11 Places to Learn Something New in Phoenix
Phoenix’s Arts and Culture Venues
Modern cultural centres, downtown performing arts venues and small galleries are just a few of the places to learn something new in Phoenix. Phoenix has invested heavily in the arts, from restoring the city’s oldest venues to building new facilities. Downtown Phoenix in particular is a hotspot for emerging artists, independent theatre and art galleries. With its own opera, ballet and symphony orchestra, Phoenix has firmly planted its flag on the American artistic map.
From old stagecoaches, American Indian petroglyphs and desert concerts under the sunset, Phoenix is filled with cultural experiences new, old and ancient. Book a Phoenix hotel and unearth its riches with this guide to the great cultural things to do in Phoenix.
1. Heard Museum
A meaningful learning experience beyond simply displaying artifacts
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto
Spend a day marvelling at Native American art, pottery and jewellery at the Heard Museum. The museum prioritizes presenting Indigeous People’s stories from a first-person perspective, providing a more accurate and nuanced understanding of their history and cultures. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs, lectures and events, catering to diverse audiences and learning styles.
Through its exhibits and events, the Heard Museum facilitates a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Native American tribes, fostering respect and breaking down stereotypes. The museum also holds many events, such as the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, that allows for active engagement in the cultures presented.
Localização: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +1 602-252-8840
Heard Museum
2. Phoenix Art Museum
Interactive and engaging exhibits
Ideal para: História, Foto
Phoenix Art Museum boasts a diverse collection of art from around the world, spanning various periods and styles. Wander among the labyrinth of galleries filled with a collection that includes Spanish colonial furnishings, religious art and the works of artists as various Frida Kahlo and Auguste Rodin. Imagine a fantastic voyage at the Thorne Miniature Collection, with tiny rooms only 1 foot (30 cm) wide.
The museum regularly hosts engaging exhibitions that explore specific themes, artists or movements. These exhibitions often provide a deeper dive into particular aspects of art history or contemporary art practices. The Phoenix Art Museum offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops and tours to enhance your knowledge and understanding of art.
Localização: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Abre: Wednesday–Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +1 602-257-1880
Phoenix Art Museum
3. Historic Heritage Square
A tangible connection to the city’s diverse local history
Ideal para: História, Foto
The Historic Heritage Square is a striking reminder of the city’s vibrant Victorian past. It dates back to the late 1800s, and the restored Rosson House Museum is its crowning jewel. This fully restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house museum provides a glimpse into the lifestyles of early Phoenix families through guided tours.
The square is the only remaining residential block from the original townsite of Phoenix, offering a tangible connection to the city’s diverse local history. Whether you love history, technology, good food or just a quiet place to reflect, you’ll find lots to explore and learn here. Book a guided tour to learn more about the valley’s history.
Localização: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Telefone: +1 602-258-0048
Historic Heritage Square
4. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
Ancient petroglyphs on a nature trail
Ideal para: História, Aventura, Foto
The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve protects thousands of petroglyphs made by the ancient Hohokam people, some dating back 5,000 years. You can escape the busy city life on a self-guided quarter-mile (400 metres) nature trail featuring petroglyphs, native desert plants and animals in their natural habitat. They also offer a free audio tour for the petroglyph trail.
The preserve features historical research data completed by Dr. J. Simon Bruder, as well as displays of on-going Southwest archaeology research by Arizona State University faculty and students. To learn more about the site and indigenous cultures are available through guided tours, publications and on-going lectures series.
Localização: 3711 W Deer Vly Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
Abre: Tuesday–Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Telefone: +1 623-582-8007
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
5. Taliesin West
Architecture buffs’ daydream
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas
The architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert camp, Taliesin West, is an otherworldly windowless, open-walled masterpiece of design. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, this historic property showcases Wright’s visionary work, his desert home and the enduring principles of Organic Architecture.
Bring your headphones and take the self-guided audio tour and be inspired by this desert laboratory where Lloyd Wright and his apprentices lived, worked and pushed the boundaries of architectural innovation. Step inside Wright’s inspiring spaces, connect with the architecture of select buildings on the grounds, and take time to pause in your favorite spots. For a more in-depth experience, book the Behind-the-scenes guided tour. Little explorers will love the family tour. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Localização: 12621 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +1 480-860-2700
Taliesin West
6. Arizona Museum of Natural History
Dinosaurs and gold mines
Ideal para: História, Famílias, Casais
Arizona Museum of Natural History boasts interactive exhibits about geology, paleontology and ecology of the Southwest that are fun for all ages. You can learn about the history of gold mining in Arizona and even try your hand at panning for gold. Kids will be mesmerised by the animatronic dinosaurs prowling the indoor cliffs and rushing waterfalls. The museum’s vast collection of dinosaur skeletons, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops will have you discovering something new for hours.
The Native American tribes’ stories are told through objects of material culture and works of art. From the Plains, the exhibition features Cheyenne baby carriers, Sioux beaded leatherwork and bone and shell necklaces.
Localização: 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Abre: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +1 480-644-2230
Arizona Museum of Natural History
7. Desert Botanical Garden
Discovering desert ecosystems
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Famílias
The Desert Botanical Garden showcases an incredible variety of desert plants from around the world, offering a unique opportunity to learn about their adaptations, resilience and ecological significance. Stroll along themed trails and explore exhibits that provide information about desert plants, ecosystems and conservation efforts. Check out the butterfly pavilion to study the life cycle of butterflies and observe their delicate beauty up close.
You’ll find a variety of guided tours and educational programs for all ages, including lectures, workshops and family-friendly activities. The garden hosts various special events throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts and exhibitions, which often incorporate educational elements. To visit the Desert Botanical Garden, be sure to book your tickets online in advance.
Localização: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Abre: May–September: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm. October–April: Monday–Wednesday from 8 am to 8 pm, Thursday–Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm
Telefone: +1 480-941-1225
Desert Botanical Garden
8. The Phoenix Theatre Company
World-class shows and a chance to learn about theatre
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais
The legendary Phoenix Theatre Company has launched the careers of many big stars over the years. Established in the 1920s, it’s one of the oldest theatre groups in the west. Their versatile programme includes popular musicals such as Jersey Boys and historical plays like Churchill.
The Company hosts classes on acting and playwriting and their summer camp offers workshops for kids of all ages. If you’re serious about theatre as a career, check out their year-long Professional Apprenticeship Program. It’s designed for aspiring theatre artists to bridge the gap between studying theatre and attaining work experience. Their home base is an impressive glass-fronted building with a large atrium and modern auditoriums, and well worth a visit in its own right.
Localização: 1825 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Telefone: +1 602-254-2151
The Phoenix Theatre Company
9. Orpheum Theatre
An architectural beauty with a diverse programme
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Casais, Foto
The Orpheum Theatre was once host to vaudeville acts and has since been restored to a spectacular backdrop for stellar live performances. This vibrant performing arts center is famous for its ambitious and versatile programme. You’ll find musicals, plays, ballet and opera performances and concerts on the menu.
The Orpheum is known for its very intricate and beautiful interior design. Outside you’ll find elegant Art Deco features, and inside the auditorium are desert landscape murals. The theatre was built in 1929, and its architectural style is a beautiful blend of Spanish Colonial Revival and Baroque Revival.
Localização: 203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Telefone: +1 602-262-6225
Orpheum Theatre
10. Burton Barr Central Library
Every bibliophile’s haven
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Econômico
With its eye-catching, grid-like façade, Burton Barr Central Library looks rather retro-futuristic, and when you’re inside you can look out over the sprawling desert landscape of Phoenix. Set over several floors, it’s a treasure trove of books and reading and has a great children’s section as well as exhibits on Arizona’s history. They boast a teen space with gaming and a chill social environment and free Wi-Fi.
To explore the regional treasures, check out the Arizona Room that houses a research collection focused on the Southwest and @Central Gallery that is a fine art exhibition gallery featuring work by Arizona artists. Travellers will appreciate the possibility to print any document for a small fee, for example from their mobile phones.
Localização: 1221 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Abre: Monday, Friday, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday–Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 602-262-4636
Burton Barr Central Library
11. Rosson House Museum
A Queen Anne Victorian house museum only accessible through guided tours
Ideal para: História, Casais, Famílias
The Rosson House Museum is a grand example of the architecture of Queen Anne’s era. It dates back to 1895, with exhibits showing what life was like for the wealthy families of Phoenix. You can see authentic clothing, furniture, homeware and artworks of the period on the expert guided tours that take you on a fascinating journey back in time.
As you stroll through the stunning foyer, cosy kitchen and pantry and quaint nursery, you’ll get to peek into the history and the lives of people who once roamed the streets of Phoenix. This museum is popular, so be sure to book your tour well in advance.
Localização: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Abre: Thursday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from noon to 4 pm (closed on Monday–Wednesday)
Telefone: +1 602-258-0048
Rosson House Museum
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