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Arizona State Museum: A Window into the Southwest's Past

Explore 13,000 years of Southwestern history and culture through vast collections of pottery, basketry, and more at this renowned museum.

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The Arizona State Museum (ASM), established in 1893 on the University of Arizona campus, is the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the U.S. Southwest. Though currently closed for building maintenance, ASM's rich collections, including pottery, basketry, and photographs, offer a glimpse into the region's 13,000-year human history.

A brief summary to Arizona State Museum

Local tips

  • Check the Arizona State Museum website for updates on the reopening of the exhibits building and information on current online exhibits and programs.
  • Explore the museum's online collections and resources to learn about the archaeology, ethnology, and ethnohistory of the Southwest.
  • Consider attending one of ASM's virtual events, classes, or travel tours to experience the region's Native cultures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Arizona State Museum is located on the University of Arizona campus at the northeast corner of Park Avenue and University Boulevard. From anywhere on campus or the Main Gate area, it's easily accessible by foot. Just head towards the intersection of Park and University; the museum is right there.

  • Public Transport

    Sun Tran Bus Route #1 stops right in front of ASM on Park Avenue, just north of University Boulevard. The Sun Link Modern Streetcar also has stops nearby at University and Tyndall (northeast bound) and Second and Park (southwest bound). A single ride on Sun Tran or the Streetcar costs $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-10, take the Speedway Boulevard exit east and turn right (south) on Park Avenue. The museum is at the corner of Park and University. Limited metered parking is available along University Boulevard. Garage parking is available at the Main Gate Garage (815 E. Second Street) and the Tyndall Avenue Garage (880 E. 4th Street), both accessible from Euclid Avenue. Parking fees are $2/hour.

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Discover more about Arizona State Museum

Founded in 1893, the Arizona State Museum (ASM) stands as a vital resource for understanding the human history of Arizona, the Southwest, and northern Mexico. As the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the region, it houses an expansive collection of archaeological and ethnographic materials. The museum was initially established as a repository for archaeological resources and has since grown into a center for research, education, and preservation. ASM's collections are particularly renowned, holding the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of Southwest Indian pottery and Native American basketry. The pottery collection features over 24,000 whole vessels dating back 2,000 years, while the basketry collection includes 35,000 specimens spanning 7,000 years. The museum also boasts a significant photographic collection with over 525,000 prints, negatives, and transparencies, documenting the region's prehistory and ethnology. While the main exhibits building is currently closed for extensive maintenance and upgrades, ASM continues to offer online exhibits, events, classes, and travel tours. These programs provide opportunities to explore the ancient and enduring Native cultures of the region. ASM also makes its library and archives available for research, containing a wealth of information on southwestern archaeology, ethnology, and ethnohistory. ASM's commitment to preserving and sharing knowledge of the region's cultural heritage has earned it recognition as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

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