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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 beautifully preserved Mission Revival home in Tucson's historic El Presidio district.

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The J. Knox Corbett House, located in Tucson's El Presidio Historic District, is a Mission Revival-style home built in 1907. Once the residence of a prominent Tucson family, it now stands as a museum showcasing early 20th-century architecture, design, and local history.

A brief summary to J Knox Corbett House

Local tips

  • Check the Tucson Museum of Art website for information on guided tours and special events at the J. Knox Corbett House.
  • Explore the surrounding El Presidio Historic District, known for its charming architecture and historic sites.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Tucson Museum of Art to see a broader collection of art and historical exhibits.
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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. From the Tucson Museum of Art, walk north on N Main Ave for about 5 minutes. The J. Knox Corbett House is located directly across from the Tucson Convention Center.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Tucson, take the Sun Tran bus route 1, which goes north on Stone Avenue. Get off at the stop at Stone Ave and Congress St. Walk west on Congress St for two blocks until you reach North Main Ave. Turn left (south) on North Main Ave, and the J Knox Corbett House will be on your right. As of July 2025, Sun Tran rides are fare-free.

  • Parking

    The Tucson Museum of Art offers free parking in the lot off Washington Street. From the parking lot, walk east and turn right onto Meyer Avenue. Pass through the blue wall and turn right again to reach the main lobby. The J. Knox Corbett House is near the west end of the parking lot. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Discover more about J Knox Corbett House

The J. Knox Corbett House offers a captivating glimpse into Tucson's past. Completed in 1907, this elegant Mission Revival-style house was home to J. Knox Corbett, a local lumber dealer, and his wife, Lizzie Hughes Corbett, for over five decades. The house is located on Main Avenue, next to the Stevens House. Lizzie's aunt and godmother, Petra Stevens, gifted her the land adjacent to the Stevens property. The Corbetts were a prominent family in Tucson, and their home served as a social hub for parties, clubs, and civic meetings. The house features architectural details typical of the Mission Revival style, including stucco-covered brick, a clay-tiled roof, and an arched porch. Inside, visitors can admire original period furniture, art pieces, and artifacts that reflect the family's life and contributions to Tucson's development. One notable feature was one of Tucson's first air conditioning systems, a water-cooling tower located in the basement. Legend has it that gin was manufactured in the attic during Prohibition. The house remained in the Corbett family until the 1960s. It was later acquired by the Tucson Museum of Art in partnership with the City of Tucson. The house was restored in 1995 to reflect the American Arts and Crafts era. The J. Knox Corbett House is part of the Tucson Museum of Art's Historic Block.

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