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Arizona State Museum: A Window into the Southwest's Past

Explore 13,000 years of Southwestern history and culture at the Arizona State Museum, home to world-renowned collections of pottery and basketry.

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The Arizona State Museum (ASM), established in 1893 on the University of Arizona campus, is the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the U.S. Southwest. It showcases the region's rich cultural heritage through extensive collections of Native American artifacts, archaeological finds, and ethnographic materials.

A brief summary to Arizona State Museum

Local tips

  • Check the Arizona State Museum website for updates on the reopening of exhibits and available programs during the renovation period.
  • Explore the museum's online resources, including virtual exhibits and educational materials, to learn about the Southwest's Indigenous cultures.
  • Take advantage of the museum's travel tours to experience the region's cultural heritage firsthand.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Arizona State Museum is located on the University of Arizona campus at the northeast corner of Park Avenue and University Boulevard. From anywhere on campus, follow the signs to the University's Main Gate. The museum is just inside the gate on the right. Note that the museum is temporarily closed for renovation as of August 1, 2024.

  • Public Transport

    The Sun Tran Bus Route #1 stops directly in front of ASM on Park Avenue, north of University Boulevard. The Sun Link Modern Streetcar also has nearby stops at University and Tyndall (northeast bound) and Second and Park (southwest bound). Check the Sun Tran website for routes, times, and fare information. A single ride on Sun Tran or the Streetcar costs $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-10, take the Speedway Boulevard exit east and turn right (south) onto Park Avenue. The museum is at the corner of Park and University. Visitor parking is available in the Main Gate Garage (815 E. Second Street) and the Tyndall Avenue Garage (880 E. 4th Street), accessible from Euclid Avenue. Parking fees are $2 per hour.

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Discover more about Arizona State Museum

Founded in 1893, the Arizona State Museum (ASM) stands as a portal into the Southwest's ancient past and enduring cultures. As the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the U.S. Southwest, it houses over 2 million artifacts that tell the story of the region's 13,000-year human history. The museum was initially established as a repository for archaeological resources and has since evolved into a leading research and educational institution. ASM's collections are exceptional, featuring the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of Southwest Indigenous pottery, with approximately 24,000 whole vessels dating back over 2,000 years. The museum also boasts the world's largest collection of Native North American basketry, with 35,000 specimens dating back 7,000 years. Its photographic archives contain over 525,000 prints, negatives, and transparencies, visually documenting the prehistory and ethnology of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. ASM's exhibits and programs celebrate the ancient and enduring Native cultures of the region. Through exhibits, lectures, hands-on activities, and travel tours, visitors can explore the traditions, art, and lifeways of the Southwest's diverse Indigenous peoples. The museum also offers online exhibits and virtual tours for those who cannot visit in person. Currently, the Arizona State Museum is temporarily closed to the public for extensive maintenance and upgrades to its north building, with an expected reopening in two to three years. However, the museum continues to offer events, programs, classes, and travel opportunities during the closure.

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