Heard Museum
#6 in Best Things To Do in Phoenix
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2 of 2Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 3.5Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 4.5Atmosphere
If you're a history buff or an art aficionado (or both), take advantage of the spectacular exhibits – and air conditioning – housed in the Heard Museum. According to many, the Heard Museum is one of the country's finest Native American museums and offers a comprehensible introduction to Arizona's original residents. With the help of pre-Colombian to contemporary art and a variety of traditional artifacts, the Heard Museum conveys the life and culture of Native Americans in the Southwest.
Recent visitors recommend setting aside at least half a day to see the exhibits housed here. Many also praised the docents and suggested joining a free tour to get the most out of your time here. You'll also want to take a spin through the gift shop, according to reviewers.
The Heard Museum is located just north of downtown Phoenix and is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission costs $18 for adults and $7.50 for kids 6 to 17. Guided tours are included with admission and are offered daily at noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. On-site facilities include a gift shop, a cafe and outdoor sculpture gardens. For more information about exhibits and special events, check out the Heard Museum's website.
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2 of 14#1 Desert Botanical Garden
The desert may seem like the last place you'd expect to find flora. Yet the Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees and flowers from all around the world. The garden's brightly colored plants sharply contrast the Sonoran Desert's cinnamon-red buttes, and numerous hiking trails – like the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop trails – allow you to experience the region's natural wonders the way early settlers once did. The Desert Botanical Garden also hosts numerous events, including culinary demonstrations and outdoor concert series.
Recent visitors said the garden is fascinating and highly recommended seeking out the special exhibits when available. Several reviewers suggested visiting after the sun sets to see the garden illuminated, while others appreciated the groomed paths and well-marked signs. However, some travelers bemoaned the entrance rates and were disappointed the zoo and the garden do not offer a combined admission since they sit less than 2 miles from one another.
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