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La Casa Cordova: A Window into Tucson's Past

Explore Tucson's oldest adobe home, La Casa Cordova, a journey into the city's vibrant past within the Tucson Museum of Art.

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La Casa Cordova, nestled within the Tucson Museum of Art's Historic Block, is one of the oldest adobe homes in Tucson, dating back to the mid-1840s. This beautifully preserved building offers a glimpse into the lives of Tucson's early residents and the blend of cultures that shaped the city.

A brief summary to La Casa Cordova

Local tips

  • Visit during the first Sunday of the month for free admission to the Tucson Museum of Art and access to La Casa Cordova.
  • Check the Tucson Museum of Art's website for information on guided tours and special events at La Casa Cordova.
  • Explore the other historic houses and art exhibitions within the Tucson Museum of Art's Historic Block for a comprehensive cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    La Casa Cordova is located within the Tucson Museum of Art's Historic Block at 175 N Meyer Ave. If you are in downtown Tucson, walking is a convenient option. From the Presidio Museum, walk north on N Main Ave, then turn left on W Telles St. Walk one block west. La Casa Cordova will be on your left, within the Tucson Museum of Art complex. 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. Check the Sun Tran website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the Ronstadt Transit Center, a major hub in downtown Tucson, several bus lines will take you to a stop near the museum. Routes 3, 81, 82, and 83 stop by the east entry of the Museum on Alameda Street. A single ride fare costs $1.75.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 175 N Meyer Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701. The Tucson Museum of Art offers a free 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 and the museum does not validate parking. Metered street parking typically costs $1.00 per hour. Parking at the Park Avenue Garage is $2 per hour on weekdays.

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Discover more about La Casa Cordova

La Casa Cordova, located in the heart of Tucson's El Presidio neighborhood, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Built in the mid-1840s, it began as a modest two- or three-room adobe structure. In 1879, Gabino Ortego and his wife expanded the home, adding three rooms along Meyer Avenue. The Cordova family acquired the home in 1934, and it is named after Maria Navarette Cordova, who lived there until 1973. La Casa Cordova offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a 19th-century Tucson home. The house showcases the architectural style of the Spanish-Mexican and early American periods, with its thick adobe walls and simple design. Inside, a series of installations and interpretive exhibitions highlight the diverse histories, businesses, and families of downtown Tucson, including Barrio Presidio. Exhibits within La Casa Cordova include Maria Luisa Tena's El Nacimiento, the largest and longest-running nativity scene in the Southwest, and Vivamos Siempre Como Hermanos, created by Feng-Feng Yeh and The Chinese Chorizo Project. The building itself has undergone several renovations, most recently in 2024, to stabilize its exterior and preserve it for future generations. La Casa Cordova reopened to the public on November 10, 2024, as part of the Tucson Museum of Art's Centennial Block Party.

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