La Casa Cordova, Pima County Travel Guide

4.9 (7)

Step back in time at La Casa Cordova, Tucson's oldest adobe home, within the Tucson Museum of Art's historic block.

La Casa Cordova, nestled within the Tucson Museum of Art's historic block, stands as the oldest adobe home in downtown Tucson. Built in the mid-1840s, this Sonoran row house offers a glimpse into Tucson's Spanish and Mexican heritage.

A brief summary to La Casa Cordova

175 N Meyer Ave, Tucson, El Presidio, Arizona, 85701, US
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring La Casa Cordova.

Visit during the first Thursday evening (5-8 p.m.) or second Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) of the month for 'Pay What You Wish' admission.
Explore the other historic properties within the Tucson Museum of Art's historic block for a comprehensive look at Tucson's past.
Check the Tucson Museum of Art's website for information on guided tours, which are included with admission.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Historic Canoa Ranch

Pima County Historic Courthouse

Valley of the Moon

Ball-Paylore House

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Explore La Casa Cordova on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near La Casa Cordova, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

La Casa Cordova is located within the Tucson Museum of Art at 175 N Meyer Ave in the El Presidio neighborhood. From most points in downtown Tucson, it's easily accessible on foot. From the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, walk north on N Main Ave, then turn right onto W Washington St. The museum will be on your right. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Sun Tran, Tucson's public bus system, has several routes that stop near the Tucson Museum of Art. Routes 3, 81, 82, 83, and 103 have stops by the east entry of the Museum on Alameda Street. Route 21 also connects to the Tucson Museum of Art from the Ronstadt Transit Center. Check the Sun Tran website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is typically $1.75.
Parking

If driving, free parking is available in the TMA parking lot. From Main Avenue, turn east on Washington Street, then turn right into the lot. Metered street parking is also available around the museum. The El Presidio Parking Garage at 160 W. Alameda Street is another option, but it is closed on weekends. The museum does not validate parking for this garage. Check parking apps for current rates.

Discover more about La Casa Cordova

La Casa Cordova, located at 175 N Meyer Ave, is a captivating historical site within the Tucson Museum of Art. This unassuming adobe structure, dating back to the mid-1840s, whispers tales of Tucson's early days. Originally a modest two- or three-room dwelling, it expanded in 1879 when Gabino Ortego and his wife added three rooms.The house gets its name from the Cordova family, who acquired the property in 1934 and lived there until 1973. Maria Navarette Cordova, the family matriarch, operated a smoke shop from the front rooms. Some historians believe that the original rooms may predate the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. The building's architecture reflects the Sonoran row house style, common during the Spanish and Mexican Colonial periods. The thick adobe walls, made of unfired brick covered in cement plaster, provide insulation from the desert heat.In 1975, the Junior League of Tucson restored La Casa Cordova for the Tucson Museum of Art. Today, it serves as an exhibit, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of early Tucson residents. The exhibit also shares the story of La Casa Cordova's relationship within the context of 1960s urban renewal. The house was reopened to the public on November 10, 2024, as part of the Tucson Museum of Art's Centennial Block Party.