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i.d.e.a. Museum: Sparking Creativity in Mesa

Ignite your imagination at Mesa's i.d.e.a. Museum: hands-on art, STEAM activities, and creative fun for the whole family in a vibrant downtown setting.

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The i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa, Arizona, is a hands-on children's museum focused on art, imagination, design, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities. With rotating exhibitions and interactive spaces, it encourages creative thinking and family engagement for all ages.

A brief summary to i.d.e.a. Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to two hours to fully experience the museum.
  • Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays or Sunday afternoons) for a less crowded experience.
  • Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the Snackery or outdoor Atrium.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available in the lots next to the museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The i.d.e.a. Museum is accessible via Valley Metro Rail. Take the A Line to the Center/Main St station, then transfer to the Mesa Downtown Buzz. The Buzz is a free neighborhood bus that connects to attractions in downtown Mesa. Get off the Buzz near the museum on Pepper Place. Valley Metro Rail one-way fare: $2.00.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Main Street and Mesa Drive, head north on Mesa Drive for approximately 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Pepper Place. The i.d.e.a. Museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free.

  • Driving

    The i.d.e.a. Museum is located at 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa, AZ 85201. From Highway 60, exit at Country Club Drive and head north. Turn right onto 1st Street, then turn right onto Pepper Place. The museum will be on your right. Free parking is available in the lots next to the facility and street parking. Additional parking is available at the lot on the corner of Macdonald and Pepper Place and the City of Mesa parking lot on the corner of Macdonald and First Street. Cost: Free

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Discover more about i.d.e.a. Museum

Located in downtown Mesa, the i.d.e.a. Museum (Imagination, Design, Experience, Art) has been inspiring young minds for over three decades. Originally opened in 1980 as the Arizona Museum for Youth, it was the first children's museum in the United States with a focus on fine art. In 2014, the museum's name changed to i.d.e.a. Museum to reflect its expanding mission of blending art with science, technology, engineering, and math. In December 2024, the museum reopened after renovations with a simplified name, idea Museum, and a refreshed brand. The museum features over 20,000 square feet of dynamic, hands-on exhibition and activity space. Highlights include the Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery, which showcases rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international artists' work. ArtVille is a permanent exhibition designed for children ages 0-4, offering an imaginative town-like environment for exploration and play. The HUB Gallery encourages all ages to participate in creative activities using recycled materials and large-scale building sets. The idea Lab is a flexible space designed to explore creativity, technology, and collaborative art making. The Snackery provides a relaxed space for visitors to enjoy snacks and meals. The museum's exhibits and programs are designed to support early learning, nurture creative thinking, and engage families. With interactive installations and STEAM-based activities, the i.d.e.a. Museum provides a fun and educational experience for children of all ages.

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