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Petersen House Museum: A Glimpse into Tempe's Past

Explore Tempe's history at the Petersen House Museum, a beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorian home showcasing life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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The Petersen House Museum, located in Tempe, Arizona, is a beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892. Once the residence of Niels Petersen, a key founder of Tempe, the museum offers a window into the lifestyles of early Tempe residents during the territorial and Depression eras.

A brief summary to Petersen House Museum

Local tips

  • Check the Tempe History Museum's website or social media for upcoming tour dates, events, and public programs at the Petersen House Museum.
  • Parking is limited at the Petersen House, so consider carpooling or using alternative transportation.
  • The museum is decorated for the holidays during Christmas time, offering a festive experience with music and refreshments.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Petersen House Museum is accessible via Tempe's public transportation system. From the Tempe Transportation Center, take any bus that travels along Southern Avenue. The Valley Metro Bus operates frequently in Tempe. Get off at the stop closest to 1414 W Southern Ave. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Peterson Park neighborhood, the Petersen House Museum is easily accessible by foot. From the intersection of Hardy Drive and Southern Avenue, walk west on Southern Avenue for approximately 0.3 miles. The Petersen House Museum will be on your left at 1414 W Southern Ave.

  • Driving

    The Petersen House Museum is located at 1414 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282. From Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe, head south to Southern Avenue, then turn west onto Southern Avenue. The museum will be on your left. Limited parking is available at the Petersen House. Street parking may be available, but check for time restrictions. Several parking garages are available in downtown Tempe with hourly rates ranging from $4 for one hour to a maximum of $18 per day.

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Discover more about Petersen House Museum

Step back in time at the Petersen House Museum, an iconic landmark in Tempe, Arizona. This 1892 Queen Anne Victorian brick residence, once situated in the Tempe countryside, now stands in the heart of the city, a reminder of the community's past and the individuals who shaped its future. Niels Petersen, a Danish immigrant and one of Tempe's founders, built the house for his family. The Petersen House Museum showcases two distinct time periods, reflecting the lives of the families who resided here. The main floor displays the 1930s era, while the upstairs embodies the Victorian era. The Tempe History Museum manages the property and opens it several times a year for scheduled tours, events, and public programs. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and received the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation in 1990. Visiting the Petersen House offers a unique opportunity to experience Tempe's history and appreciate the architectural beauty of this well-preserved home.

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