The Historic Y, Tucson Travel Guide

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Explore Tucson's Historic Y: A vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community events in a beautifully preserved architectural landmark.

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The Historic Y

The Historic Y in Tucson, once a YWCA, is now a vibrant community hub for arts, education, and events. Its historic architecture houses galleries, workshops, and performance spaces, showcasing local talent and fostering community engagement.

A brief summary to The Historic Y

738 N 5th Ave, Tucson, West University, Arizona, 85705, US
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Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-10 pm
Friday 8 am-10 pm
Saturday 8 am-10 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Historic Y.

Check the Historic Y's online calendar for upcoming events, including art exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
Consider visiting during the evening to experience local music and performances in a lively atmosphere.
Explore the surrounding West University neighborhood for dining and shopping options.
Take advantage of the free parking available in the lot behind the building, accessible from Herbert Avenue, especially for evening events.

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Explore The Historic Y on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Historic Y, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of University Boulevard and Fourth Avenue, walk west on University Boulevard for one block. The Historic Y will be on your right, at the corner of University Boulevard and Fifth Avenue. This is a short walk of approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the Sun Link Streetcar to the Fourth Avenue/University stop. From the stop, walk west on University Boulevard for one block to reach The Historic Y. The streetcar is currently fare-free. Alternatively, several Sun Tran bus routes serve the area. Check the Sun Tran website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Driving

Approaching The Historic Y by car, key access routes are from Speedway Boulevard to the north, Sixth Street to the south, and Stone and Euclid Avenues to the west and east, respectively. Note that parking directly in front of the Historic Y on University is prohibited. Limited free parking is available in the lot behind the building, accessed from Herbert Avenue. Street parking is also available, but be sure to check posted signs for restrictions, as some areas have time limits or are for residents only. Metered parking along Fourth Avenue costs $1 per hour, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Parking is free at other times.

Discover more about The Historic Y

The Historic Y, located in Tucson's West University neighborhood, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Originally commissioned in 1930 as a YWCA building, designed by notable Tucson architect Annie Graham Rockfellow, it has since been repurposed into a multifaceted community center. Today, it serves as a hub for art exhibitions, educational workshops, performing arts events, and office spaces for organizations focused on arts, education, human rights, and social and environmental justice.The building itself is an architectural treasure, reflecting the Spanish Colonial style. Visitors can explore art galleries featuring local artists, attend diverse events, or simply soak in the ambiance of this unique venue. The Historic Y hosts a dynamic calendar of events, including live music, theater performances by groups like the Rogue Theatre and ZUZI Dance Company, and open mic nights. It also offers rental spaces for classes, meetings and events.Located a block from Fourth Avenue and a short distance from the University of Arizona, The Historic Y is easily accessible and surrounded by a diverse urban scene. It embodies the spirit of Tucson, offering a welcoming space for community interaction and cultural enrichment.