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Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum: A Sparkling Tucson Treasure

Discover Earth's hidden treasures at Tucson's Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, a world-class collection for all ages.

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The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum in downtown Tucson showcases a stunning collection of gems, minerals, and meteorites from around the world, with a special emphasis on specimens from Arizona and Mexico. Housed in the historic Pima County Courthouse, the museum offers an immersive journey through Earth's geological history, appealing to both casual visitors and serious collectors.

A brief summary to The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for seasonal hours, closures, and special events.
  • Consider visiting during the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase in February for an enhanced experience.
  • Parking is available in nearby garages, with the El Presidio Garage being a recommended option.
  • Purchase tickets in person at the front desk; cash is accepted.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're already in downtown Tucson, the museum is easily accessible on foot. From the Tucson Convention Center, walk north on Church Avenue for about 15 minutes. The museum will be on your left at 115 N Church Ave Ste 121.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Sun Tran bus service to reach the museum. Routes 1, 3, and 7 have stops near the downtown area. If arriving from Tucson International Airport, take Route 200 to the Ronstadt Transit Center, then transfer to Route 1 or 7 towards downtown. Get off at 6th St & Church Ave and walk north for two blocks. A single Sun Tran bus fare costs $1.75.

  • Driving

    If driving, head towards downtown Tucson. Use I-10 and take exit 257 for Congress St. Turn left on Congress St, then right onto N Church Ave. The museum is at 115 N Church Ave Ste 121. Street parking is available for around $1.50 per hour. Alternatively, park at the El Presidio Parking Garage at 165 W Alameda St. Parking fees at the El Presidio Garage vary, but expect to pay around $2-3 per hour.

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Discover more about The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, located in the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona, is a captivating destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the mineral kingdom. As one of the finest gem and mineral museums in the world, it's dedicated to public education and the preservation of its extensive collection. The museum's collection has worldwide scope, with an emphasis on minerals from Arizona and Mexico. Exhibits include a rotating display of featured mineral specimens, gemstones, meteorites, and fossils, as well as a dedicated Southwest Mining & Minerals Gallery and a Gem Hall that includes a vault for special and rare exhibits. The museum's displays also explore the fundamental principles of geology and celebrate the lapidary arts like faceting, jewelry, and intarsia. The museum moved to its current location in the historic Pima County Courthouse in early 2020, expanding its exhibit space to 12,000 square feet. The museum's collection includes specimens dating back to 1892, which were originally housed in the University of Arizona Mineral Museum, founded in 1919. The museum is divided into several galleries, each with a different theme. The Mineral Evolution Gallery examines the evolution of minerals from the 50-60 minerals that much of the Universe was originally made of, to the over 5,500 that are present on Earth. Other highlights include a collection of Arizona gold nuggets and a wall of oil paintings commissioned by Phelps-Dodge over 100 years ago, illustrating mining life in the early days of Bisbee.

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