Best art galleries in Phoenix: find options near you

Heard Museum exceeded my expectations – definitely a must visit in PHX; makes for a great indoor activity during the summer. It offers a respectful celebration of Native American art, culture, and history. I would plan for at least four hours to really take in the vast collection of curated crafts, historical artifacts, to read everything and watch the videos, etc. The museum is easy to navigate and takes you through beautiful Spanish-based architecture. Be sure to save time for the courtyard cafe, which whips up some fantastic drinks, and the gift shop.

The Heard Museum is one of my favorite discoveries in Phoenix and a place I cannot wait to visit again. There is so much to experience in a pretty space — baskets and weaving, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media, contemporary art and outdoor spaces. The complimentary guided tours are especially worthwhile because the docents are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. There is also a cafe, the Museum Shop and Books & More, with something for every budget. Be sure to check the museum calendar for special events! One of my favorite memories was stopping in Books & More before traveling home. I mentioned that I had no room left in my luggage and a kind woman working there gave me a bookmark. I still use it today. I was inspired to become a member and membership include reciprocal benefits at participating museums in other cities. Give yourself time here. The Heard is a very special connection to Phoenix.

visited the Heard Museum in Phoenix, and it was such a wonderful surprise — highly recommend it. The museum showcases Native American art and culture, including pottery, turquoise jewelry, paintings, and their history. But it’s not just about the exhibits — the entire space is beautifully designed. The architecture, the courtyard, the materials, the color palette, and the flow of the spaces all feel incredibly thoughtful and refined. It’s the kind of place where you just feel calm and nourished being there. You can sit in the courtyard, enjoy a coffee, or take your time browsing the bookstore and gift shop. I especially loved the jewelry and the handmade rugs. They are not typical souvenirs — they are truly well-designed, high-quality pieces with a strong sense of culture and aesthetics. One of the highlights for me was the docent — an older gentleman who spent his entire career teaching English at a Native American high school. After retiring, he now gives tours here. His storytelling was so vivid and heartfelt, it really brought everything to life. This is a place where you can easily spend half a day. It’s not just about seeing things, but about experiencing beauty and gaining a deeper understanding of Native American culture. If you’re in Phoenix, I would definitely put this on your must-visit list.

If your native American you can get in free if you show your CIB or tribal card. Seniors get a discount an military. Place was nice clean an cool. Clean restrooms. Plenty of different arts on displays. Painting, pottery, jewelry. Elevators available. Handicapped accessible. Gifts shops. Lil bakery. Outdoor seating, indoor seating if you get tired. Quiet. Lots to look at. Show room. Small theater.

The Heard museum is such a high quality place to really enjoy Native American art! But, it goes far beyond art appreciation because they do a wonderful job in helping visitors to appreciate native American culture in the past as well as today. In the front lawn area, they have the American Indian Veterans National Memorial, the have provided an emotional installation about the Indian schools and many other important aspects. Importantly, their museum guides are phenomenal about the items included in the museum. If you are a visitor to the Phoenix area – this is a MUST SEE! If you appreciate Native American culture — THIS IS A MUST SEE!

Marvelous museum, so glad we were able to go while I was in Arizona. Many interesting artifacts, artwork, exhibits from Native American artists showcased in several galleries. There are tours you can take with docents. We went through the museum on our own. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the state of AZ.

I was impressed with the art, history and presentation at the museum. We were fortunate enough to be in town during the World Hoop contest. I would highly recommend a visit here. I bought some beautiful cards designed by indigenous youth, proceeds all go to supporting scholarships for art college classes.

While this was not our first time at the museum, it was our first time taking a tour. We did the 6:30 tour on Wednesday with Sam, the up and coming expert. She was amazing! She was showing us the American Icons. I never really understood how to look at art. I always enjoyed it, but I learned new ways to appreciate it. Thanks Sam. After the tour, decent John, did a personal mini tour for us. This was the best experience we’ve ever had there. Take the tours!!!

Always an amazing experience! Come on the days with discounts or just get a year pass to skip the school tours. Makes for a relaxing and surprisingly romantic cheap date idea. Art lovers and air conditioned seekers! This is for you!

I love art museums/galleries. My experience here was underwhelming because there were galleries closed for renovation that house a significant part of the collection. That is not anomalous. However, PAM has ample display space and much of what is displayed is much less densely displayed than other museums of this size. Management surely knew of the renovations well in advance and likely many works were removed to protect them. And while I know a temporary reinstallation elsewhere is burdensome, it should’ve been undertaken.

Was on a layover and decided to checkout some local activities. Parking was on the challenging side because it is also next to a theatre and a performance was scheduled. We visited on a Wednesday after 3pm…it’s pay what you can and they’re open til 8pm so that also added to parking congestion. No pressure to pay/donate but they did let us know the normal price. We opted to pay $5 vs. the regular $28 per person. I primarily wanted to visit the Yayoi Kusama room but loved the butterfly installation and the tiny rooms as well. They have a nice variety of art work overall. There were some areas that were closed off due to a private event, so didn’t get to visit all exhibits and they also have some additional pay areas too. Highly recommend and would definitely visit again!

The Phoenix Art Museum is a beautiful place to spend the day. I especially enjoyed walking around with the docent, Mary who was very knowledgeable about the Radical Clay exhibition and other exhibits on modern art and the Baroque gallery. This is a very special museum and a must see in Phoenix.

I visited Wonderspaces for an Arizona NCA event they generously hosted, so my ticket was complimentary. The experience is a curated collection of immersive, photo‑friendly installations rather than a huge traditional museum, so we were able to see everything at a relaxed pace in under an hour. If you like immersive, Instagram‑worthy art and are already at Fashion Square, it’s a fun, creative stop to add to your day, and the friendly, organized staff made it easy for me to feel good giving it five stars.

I have been to multiple different exhibitions at Wonderspace! It feels like stepping into a series of living, breathing art installations. Each room offers something completely different, from light and sound experiences to interactive pieces that pull you in and make you part of the artwork. It’s not just something you look at, it’s something you move through and feel. What stands out most is how approachable the art is. You don’t need to “understand” it to enjoy it, which makes it perfect whether you’re going solo or with friends. One thing to keep in mind, some exhibits use strobe lights, bright projections, or immersive sound, so if you’re sensitive to light or motion, it’s worth pacing yourself or stepping out between rooms. If you’re looking for something creative, a little unexpected, and visually memorable, this is an easy yes. Take your time walking through, and don’t be surprised if you leave with a full camera roll and a few moments that actually stay with you after you go.

Wonderspace in Scottsdale is an immeasurable experience from start to finish. My first encounter was with Alex, the general manager — she is the brightest ray of soul-shine and creates a remarkable fitst encounter. Thank you for everything!! D.W. was my next wonderful encounter — incredibly knowledgeable about the exhibits and eager to share insights that made the visit one-of-a-kind. Like the red bulb, DW you are especially unique <3 !! The interactions with the people are just as astonishing as the exhibits themselves. Don’t miss this; if you get the chance — take it!!

Wonderspaces Arizona was an incredible experience and such a fun place to bring our friend who was visiting us from California along with others who traveled in from different states. Everyone absolutely loved it. The entire space is filled with interactive and thought provoking art installations that make you feel like you are part of the artwork rather than just observing it. Each exhibit was unique, creative, and engaging, sparking conversation and a lot of great photo moments throughout the visit. It was especially fun experiencing it as a group since every installation brought out different reactions and interpretations from everyone. The atmosphere was lively, modern, and very well curated, making it an easy recommendation for both locals and visitors. Our guests kept talking about how cool and different it was compared to anything they had seen before, and it quickly became one of the highlights of their trip. Wonderspaces Arizona is definitely a must visit if you are looking for a unique art experience that is fun, interactive, and memorable.

This place is really fun if you have a human muse that knows how and is willing to pose. The pictures can be so fun if done right. I brought my daughter twice, once when she was maybe 3 and again when she was about 5. We did so great when she was 3 and the pictures are so fun. But someone else took her photos when we went the second time and nothing came out looking the way it should. If you know how to hold a camera and where and have a fun participant, this place can be so cool. But really, just the one time is enough I think. Unless you always have different people with you.

Very interesting art. There is something for everyone. The exhibit employees were very knowledgeable about each exhibit and friendly. Highly recommended for the art lover. I prefer still art, but I appreciate other forms as well!

Really cool and super trippy, psychedelic works on display out there, including several animation videos such as Volumen, the black and white visual. I found the AI robot making caricatures of others sitting in the model chair to be posted on the walls similarly to be pretty cool as well, but personally wouldn’t want to spend $75 getting a print of it. I feel this place falls short on its location and lack of space. There’s only about a dozen of things to see in this relatively small space that took me an hour and a half to go through in its entirety. Parking is abhorrently godawful there, particularly on the weekends, in conjunction with its location inside a high-end mall where people sell you Rolex watches, among other highbrow fashion that you don’t need. While the exhibits there are certainly worth checking out and seeing, they could be better served being their own exhibit in their own right in an already established modern art museum, or could serve as an expanded location separate from where it is currently located. The immaculately psychedelic nature of what’s there is impressive, though this place ultimately falls short given its small scope in size and its location.

Olivia was my guide through Phoenix’s Victorian history. She did a great job touching on the home’s architectural charms and quirks (fancy spindles, painted ceilings, home intercom system and unique switchable doorbell), the history of the families who lived there (an ill-tempered doctor, a wealthy wife, a saloon-keeping couple who ran afoul of Prohibition laws), and the unique artifacts in the house itself (bereavement hair jewelry, a clever waffle maker and a Taj Mahal bird cage). And she did it all in one hour while showing so many rooms and answering all of our questions. On a very hot day, it was nice the house is air conditioned and free water was provided. The parking garage is right next door for easy access. Make sure they add a sticker code to your parking ticket – it saves a lot of money when you exit. Great experience!

Victorian Gem in Downtown Phoenix 🏛️🌴 | Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square We visited the Rosson House Museum while exploring downtown Phoenix and it’s one of the most charming historical spots in the city. The house itself is a beautifully preserved Victorian-style home built in the late 1800s, with intricate woodwork, tall windows, and that signature pointed tower roof that instantly catches your eye. Even though the museum was closed when we arrived, walking around the exterior and gardens was still a memorable experience. The surrounding Heritage Square is peaceful and very well maintained, with green lawns, brick walkways, and shaded sitting areas that make it easy to imagine life here more than a century ago. There’s also a small café and bar (Stemistry) right next to the main building, offering outdoor seating with a perfect view of the historic architecture — a great spot to relax before or after your visit. Paid street parking is available nearby, and there are several public garages around the square within a short walk. The area is also close to other attractions like the Arizona Science Center and Children’s Museum of Phoenix, so it’s easy to include as part of a downtown sightseeing day. If you appreciate history, architecture, or just love photographing beautiful old homes, Rosson House Museum is a must-stop in Phoenix. 🌵📸

We had Olivia as our tour guide she was super knowledgeable. It was cool how much Arizona history is tied to this house. A “smart house” 50 years ahead of its time. The tours are like every hour on the hour and about 45 min. Super worth it- was very cool

Went on a ghost tour and it was a history tour. We thought we were going on a ghost tour of the Rosson House but we didn’t even get to go inside. I thought it was a museum night tour. So I was very disappointed. However Lucus did a nice history tour of downtown. But not what I was expecting.

A little gem of what’s left of the original residential history of Phoenix. They give tours, and the reconstruction is fabulous. Also, the artifacts are period, though not the original from the home. All is beautiful and fun to give it an afternoon. I love supporting local projects like this. I hope you will too.

Consanti is truly unique and beautiful. The architecture and creations are astounding to look at and I appreciate the care put into the gallery itself. This might be on me for coming later in the day but many of the exhibits were closed off that I seen other visitors took pictures of and not many employees I could talk to to ask about the art itself. I walked through and seen everything I could in maybe 15-20 minutes. I would come through for a quick stop if I was in the area or have a chance to take a tour in the morning next time.

A really unique and artistic hidden gem. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but once you step in, it feels completely different something out of The Flintstones with its organic, earthy architecture. Designed by Paolo Soleri (the same visionary behind Arcosanti), the place beautifully blends art, architecture, and nature. It’s a small space but very photogenic, with handcrafted bronze bells.People with a creative or architectural eye will really appreciate and you can even purchase some of the unique items made on-site. It’s not a long visit, more of a quick stop, but definitely worth it if you’re in the area and want to explore something local, artistic, and a bit offbeat.

Interesting place where artists can work to create a variety of different pieces not found anywhere else. Was a beautiful day out which made it even nicer to walk around and select different artwork.

Hadn’t heard of this place until just this morning. We were glad we stopped in, and lucky to be able to see them pour some bronze bells. The architecture is unique as well.

We booked a regular tour and it was wonderful – absolute standout experience of our trip. Dakota was an absolute pro of a tour guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly and clearly passionate about the future of Cosanti. We were fortunate to see the pour demonstration and it was fascinating. Larry was incredibly generous with his time when we asked questions after the pour and, again, so knowledgeable. I highly, highly recommend doing the tour if you’re coming here. The architecture is breathtaking and otherworldly. We loved learning about the history and seeing all of the inner workings. The artwork and bells are beautifully made and so unique. An absolute must-go stop if you are traveling in the area.

Totally worth a visit. We booked an afternoon tour and were able to see the bells being poured – so cool! Our tour guide was wonderful and added a cool perspective based on his history there. Highly recommend for anyone who loves art, unusual architecture, and ceramics. They were also very accommodating for a member of our group with mobility issues.

This is a branch of Arcosanti. A creative space. People live here and create. They cast and sculpt with clay. Quite an interesting place.

This is a small, contemporary art museum. There are 5 galleries, which are well marked and very interesting. The museum is very clean and modern. ● Parking is FREE, in adjacent covered parking structure ● Bathroom is in Performing 🎭 Arts Building, which is right next door to museum ● Admission is $3.00 less ($13) is bought ahead of time ● Docent George was a real standout- What a nice guy! He was extremely knowledgeable about the exhibits ● There is a small gift store area as well as a outdoor exhibit ● All exhibits were contemporary art Overall, this is a fabulous museum to visit. It takes a couple of hours to see everything

I visited years ago and don’t remember it being this great, it completely exceeded my expectations this time! It actually reminded me of Wonderspaces with how immersive and thoughtfully curated the exhibits were. There are four large rooms dedicated to the main exhibits, plus a bonus installation in the lobby and another one that runs along the interior perimeter of the building. Don’t skip that one! It’s set along glass panels that let the sunlight pour in, which adds a beautiful natural element to the experience. They also have a small patio area and a quiet concrete dome room where you can sit and reflect. The dome has a round skylight in the ceiling that makes the space feel incredibly tranquil, such a peaceful touch. The current exhibits are: * **Squidsoup Infinite** * **Tidal Sky** * **Burying Painting** * **Rooted** Overall, such a creative and immersive experience. I’m so glad I gave it another visit, highly recommend!

I visited SMoCA last month for a modern art exhibit. Walking through the gallery, I was inspired by bold colors and new perspectives. It’s always refreshing to see how artists challenge norms.

This was such a nice little contemporary arts museum! I know many people were saying how they thought this was really small, but I personally think it’s perfect that it is. Sometimes when you don’t want to spend hours in a museum, at least there’s this option and if you really enjoy art and love reading about each one, that alone takes time and adds more to the museum. The contemporary arts exhibits were sooo good! I really enjoyed seeing this one installation with lights and a symphony of music playing in waves with them, and that the current exhibits had some southwestern feel to it. They change it up every few months or so, of course. Workers were extremely nice and loved explaining some artwork in depth, if you want it. There’s also a little gift shop. Thursdays is a good day to come if you want to do the “Pay as you wish”.

I had a wonderful time visiting the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. On the day that I went to visit with my family, they had limited exhibitions open because they were in the process of finalizing their full set of exhibits for the season. But the ones we were able to experience were extraordinarily and memorable. The “Squid Soup Infinite” room was fantastic and makes you want to stay there for hours. This is certainly a must visit for those visiting Arizona!

I recently went to take anniversary photos for my friend and her husband. It was less than $20 for a ticket, it wasn’t packed and all the employees were very kind, efficient and helpful! Restrooms are clean and spacious. The museum had a lot of different rooms, both visual and audio art. It wasn’t a very big space and I thought there would be more to see but depending on how “into art” you are, you could spend 30-60minutes there. We finished our photos and going through each section within 20-30 minutes.

This review highlights one of workers who made visiting this museum more memorable. He is an older Hispanic gentleman, who speaks English and Spanish, by the name of Lou (I didn’t get his name initially but the front desk was able to provide it to me). Lou was fantastic! He took the time to explain some of the art pieces to me and my mom. He also showed me how to view some of the art pieces from different angle to display something I wouldn’t have notice on my own. However, my favorite exhibit was Infinite. I had no idea each sphere has a speaker and played by a string quartet. It plays for about 16 minutes, so watching the spheres illuminate and listening to the music during that time was magical. I told Lou how I enjoyed this museum more than the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego but he was part of the reason why I enjoyed it. Thank you, Lou for making this museum more wonderful 😊 Will definitely be making another visit.

It is very small and the exhibits are primarily reading signs. I was hoping for a bit more interaction items. It is definitely not for kids. It is free so that is a positive. Only took me about 40 minutes to see and read everything.

For a very small building it is a very beautiful space with very impressive landscape design. We enjoy that they regularly install new exhibits. The “Being Eddie Basha” exhibit was excellent and very complete. I felt I knew him better after going through the space. My wife and I spent two and half hours there today. And emphatically YES, agreeing with one of the 75th birthday letters displayed there. Arizona would have become a much better place today if he had been elected Governor.

Thankful for the very informative and kind staff. The museum buildings are gorgeous and have lots of knowledge. Loved the interactive exhibits and overall extremely well done. Will definitely return there is always more to see, do and listen to (bring headphones) Could spend all day here. Free to explore but please donate and support the fantastic gift shop.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out upon arrival this is a free museum. The Japanese internment camp display inside was absolutely heart breaking but so well put together and educational while still providing a heartfelt quality. The second area on Dr chandler and Frank Lloyd Wright lightened the mood while providing a rich history of the city and the two mens architectural marvels together. Some stairs were required but for the most part areas to sit and rest when accompanied by a grandparent or elderly parent were provided and available.

FREE ADMISSION. Very nice front desk girl today and she provided good information. Small museum, rotating displays. Half of the museum is dedicated to Eddie Basha. Two outside rooms had flags for the 250th. About 40 minute to 1hr visiting time.

Overlush Gallery is one of the most exciting art spaces in Phoenix, the moment you walk in you feel the energy, creativity, and passion behind every piece. They showcase a wide range of contemporary and visionary art, and the gallery seamlessly blends visual art with music and live events, creating a truly immersive experience. The environment is welcoming and vibrant, and I’ve always found something new and inspiring to admire or talk about after each visit. Whether you’re into abstract art, live creative events, or just curious to explore something unique, Overlush Gallery delivers a memorable, artistic experience every time.

This gallery is so much fun! It’s always a vibe at Overlush! The DJ’s are always local and spin the best tunes so you keep on vibing! They also host tons of events with vendors and food trucks! They feature beautiful art pieces in their gallery and they are very supportive of the small business/ art community! We love what you guys stand for and will continue to come to your fun events!

This is a cozy, chic place to relax on their back patio lounge area and to socialize with some great people. The music is awesome! I definitely plan to attend on a regular basis.

Beautiful place. Excellent staff. Not only is there amazing art to view and purchase, they host parties that are a wonderful experience to remember, have great dj’s spinning dance music, and that go to the wee hours of the morning. I highly recommend it

This place is a gritty little hidden gem for creatives and anyone looking for a NOT-mainstream good time! OG passes the vibe-check in ambiance, patrons, and staff; check them out.

A place of Worship. I invite you to have an encounter with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Such a great place with great people! Environment is relaxing and welcoming! Come check this place out!

We had a great visit to the Science Center in downtown Phoenix. There were plenty of cool science exhibits to explore, and the dome visual experience was definitely the highlight. The Orbital movie was amazing and really immersive. The only downside was some noisy children during the showing, which was distracting, though they were eventually removed toward the end. Overall, it was a fun and worthwhile experience, and I’d definitely recommend checking it out.

Nice place to take children..lots of cool stuff to learn and play with. Very interactive. Base price will get you in but there are some exhibits that require extra fees. But overall I am sure any child would like it. Interesting things for adults also.

Went to the Science with a Twist Adult Prom. It was soooo much fun! Nice to explore the museum without little kids running around. The little extra things they had going on were fun! The drinks were really good and I loved being able to dance and have fun!

My family and I stopped by the Arizona Science Center to see the traveling Pompeii exhibit and enjoyed our visit very much. There are so many things to do and see that one day is not enough to see and do it all. My 10 year old had a ball, and there is a lot of hands on things that make learning fun and engaging. The Pompeii exhibit was also very well done and we are glad we caught it before it was gone. The only reason I didn’t give it a five star is that it was packed with school kids which is great! don’t get me wrong, but also pretty sure that’s why we all caught a cold about five days later. Take your hand sanitizer and wash often! One last thing…. DO NOT MISS THE DORRANCE DOME PLANETARIUM!!! Stunning!

The Cave experience add-on wasn’t worth the additional $7 per person. They even charge for the adults to come in just to supervise the children and if you forget your socks then you can’t go into the structure which is made from packing tape. They do sell socks for $3 but you have to go all the way back to the entrance to buy them which is on the first floor. “Cave experience ” is on the 4th floor. Kids had fun playing in there though but it should be included with admission since admission is ridiculously expensive already. Quite a few exhibits, not working pretty disappointed. Cave experience closed well before the science center closed. Once you give them your ticket and leave, you can’t go back in

It’s very small! Very few paintings and one sculpture. Contemporary art. Worth the visit, you’re already here anyway. Free postcards for visitors who still send these.

The website insists it’s within security. The provided map implies it is within security. After doing a full lap of the airport on a 3-hour layover, I can confirm it is not within security. You must exit security to visit this location. Terrible experience.

This airport throughout the years, has made numerous attempts to capture the public’s eye to be quite frank with you.This airport is horrible.It is not the friendliest airport, a lot of the employee’s are annoyed when you ask them anything and not to mention. The city of Phoenix is always trying to take money from its patrons. The parking is horrendous. I’m surprised this airport hasn’t improved at all. If there was another option leaving Phoenix, I would definitely utilize it. Unfortunately, this is the only Major International airport that we have. And I think that’s why the city of Phoenix takes To vantage of it, I hate this place

The actual gallery was unspectacular to put it in a friendly way. There are several art pieces scattered throughout the museum, this particular location it’s not worth visiting, better to just walk around.

Wonderful showcase of unique art at the airport. Wonderful to see that the desire for always more retail was suppressed in order to bring an art gallery to the terminal in addition to other displays spread throughout the terminals.

Definitely stop my if you have extra time! You pass it for arrivals and departure.

It’s a small tiny gallery which takes no more than 15 minutes at most to look at (and that’s if you are reading all the signs and taking your time to look at each photo). If you breeze through it, it could take 2 minutes to walk through. The size of it was like a small office. They had a few photos and framed paintings (?). Next to some of them, there were plaques with interpretive text. The room also had an encased small sculpture, and at the far end, there were some pieces of glass. Keep in mind: this is not open to visitors who are checked in through security- you have to actually be in the terminal to see it. Really, it’s just a way to pass some time while you wait for your flight.