GALLERIES+ANTIQUES MYSTERY CASTLE—An 8,000-square-foot folk architecture castle in the foothills of South Mountain, with 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces and scores of there’s-a-story-here antiques, craftworks and found objects. Tours Thurs.-Sun. 800 E. Mineral Road, 602.268.1581. www.mymysterycastle.com Valley Map U14
MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK— Dozens of historic railroad cars, a steam-powered engine, and extremely detailed model railroad exhibits reveal Arizona’s train-tracked roots. Take a small-scale train ride through the park, play on the playgrounds, or ride the carousel. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, 480.312.2312. www.therailroadpark.com Valley Map M18
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM (MIM)— A repository of music-making devices from around the globe, where antique and futuristic instruments from countries familiar and foreign are presented country-by-country in detailed vignettes. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480.478.6000. www.mim.org Valley Map H17
ROSSON HOUSE MUSEUM—Tour this 1895 Victorian home of a surgeon who became mayor of Phoenix and view its parquet floors, painstakingly replicated wallpaper patterns, a pressed-tin ceiling, and more. Heritage & Science Park, 113 N. 16th St., 602.262.5070. www.rosson housemuseum.org Phoenix Map I7
ROSSON HOUSE MUSEUM—Tour this 1895 Victorian home of a surgeon who became mayor of Phoenix and view its parquet floors, painstakingly replicated wallpaper patterns, a pressed-tin ceiling, and more. Heritage & Science Park, 113 N. 16th St., 602.262.5070. www.rossonhousemuseum.org Phoenix Map I7
WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE’S MUSEUM OF THE WEST—This Smithsonian Affiliate museum and 2017 “Best Western Museum” in the nation (True West magazine) features regularly changing exhibits of Western art, Old West artifacts and historic Native American objects, on loan from some of the world’s foremost collectors and institutions. 3830 N. Marshall Way, 480.686.9539. www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org Scottsdale Map K3
Art Museums ASU ART MUSEUM—As part of the New American University, ASU Art Museum is a site for innovation and discovery. From our exhibitions and programs to our collections and initiatives, the museum is internationally recognized as a leader in contemporary art. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe, 480.965.2787. https://asuartmuseum.asu.edu Tempe Map F5 HEARD MUSEUM—This respected institution began in 1929 with a private collection of American Indian art, and continues to grow. Curated, themed, static and interactive exhibits feature icons, implements, lore, lifestyles and artistic expression from primitive through contemporary. 2301 N. Central Ave., 602.252.8840. www.heard.org Phoenix Map A4 MESA CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM— Five subterranean galleries feature emerging and internationally recognized visual artists. Mesa Arts Center, Main and Center streets, Mesa, 480.644.6500. www.mesaartscenter.com Valley Map S21 PHOENIX ART MUSEUM—The largest visual arts museum in the Southwest contains a vast collection of art ranging from 19th-century European works to 21st-century contemporary masterpieces. The permanent collection of almost 17,000 works arranged in 12 collections. Closed Mon. 1625 N. Central Ave., 602.257.1880. www.phxart.org Phoenix Map B3 SCOTTSDALE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (SMOCA)—Modern art, architecture, and design works are showcased in a building redesigned by Arizona-based architect Will Bruder. 7374 E. 2nd St., 480.874.4666. www.smoca.org Scottsdale Map M8 SHEMER ART CENTER & MUSEUM—This historic home for the arts was the first home built in Arcadia in 1919. Today it offers visual art classes, workshops, lectures, exhibits and events for all ages, plus a gift shop and outdoor sculptures. Free, with suggested $7 donation. Closed Sun. and Mon. 5005 E. Camelback Road, 602.262.4727. www.shemerartcenter.org Valley Map O17
City Sights HERITAGE SQUARE—This city block is home to restored buildings dating back to the late 1800s, and is the only remaining group of residential structures from the original townsite of Phoenix. Some interiors—like those of the 10-room, 2,800-square-foot Rosson House— have been restored to their original residential luster, and can be toured. Others have been turned into museums or shops, such as Nobuo at Teeter House. Heritage & Science Park, 600 Washington St., 602.262.5071. www.heritagesquarephx.org Phoenix Map I7
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USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL GARDENS AT SALT RIVER—The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River spans the exact length and width of the USS Arizona, with over 1,500 commemorative columns outlining the actual perimeter of the ship. Each lit column represents a person who died in the attack, and each column without a light represents a person who survived. The Gardens feature a relic of the actual boat house, which is enclosed in a glass case and can always be viewed. 7455 N. Pima Road, 480.362.2700. www.discoversaltriver.com Valley Map M19
Farms & Gardens DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN— The Garden’s 140 acres showcases the Sonoran Desert and more than 50,000 plants. Papago Park, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., 480.941.1225. www.dbg.org Valley Map Q18 JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN—A three-acre park in Downtown. The manicured grounds include a tea house, and were a gift from Phoenix’s Japanese sister city, Himeji. Closed Mon. 125 N. 3rd Ave., 602.256.3204. www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org Phoenix Map C1 QUEEN CREEK OLIVE MILL—This 30-acre olive grove produces extra-virgin and specialty olive oils favored by many resort kitchens and retailed by specialty grocers. Tours daily. Food and products available on-site. 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 480.888.9290. www. queencreekolivemill.com South of Valley Map Z27 THE FARM AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN—A working pecan grove and organic herb/produce farm, two daytime cafés, a dinner venue, a gift shop and a healing arts center. Various events, from art classes and markets. 6106 S. 32nd St., 602.276.6360. www.thefarmatsouth mountain.com Valley Map T16
Museums ARIZONA CAPITOL MUSEUM—Government museum tracing Arizona to its territorial days. Free admission; closed Sun. 1700 W. Washington St., 602.926.3620. www.azlibrary.gov/museum Valley Map R14 ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER—Hands-on exhibits illustrating scientific principles; awesome weather theater and planetarium. Heritage & Science Park, 600 E. Washington St., 602.716.2000. www.azscience.org Phoenix Map J7 CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX— Tactile, noisy and imaginative activities abound. 215 N. 7th St., 602.253.0501. www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org Phoenix Map H8 HALL OF FLAME FIRE MUSEUM—Nearly 100 restored fire-fighting vehicles and apparatuses, plus a sizable collection of badges, helmets, patches and other equipment in four large galleries. The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes contains archives, citations, photographs, and a 9/11 World Trade Center tribute. 6101 E. Van Buren St., 602.275.3473. https://hallofflame.org Valley Map Q18
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Zoos & Aquariums BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND—Largest butterfly pavilion in North America. Features things- withwings gallery within a tropical rainforest setting, a 3-D theater, and a reptile room. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, 480.800.3000. www.butterflywonderland. com Valley Map M19 ODYSEA AQUARIUM—The largest aquarium in the Southwest, spanning 200,000 square feet. It combines theme park-style amusement with engaging presentations and includes the OdySea Voyager, touch pools, SeaTREK underwater ocean walking, a theater, and more. View fish, otters, penguins, stingrays, sharks and more. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, 480.291.8000. www.odyseaaquarium.com Valley Map L20 OUT OF AFRICA—Natural, spacious habitats roamed by giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, hyenas, panthers and more are visited and observed up-close with a guide; shows like Tiger Splash and Predator Feed provide further insight. From Phoenix: Interstate 17 north, exit 287 (Highway 260), Camp Verde; approximately 75 minutes. 928.567.2840. www.outofafricapark.com Arizona Map M8 PHOENIX ZOO—Home to some 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered or threatened birds, mammals and reptiles. Papago Park, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, 602.273.1341. www. phoenixzoo.org Valley Map Q18 WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO, AQUARIUM & SAFARI PARK—Explore a 95-acre Wildlife Park with Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals. Find over 600 species on exhibit with 80 aquarium exhibits, Dragon World reptiles, the Safari Park, a petting zoo, a baby animal nursery, and 10 rides, including a family coaster, zip line, and skyride. Also on view: A rare, endangered white rhinoceros. 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, 623.935.9453. www.wildlifeworld.com Valley Map L7
GALLERIES+ANTIQUES Downtown Scottsdale AMERICAN FINE ART, INC.—Works by such legendary American painters as Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Andrew Wyeth and LeRoy Neiman share the gallery’s 12,000 square feet with sculptures in glass by Jean-Claude Novaro and Lord Crosbie, and in bronze by Erté. Also of note: paintings and prints by Alexander Calder, who was known more for his mobiles and fashion sketches by Frederick Mellinger. 3908 N. Scottsdale Road, 480.990.1200. www.warhol.me Scottsdale Map K5 LARSEN GALLERY—Large fine art gallery known for its represented artists and its consigned art for sale on the secondary market. 3705 N. Bishop Lane, 480.941.0900. www.larsengallery.com Scottsdale Map M5 APRIL 2021
