Museums in Tucson Arizona

This unique Desert Museum is more than indoor displays.

Most everyone loves this non-typical blend! They combine a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aviary and so much more! We always love a visit here, and highly recommend it.

Just outside the city limits, you'll also get to experience our desert ecosystem.

Open daily, with a variety of exhibits, live animal presentations, and scenic trails. And more. Admission is slightly higher but well worth the cost for the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Sonoran Desert experience.

Open every day of the year. Plan for at least two hours. We've spent four hours (plus), ourselves. Especially love the Hummingbird "house." We find that overall it may be the best of all museums in Tucson Arizona!

HOURS: Regularly 8:30am-5pm. Except...

• June through September open 7am, closes 4pm. Open Saturday evenings 7:30-10pm.
• Expanded Saturdays: April closing 7pm

TICKET COSTS: Age 13+ $29.95 - Age 3-12 $19.95

• Under 3 free.
• Discounts for Seniors 65+, Military & other designated categories.

Do you have a passion for aviation, historical interest, or curiosity for something a bit different?

Then have a visit here! It's one of the largest non-government funded aerospace museums in the world.

You'll see over 350 aircraft, from the Wright Brothers to modern jets. Taking that journey through the history of flight.

Try a guided tour to up your experience. Or take the tram for an easy view of everything.

Open daily,  Admission prices are reasonable, with discounts available for children and seniors.

Overhead view of the Pima Air & Space Museum
From I-10 take Valencia Road exit & head east.

Sponsored by the Arizona Historical Society which was created by the state's Territorial Legislature back in 1864.

This is one of the museums in Tucson Arizona that began collecting artifacts and manuscripts. Historical relics that give us an idea of Arizona life through the years. Showing how the history relates to Arizona today.

• Hours: Tues – Sat, 10am to 3pm.
• Admission: 14+ years old, $12. Children under 7 free.
• Discount for seniors, students, military & veterans.

Find them at 949 E 2nd St. at Park Ave. Main Gate Parking Garage at Euclid Ave & 2nd St. Validation available from the museum.

Here's another for history junkies!

This living history museum involves you in Tucson's colonial past. Wander around the reconstructed 1775 fort. Costumed interpreters bring history to life.

You might chance upon reenactments or special events.

Open Wednesday through Sunday. Tours available. CLICK FOR DETAILS> or 520-622-0594

For something different, how about the Ignite Sign Art Museum.

This quirky celebrates the art and history of sign-making. Featuring real-life vintage signs. Like the one you see below.

The Jewish History Museum is in historic Barrio Viejo.

It incorporates the first synagogue built here. From 1910, Arizona Territorial Days.

Covering the historic experiences of Jewish people in Southern Arizona. And how it relates today, with community interactions.

Open Thurs-Sun at 564 South Stone Ave, from downtown turn south from Broadway/Congress.

Entry from 1-4:30pm, free. But donations are suggested.

See tributes like this bas-relief Holocaust monument showing discarded personal belongings of the victims.

To encourage art involvement, the following deals are available.

Always free for military/veterans, and those with certain cooperative museum programs.

First Thurs evening (5-8pm) & Second Sun (normal hours) of each month, no charge. But please donate per your ability.

Have a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit/credit card?

• Museums on Us deal during the first full weekend, each month.
• Reserve one entry online (per cardholder) & use the discount code: TMABofA.
• At entry, show resent Bank of America/Merrill Lynch card for your free admission.

A gem on the University of Arizona campus.

This academic art museums has world-wide reputation. Ansel Adams helped get it started.

See 270 collections of pics from master photographers. Hear some of their lectures, interviews & workshops.

Except where noted otherwise, your own photography in the gallery is fine.

Open for visits Wed-Sat, 10am-4:30pm. Closed all major holidays, and University Commencement & Winter Break.

Recommended parking:

• Park Avenue Garage, north on Park off Speedway.
• Exit at southeast corner for pedestrian underpass.
• The Center, 1030 North Olive Road, between Architecture and Harvill buildings.

Located on the University of Arizona campus.

You'd find authentic collections of Native American ancient culture, anthropology & southwestern history. And much more. Since 1865 it's been gathering  its collections.

But right now, sadly, it's closed.

Nobody can say for certain when it again will be open.

On 10 acres in a National Historic District. Scenic views from this Catalina Mountains foothills location.

Since 1950 this museum in Tucson Arizona has been celebrating Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia. His life, lifestyle and his artwork. Allow between 1-2 hours for your visit.

Open 10am to 4pm every day except major holidays.

Admission: Adults-$10, 13-18 years old-$5, under 12 free.

6300 N. Swan Road, which intersects every East to West thoroughfare in town.

The museum grounds, the Santa Catalina Mountains in the background.

The Tucson Children's Museum is fabulous for families.

Want to encourage that love for learning in your young ones? They'll enjoy engaging and interactive play and hands-on activities related to nature, science, art, music & more. Even for kids of all ages!

• Affordably priced entry. Several discounts available.
• Open Tues through Sun - 9am-5pm.
• Stay over past 5pm Thursdays for Discovery Nights, until 7pm.
• Location is 200 S 6th Ave. 

From I-10 Congress Exit, head east into downtown. Take a right on S.6th & it's to the right in the 2nd block. On-street parking by turning left onto East 13th St.

If you're located on the North side of Tucson, check the Oro Valley listing just below.

This special museum in Tucson Arizona reflects some of the city's unique culture and history.

Four buildings contain real historical artifacts, like...

• Wagons used in territorial days
• Home furnishings from that past.
• Plus a large-scale railroad display of Tucson in 1880.
• Lots more!

It's adjacent to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. At 4823 S.6th Ave., north of Irvington Rd. More details: 520-404-5185

ONLY OPEN:

NOVEMBER THRU 1ST APRIL WEEKEND.
Thurs-Sat: 9:30am-2pm.

Entry area to the Tucson Rodeo Wagon Museum

Star gazers should head to the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium!

But it's not only a Planetarium. Since it's all called a Science Center, you can get involved with  interactive exhibits on astronomy, geology, and marine biology.

But the planetarium shows are the highlight! Take a dumbfounding journey through the cosmos.

Understanding How Sundials Work

For a unique experience, venture to the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.

Patricia and Walter Arnell wanted to share their love for miniatures, and the stories they tell. They created the museum as a non-profit.

It's one of those Tucson hidden gems. With excellent reviews.

Using intricate miniature displays to take you on a whimsical journey through time and around the world.

Open Tues–Sun, 9am–4pm (enter before 3:30pm). Closed all major holidays.

Affordable entry, plus many discounts.

Location: 4455 E.Camp Lowell Drive, west of N.Swan Rd. Call 520-881-0606 for more details.