Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Phoenix Art Museum has provided access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years and is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. In addition to an annual calendar of exhibitions, Phoenix Art Museum’s permanent collection galleries are drawn from more than 19,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. Visitors also enjoy photography exhibitions through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona. The Museum presents a variety of public programs year-round, including tours, lectures, films, special events, and more designed to enlighten, entertain and stimulate visitors of all ages. Voluntary-donation times occur every Wednesday from 3 to 7 pm and the first Friday of every month from 3 to 7 pm.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Address
Neighborhood: Encanto
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See what travelers are saying
- TJouerBellbrook, Ohio2,300 contributionsFamily friendly museum experienceI recently visited the Phoenix Art Museum for the first time. There are many great things about this museum. The parking is free, and it is close to the building entrance. There are even shady spots under the tree line when it is extremely hot outside. The museum is very easy to navigate with its lower level, first floor, mezzanine, and second floor. There are plenty of accessible restrooms. The exhibits are the star of the show. We thoroughly enjoyed Yayoi Kusama's artwork as well as the special Barbie exhibit. The museum has a very nice store, and you can also stop at the cafe. I would definitely return with my family members more frequently.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 30, 2024
- Jasmin GQuebec City, Canada174 contributionsGreat museum, especially the Barbie exhibitVery nice museum, not too big so you can see everything. Please note that water bottles are not allowed in the exhibits. The special exhibit on Barbie was a must for our daughter. Not to be missed if you have a princess at home big fan of Barbie and Ken.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 2, 2024
- freutmich770 contributionsA Real GemPhoenix should be very proud to have this exceptional museum in their city. It's a real gem! My wife and I spent more than 4 hours checking out every single exhibit. There are some exceptional works here, and the collections are extensive. If you're a museum fan and find yourself in Phoenix, you MUST visit.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 5, 2024
- ScottSan Francisco, California6,671 contributionsFantastic art museumFantastic art museum. Perfect size. Easy to navigate and some very interesting art pieces. Very friendly and helpful staff. I hung out in the coffee shop while my friend perused the museum. Then late in the afternoon I bought a ticket. Easy to do the museum in less than 2 hours.Visited January 2025Traveled with friendsWritten January 7, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,100 reviews
Excellent
639
Very good
322
Average
104
Poor
22
Terrible
13
AZFan
Scottsdale, AZ6,125 contributions
Jul 2022
We are members (which is a great deal if you join after you’ve paid for one admission, cuz they apply it to the membership fee) so we feel very comfortable in this medium sized diverse museum. No, it’s not the Getty but for us it’s an enjoyable and uplifting way to spend some time out of the hot desert sun appreciating the artwork.
Most museum goers know they will not like everything they see. But that doesn’t mean you discount them. I like mostly traditional art, especially the American and European paintings, so some of the more contemporary exhibits escape me, but I am learning more to understand them as I view. The docents offer enthusiastic insights as well. We’ve enjoyed the cafe downstairs very much. The food is surprisingly very good (most museum cafes are prepackaged items to go or very limited menus) but we enjoyed our meals and a glass of wine. They are short staffed, but to a person they were working hard and went out of their way to be friendly. It was full with a line on a previous Saturday so they are doing something right!
And the museum staff here are exceptional. There is always someone available throughout the museum to answer a question or get you to the correct elevator. They are one of the reasons we became members actually and appreciate their knowledgeable and professional presence whenever we visit.
Most museum goers know they will not like everything they see. But that doesn’t mean you discount them. I like mostly traditional art, especially the American and European paintings, so some of the more contemporary exhibits escape me, but I am learning more to understand them as I view. The docents offer enthusiastic insights as well. We’ve enjoyed the cafe downstairs very much. The food is surprisingly very good (most museum cafes are prepackaged items to go or very limited menus) but we enjoyed our meals and a glass of wine. They are short staffed, but to a person they were working hard and went out of their way to be friendly. It was full with a line on a previous Saturday so they are doing something right!
And the museum staff here are exceptional. There is always someone available throughout the museum to answer a question or get you to the correct elevator. They are one of the reasons we became members actually and appreciate their knowledgeable and professional presence whenever we visit.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NMgal4life
Albuquerque, NM175 contributions
Jul 2022
We were looking for an indoor activity (read: air-conditioned) on a recent trip so thought to give this museum a try. The collection is decent (a Monet!) and the exhibits are varied (including a fun disposable fashion exhibit from the 60s) so it was a nice way to spend a few hours. The gardens were lovely and would likely be fantastic in cooler weather. Layout was a bit confusing but there were plenty of helpful staff around.
We were with a military veteran so admission was free; I don't think I would have paid full price to visit otherwise.
We were with a military veteran so admission was free; I don't think I would have paid full price to visit otherwise.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott r
Silver Spring, MD784 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Not your typical big city art museum (but it is the only game in town). Don't go expecting a stellar collection of European (or even American) luminaries. There's a Monet for example, but rather 3rd rate. Do expect to see things you haven't seen - good regionalism, some outsider, lots of Western and Native focus and some quirky, but interesting pieces. Smattering of Asian and, at least this day, couture. Not cheap for what's there, but it is an interestng collection and space. (One large gallery awaited an installation) 2-3 hours will do every inch.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michigan fan
7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
I was expecting a grander experience than what this museum has to offer. The art pieces are displayed well, no doubt about that. My disappointment stems from the underwhelming collection. It wasn't worth the admission fee. I would recommend going on a Wednesday from 3-9pm when it's the pay what you wish system.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter K
Hurricane, UT883 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We visited here on 1/9/25 and spent about 3 hours going through the museum. We thought the Asian section, fashion exhibit and photograph section were interesting. We thought the museum was very much a modern art museum. If that is what you appreciate, you'll enjoy the museum.
The museum has free parking .
There are some interesting outdoor exhibits.
The museum has free parking .
There are some interesting outdoor exhibits.
Written January 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjczoey
Hopkinton, NH178 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We were visiting Phoenix and given my daughter loves art, we try to visit art museum where ever we go. A lot of modern arts, which we are not particularly big fan of. I guess comparing any art museums to Mets or Philadelphia Art museum (2 of my favorites) is not fair but after we were done, we just didn't feel satisfied...
Written January 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaime F
Hamilton, Canada76 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Boring…I thought there would be more traditional paintings than modern work. I’m not really a person that normally enjoys this type of activity but I have been to museums that have more traditional type of art work that I have learned to appreciate but this one wasn’t for me. But I’m glad I didn’t pay to see it as it’s free Wednesdays
Written September 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria P
Carefree, AZ1,831 contributions
Aug 2022
We went on a Culture Pass which includes free admission to their special event. The Museum is a great place to escape the AZ heat. While masks are not required, we felt it necessary to wear ours in certain areas. We started with the special exhibit called Desert Rider. The exhibit is geared toward the American Indian and their relationship with a vehicle. An automobile can provide escape from the reservation. It can also mean a rotting heap in the front yard. The car is significant in their lives and this exhibit studies that.
The Museum store is packed full of fun and lovely souvenirs, jewelry, books, home decor, games and more.
There are several levels to the museum. We took the elevator to the third floor to view the photography portraits. The elevators can be confusing. One bank only goes to the second floor while another elevator toward the rear of the building takes you to the third floor. There are also stairs if you wish to use those.
That particular day there was a video presentation and music.
In one of the upstairs room there was a display of 1960s fashion. It was fun to look back at some of the fashion from that era.
There was also art from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) which we enjoyed.
We thoroughly enjoyed this visit. Large shared parking lot and free WiFi. It was a little difficult to find parking as there was a theater show next door. There is also free street parking available.
The Museum store is packed full of fun and lovely souvenirs, jewelry, books, home decor, games and more.
There are several levels to the museum. We took the elevator to the third floor to view the photography portraits. The elevators can be confusing. One bank only goes to the second floor while another elevator toward the rear of the building takes you to the third floor. There are also stairs if you wish to use those.
That particular day there was a video presentation and music.
In one of the upstairs room there was a display of 1960s fashion. It was fun to look back at some of the fashion from that era.
There was also art from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) which we enjoyed.
We thoroughly enjoyed this visit. Large shared parking lot and free WiFi. It was a little difficult to find parking as there was a theater show next door. There is also free street parking available.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb0718
Coeur d'Alene, ID32 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
If you are in need you haven’t been to this museum, GO. There is depth and breadth here. You can spend a day and see art in a multitude of categories (Modern, abstract, sculpture, mixed media, all types of painting including impressionists and realism, fibers and fabrics.) The works are inclusive showing a broad variety of races and groups, men AND women. You will find western pieces you might expect and then others will surprise you. The curator is superb. The groupings of pieces are wonderful! I will be back.
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BCros1
Rochester Hills, MI298 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We visited on Free Wednesday night and had a good walk around. The Geoffrey Beene exhibit was good. There were mostly southwestern works and a few second or third level works from European artists (a Monet, Toulouse Lautrec...). Favorite item was the firefly room.
Written November 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
where is there Parking at art museum ?
Written January 22, 2019
Free parking ( a very large surface lot) right behind the museum.
Written January 24, 2019
Is there a picture of the pantaloon's made from sewing pins?
Written May 17, 2018
phxart
Phoenix, Arizona
Hello! We are hoping to get approval to share images on this work as it will be in an upcoming exhibition, In the Company of Women. Follow us on social Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - we will share it there if/when we get that approval. :)
Written May 31, 2018
Where is the firefly exhibit located in the Phoenix Art Museum?
Written March 1, 2017
"You who are being obliterated in the flying swarm of Fireflies" is located in the South Wing on the top floor (technically the second but there is a mezzanine between the first and second floors). It is a wonderful experience, the art is all around you! Be careful, don't bump into the mirrored walls.
Written March 2, 2017
Has anyone eaten in the restaurant at the museum? If so, do you recommend it?
Written April 20, 2016
Agree. I have only eaten there once but great all around. Great food, service, atmosphere.
Written April 21, 2016
How close is the Phoenix Art Museum to the Quality Inn Phoenix Airport?
Written April 14, 2016
Its about 15-20 minutes... less if you go outside of rush hour :) The Museum is along the light rail also a great option.
Written April 26, 2016
Are there any days with free admission for Seniors?
Written February 15, 2016
The museum has free admission for the second Sunday of each month. In addition, all Wednesdays after 3 PM are free. Current special exhibits include a fashion retrospective and baseball cards.
Written April 20, 2016
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