivenkamp Museum of Optics' online collection is currently undergoing updates but you can visit in person at the UA鈥檚 Wyant College of Optical Sciences.

Where: .

Tickets: Free听

For more information, visit the .

Old Pascua Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the Pascua Yaqui tribe at this museum. 鈥淭he facility houses photos, artworks, newspaper clippings, books and films all focusing on the Yaqui community of Old Pascua and its members,鈥 according to its .

Where:

Tickets: Free

For more听information, visit the .

Philabaum Glass Gallery

Various glassworks on display at the Philabaum Glass Gallery located at 711 S 6th Avenue, on Sept. 19, 2020.

This glass gallery is Southern 蜜柚直播鈥檚 only all-glass gallery, according to their . This slightly hidden museum features stunningly fragile creations by glass artists from across the country.

Where: .

Tickets: Free

For more听information, visit the听.

Pima Air & Space Museum

Visitors get a look at the Lockheed EC-121T Warning Star under monsoon clouds for Pima Air & Space Museum's Night Wings, 蜜柚直播, Ariz., July 23, 2022.

Find your wings at this museum dedicated to the history of flight and aircraft. The museum highlights historic aircraft like planes and helicopters. You can even find Presidents Kennedy and Johnson鈥檚 Air Force One plane here!

Where:

Tickets:听One-day passes are $19.50 for adults ($15.25 for Pima County residents); $16.75 for seniors 65+; $13 for kids ages 5-12; free for kids 4 and under.

For more听information, visit the .

Presidio San Agust铆n del 蜜柚直播 Museum

Take a trip back in time and see how 蜜柚直播ans used to live at this re-creation of the presidio established here in 1775. The museum also hosts a slew of activities, including live reenactments and walking tours through nearby neighborhoods.

Where: .

Tickets: $9 for adults; $6 for kids ages 6-13. A $3 discount is available for military members, seniors 65+ and Pima County residents.

For听more information, visit the .

Rodeo Parade Museum

This D-2 delivery wagon was manufactured by Ronstadt Wagon Works, 蜜柚直播, AZ and used by Steinfeld's Store in 蜜柚直播. It is part of the collection at the 蜜柚直播 Rodeo Parade Museum and was donated by Harold Steinfeld. It has on board a vintage folding wooden box used by delivery crews in 蜜柚直播, AZ. Photo taken Thursday, March 27, 2014.

Learn more about a decades-old 蜜柚直播 tradition: The 蜜柚直播 Rodeo Parade. This museum includes more than 100 horse-drawn carriages and exhibits honoring 蜜柚直播鈥檚 past and current rodeo traditions.听

Where: .

Tickets: $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; $2 for kids. A 50% discount is available for military members and their families (with ID).

For more information, visit the .

Southern 蜜柚直播 Transportation Museum

Southern Pacific 1673 under the lights as sun sets over the Southern 蜜柚直播 Transportation Museum at the railroad depot downtown, 蜜柚直播, Ariz., May 6, 2021.

All aboard! This museum gives you a peek into 蜜柚直播鈥檚 train history with interactive exhibits. Check out a real locomotive and have your train questions answered by volunteers.

Where: .

Tickets: Free

For more information, visit the .

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

The rotunda leads to several galleries of different types and styles of miniatures at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 East Camp Lowell Drive, on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 in 蜜柚直播, AZ.

If you鈥檙e looking for a smaller take on museum exhibits, check out The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. The museum showcases more than 500 dollhouses and little room boxes filled with miniature objects. This is a unique experience for all ages!

Where: .

Tickets: $14 for adults; $12 for seniors 62+, students and military members; $8 for kids and teens ages 4-17. (Purchase your tickets online and save $1 per ticket!)

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 Auto Museum

This automobile museum features historic and classic cars from the last 100 years. Check out their 1913 Ford Model T Roadster, 1955 Cadillac custom limo, 1966 Batmobile replica and 1981 DeLorean, plus much more.听

Where: 990 S. Cherry Ave.

Tickets: $10 for general admission; $8 for seniors and veterans.

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 Desert Art Museum

This east-side museum houses several exhibits honoring life in the American Southwest, including a permanent exhibit that explores the 鈥渓ives of early pioneer women through the evolution of their undergarments,鈥 according to their website. They also have an exhibit that dives into the history of desert landscapes in cinema.听

Where:

Tickets:听$12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $6 for students; free for Blue Star military families and tribal members.

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 Jewish Museum

Program specialist Robert Yerachmiel Snyderman, right, explains to Stan Nevins about this 2003 Parade magazine cover featuring a 1939 photograph of passengers aboard the S.S. St. Louis at the Holocaust History Center at the 蜜柚直播 Jewish Museum, 564 S. Stone Ave., on Jan. 28, 2017, in 蜜柚直播, Ariz.听

The 蜜柚直播 Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center aims to preserve the memories of Jewish experiences throughout 蜜柚直播 and Southern 蜜柚直播. The museum鈥檚 Holocaust Center 鈥減resents the Holocaust through the life experiences of more than 260 Holocaust survivors who both survived Nazi persecution and later lived in Southern 蜜柚直播,鈥 according to their website.

Where: .

Tickets: Museum admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 Museum of Art

Auguste Rodin's Adam stands on the lowest level of the 蜜柚直播 Museum of Art, in one of several galleries utilizing underground space, 蜜柚直播, Ariz., July 8, 2021.

The 蜜柚直播 Museum of Art features 鈥淟atin American Art, Art of the American West and Modern and Contemporary Art,鈥 according to their website. The museum aspires to connect 鈥渁rt to life鈥 within the community. Plus, the museum鈥檚 layout makes it so much fun to walk through!

Where: .

Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and educators; $10 for college students; free for kids under 17, veterans and military members.

For more information, visit the .

蜜柚直播 Musicians Museum

Find photos, instruments and other memorabilia donated by musicians and community members at the 蜜柚直播 Musicians Museum, which aims to "celebrate, preserve and perpetuate 蜜柚直播's unique musical heritage and culture."

Where: TCC east entrance,听

Tickets: Free

For more information, visit the .

UA Center for Creative Photography

Lynn Richards, exhibition specialist, touches up paint on the wall between prints at a Richard Avedon exhibit at the Center for Creative Photography, University of 蜜柚直播, on Dec. 7, 2018.

Take a break from traditional artwork like paintings and sculptures and enjoy the art of photography at this museum. The museum offers plenty of rotating exhibits throughout the year to keep things fresh.

They also have an impressive archive collection with over 鈥渆ight million archival objects in the Center's collection including negatives, work prints, contact sheets, albums, scrapbooks, correspondence, writings, audiovisual materials and memorabilia,鈥 according to their .

Where:

Tickets: Free

For more information, visit the .

UA Museum of Art

While you鈥檙e checking out the Center for Creative Photography, don鈥檛 forget to check out the UA Museum of Art next door. Part of the museum's mission is to "celebrate art as essential to our lives."

Where:

Tickets: $8 for general admission; $6 for seniors 65+; free for UA students, faculty and staff with ID, active military members, SNAP card holders, individuals with Tribal ID, and kids.

For more information, visit the .


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