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J. Knox Corbett House: A Glimpse into Tucson's Past

Step back in time at the J. Knox Corbett House, a Mission Revival gem in Tucson's El Presidio Historic District. Temporarily closed for restoration.

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The J. Knox Corbett House, built in 1907 in the Mission Revival style, offers a window into Tucson's early 20th-century life. As part of the Tucson Museum of Art, this historic home showcases period furnishings and architectural details, reflecting the elegance of the era.

A brief summary to J Knox Corbett House

Local tips

  • Check the Tucson Museum of Art website for updates on the J. Knox Corbett House's reopening in 2025.
  • Explore the El Presidio Historic District, where the Corbett House is located, to discover more of Tucson's history and architecture.
  • Visit the Tucson Museum of Art to learn more about the Corbett family and the house's significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The J. Knox Corbett House is located at 180 N Main Ave, in the El Presidio Historic District. If you are already in the downtown area, such as near the Tucson Museum of Art, it is easily accessible by foot. Head north on N Main Ave, and the house is a short walk away, across from the Tucson Convention Center.

  • Public Transport

    Tucson's public transportation system, Sun Tran, provides bus and streetcar service throughout the city. Check the Sun Tran website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to reach the Tucson Museum of Art. From there, the J. Knox Corbett House is a short walk north on Main Avenue. As of July 2025, Sun Tran services are fare-free.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 180 N Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701. Several parking options are available near the Tucson Museum of Art. There is a free TMA parking lot located off of Washington Street, east of Main Avenue. Metered street parking is also available. The El Presidio Parking Garage is another option but is closed on weekends. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $2 per hour at the Park Avenue Garage.

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Discover more about J Knox Corbett House

The J. Knox Corbett House, located in the El Presidio Historic District, stands as a testament to Tucson's rich history and architectural heritage. Completed in 1907, this Mission Revival style home was built by J. Knox Corbett, a prominent lumber dealer, and his wife, Lizzie Hughes Corbett. The house served as a social hub for the family, hosting parties, clubs, and civic meetings. The house's architecture features stucco-covered brick, a clay-tiled roof, and an arched porch, all characteristic of the Mission Revival style. Inside, the house was originally furnished with rich mahogany furniture and European imports. An elaborately carved buffet, made by one of the Corbett's employees, still resides in the dining room. The house also boasted one of Tucson's first air conditioning systems, a water-cooling tower located in the basement. Legend has it that gin was manufactured in a small attic room during Prohibition. The J. Knox Corbett House remained in the family until the 1960s. It was later acquired by the Tucson Museum of Art and the City of Tucson in the 1970s. The house was restored in 1995 to reflect the American Arts and Crafts era. Sadly, the house suffered extensive damage from a fire in 2023 and is currently undergoing restoration, with plans to reopen in 2025.

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