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Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Immerse yourself in the art, culture, and history of the American West at Scottsdale's premier museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate in Old Town Scottsdale.

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Discover the soul of the American West at this Scottsdale museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate showcasing Western and Native American art, artifacts, and cultural treasures. Experience the stories of pioneers, cowboys, and Native American tribes through immersive exhibits and a stunning outdoor sculpture garden.

A brief summary to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special exhibits and events during your visit.
  • Explore Old Town Scottsdale nearby to experience the modern West's charm.
  • Visit on Thursday evenings for ArtWalk and free admission for Scottsdale residents from 5-9 p.m. with valid ID.
  • Weekdays are ideal for a more intimate experience, avoiding crowds and allowing ample time for exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The museum is located in Old Town Scottsdale and is easily accessible on foot from nearby hotels, restaurants, and art galleries. From the Scottsdale Waterfront, walk south on Marshall Way for approximately 10 minutes. The museum will be on your right, just past Main Street.

  • Public Transport

    Valley Metro provides public transportation services in Scottsdale, including buses and trolleys. Take the Indian School Road route to Scottsdale Road or Drinkwater Boulevard, then walk south towards Scottsdale Civic Center. Alternatively, take the Scottsdale Road/Rural Road route to 2nd Street, then walk east towards Scottsdale Civic Center. The Scottsdale Trolley also offers free fixed routes with connections to Valley Metro Transit. A single ride on Valley Metro bus costs $2.

  • Driving

    From the 101 Freeway, exit on Indian School Road and travel west. Turn left onto N. Marshall Way and pass through one roundabout. The museum will be on your right. From the 51 Freeway, exit onto Indian School Road and travel east. Turn right onto N. Marshall Way and pass through one roundabout. The museum will be on your right. Free parking is available in the City of Scottsdale underground parking garage, accessed from the driveway just south of Main Street on the north side of the museum building. Look for the blue parking sign on Marshall Way.

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Discover more about Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art, culture, and history of the American West. Opened in January 2015 on the historic grounds of the Loloma Transit Station, the museum's contemporary 43,000-square-foot building offers a rich and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The museum features regularly changing exhibits of Western and Native American art, rare artifacts, and cultural treasures on loan from some of the world's foremost collectors and institutions. Explore authentic Old West cowboy gear, paintings and bronzes by acclaimed contemporary and historic Western artists, and Hopi pottery masterworks. The museum's collections span across 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico, illuminating the past to better shape our future. Western Spirit is not just a repository of artifacts; it's a place where the stories of the West come to life. Immerse yourself in the tales of pioneers, cowboys, and Native American tribes, and gain a new perspective on the region's rich cultural heritage. The museum also hosts informative events and programs that further enhance the visitor experience. Don't miss the outdoor sculpture garden, where bronze statues depict scenes from the Wild West. Named the nation's “Best Western Museum” multiple times by True West magazine, Western Spirit is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West. Its location in downtown Scottsdale's arts district makes it easily accessible and within walking distance of numerous art galleries, restaurants, and Old Town Scottsdale.

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