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Touring the Phoenix Art Museum Is Like Taking a Journey Through Time...
...through different mediums, colors, textures and cultures.
At the Phoenix Art Museum, see the world through the eyes of an artist.
A view looking at the front of the Phx Art Museum.
One of the first things you'll notice when arriving at the Phoenix Art Museum, is its beautiful architecture. With thoughtfully designed fountains, spacious hallways, and Escher-like staircases...it is a work of art in itself.
Inside the Phx Art Museum, looking at "Upside Down, Inside Out", by Anish Kapoor.
Not only does it have inspiring architecture and attractive grounds, but this Phoenix attraction has an expansive permanent collection including the American, Asian, European, Latin American, Modern/Contemporary, Western American art & Fashion Design artistic genres.
Walking the galleries within this 203,000 square foot masterpiece, it is hard to imagine this internationally recognized museum began with only a few works of art in 1912.
Here is one of my favorite pieces. "Mass" by Cornelia Parker
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also regularly hosts traveling exhibitions.
Thanks to its size and popularity, the Phoenix Art Museum has been host to many famous exhibitions including works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell, Ansel Adams, Annie Lebowitz and Monet.
I always make a special visit when a new exhibition is in town. When I was there during the Rembrandt exhibit, I also made an unexpected discovery...
I found a piece called "Fireflies". It's hard to explain, but let's just say...its art that you become "a part of". It sounds odd, but you'll know what I mean when you see it in person. Like many people, I fell in love with it and was so happy when it was made a part of the permanent collection.
Make sure to ask a guide where you can find "Fireflies" (it can be easy to miss unless you know where it is). I think you will be surprised when you see it.
This is a wall made of thousands of pieces of colored paper.
You should see the other side.
Some Tips & RecommendationsBefore visiting the museum, here are couple tips:
- At a relaxing pace, touring the museum takes no more than a few hours.
- Take the audio guide with you. It's free of charge and provides depth to the experience.
- If you plan to bring your kids along, stop at the PhxArtKids Gallery, which has neat hands-on activities.
- Arcadia Farms is a delightful cafe located inside the museum. It is a little pricey, but the food is delicious and made by chefs from one of my favorite restaurants in Scottsdale.
The Museum Store is also a neat place to check out...especially if you're looking for unique gifts to bring home to your friends or family.
Visiting the MuseumGetting to the museum is very easy whether you're traveling by car, lightrail, or on foot.
Located in what we call "midtown Phoenix", the museum is on the Northeast corner of McDowell Road and Central Avenue.
Address: 1625 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004 Tel: (602) 257-1222 If you're traveling by lightrail, exit at Station Number 10 at McDowell Road & Central Avenue. Just pop off the train and you'll see the museum right on the corner.
Hours & AdmissionThe museum is closed Mondays & Tuesdays, as well as major holidays. Hours Wednesday, 10am - 9pm Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm Sunday, 12pm - 5pm "First Fridays", 6pm - 10pm Admission Adults, $10 Children, $4 Senior Citizens, $8 Every Wednesday from 3pm - 9pm, is a donation evening. So admission is free, but donations are appreciated. First Fridays of every month are also free, with donations welcome.  In addition to the featured art, the museum is also host to live performances, festivals, independent art films and educational lectures on a regular basis.
..These are some of the many reasons why the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the Scottsdale attractions many people, like me, love to visit.
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