Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West celebrates the art, history and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. The rotating exhibitions feature hundreds of Western artworks and rare historic artifacts on loan from some of the world's foremost collectors and institutions. The contemporary, 43,000-square-foot building is an architectural gem that meets the highest standards for sustainability and conservation of natural resources. Located in downtown Scottsdale's arts district, Western Spirit is within easy walking distance of numerous art galleries and restaurants. Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, and was selected 2023 Best Western Museum in the USA by True West magazine.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Cindy SSaint Clair Shores, Michigan47 contributionsTake the docent ToursTo really enjoy this museum and get the most out of your hard earned dollars, you should take the docent tours. The museum offers three each day and we took the latter two. Our docent for both tours was Joe and he jokingly said his name was Joe Friday as he only does tours on that day. He was excellent at pointing out many unique facts about the various displays. The first tour was the main floor and the second upstairs. Both were well worth the time. We then went back through the museum to further examine the great artifacts on display.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 30, 2024
- DebCalabasas, California47 contributionsLoved it! Who knew? Cowboy stuff? Awesome.Awesome place. The docents were very good but only covered a limited area of the museum. Could have spent more time there. We stayed for about 90 minutes and that wasn’t enough. LOTS of really cool stuff and I’m not a big cowboy enthusiast. The art work was amazing. Very historic place. Loved it.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 27, 2024
- Karyn WKansas City, Missouri1,649 contributionsinteresting collection of pieces that reflect about 200 years of history in the western USThis building is beautiful and the collection is impressive. There is artwork from native Americans, and a good amount of history is captured among the many pieces of art here. There are some great paintings, sculptures, pottery, and gear for cowboys. The video at the beginning of our visit was really cool about the grand canyon. There were 3 different tours offered throughout the day. We did one of them and our guide was very excited about what he did (though perhaps more excited than his tour group). I do wish he had used the word Native Americans over "Indians" but I liked how he shared the names of many of the influential people in the west over the last 200 years.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 20, 2024
- travelplan24Saint Louis, Missouri62 contributionsWorth a visit!It was 105 outside and we had time to kill before our flight and checked out the museum. Exceeded expectations for sure! Lots of art with great context to learn about the artists and history. Staff was very friendly! E were there almost 2 hours.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 15, 2024
- andreahallstrom10 contributionsWestern Spirit is a win!Loved it! Recommendations: Parking garage (free) behind the building off of Marshall. Give yourself two hours to get through the museum. You can take photos, just no flash photography. Lots of information available throughout the museum so I didn’t feel like I was missing something without joining a guided tour (they offer a few throughout the day). Exhibits included paintings, pottery, bronze castings, artifacts, and a section on Wild West film. The film section had dine hands on activities (like learning to tie certain knots). Review: This was one of the main experiences I wanted to have on our trip down here and I loved it. Everyone that works here is incredibly friendly as well.Visited December 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 19, 2024
- Rachel BottomsPhoenix, Arizona215 contributionsMake sure you ask for the scavenger hunt if visiting with kids!I am a Scottsdale local, and this museum has been on my list for years! We finally had an opportunity to visit during Scottsdale’s Western Week this year, and it was wonderful! We spent about an hour here with our girls, and I highly recommend doing the scavenger hunt if you visit with kids. It kept my 7 year old engaged the whole time as we walked through each exhibit to answer all of the scavenger hunt questions. My 5 year old spent most of her time in the family area of the gallery, where they have coloring stations, a Candyland-type game, puzzles, and a giant optical-illusion wall mural where you can literally step into the painting. Without kids, I could’ve spent several hours here perusing their incredible western art and artifact collection, but I’m looking forward to visiting again with my children during next years’ Western Week!Visited January 2025Traveled with familyWritten February 1, 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
681 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
128
Average
28
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8
Terrible
5
hbhakh
Roanoke, VA2,348 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I struggled a little bit on scoring this museum. It's conveniently located in downtown Scottsdale with adjacent free parking in a municipal garage. The entrance fee is somewhat expensive at $25.
The exhibits started with some contemporary art (Warhol, etc.), which frankly weren't very attractive. It continued with a display of photos that were nicely done but were mostly shot in Mexico. In our view, the exhibits got better from there. There are interesting displays of western hear (saddles, spurs, etc.) and a nice variety of other related items. The art on the second level was much better.
We spent about 2 hours in the museum and, overall, enjoyed the visit.
The exhibits started with some contemporary art (Warhol, etc.), which frankly weren't very attractive. It continued with a display of photos that were nicely done but were mostly shot in Mexico. In our view, the exhibits got better from there. There are interesting displays of western hear (saddles, spurs, etc.) and a nice variety of other related items. The art on the second level was much better.
We spent about 2 hours in the museum and, overall, enjoyed the visit.
Written October 20, 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.
CityCountryMouse
Ontario, Canada348 contributions
Jan 2023
I would recommend this museum especially those not familiar with the American west, specifically Arizona. Lots of interesting artefacts. We saw the Edward Curtis exhibit - fascinating, and controversial. The biases are there for all to see; this is the case with the museum too. Nonetheless, a worthwhile visit.
Written March 22, 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.
Pathfinder606138
Azusa, CA6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
This museum was amazing. But the most amazing thing was our docent. Can not remember her name but she had a passion for the old west and settling of the West. She told fun interesting stories and when someone asked her a question she knew the answer. I really did not know much about the settling of the West but this docent made it come alive for my friend and I.
Written January 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.
John P
8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We were hoping for a much more thorough exhibit of the old West. For $25 each, I wasn’t expecting to see a bunch of artwork by 2 contemporary artists. Although the art and photography was excellent, there was too much of it and not enough old artifacts. Probably the neatest thing in the museum is a peace pipe used by Lewis and Clark during their exploration.
Written March 19, 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.
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,812 contributions
Jan 2022
We are in our 60’s and thoroughly enjoyed our tour (docent guide Joe was great) and all his knowledge about Edward Curtis and his photography - this museum has something for everyone. Very interesting artifacts from the Lewis & Clark expedition, to modern paintings with a 3D effect.
Really wished we could have stayed for live presentation about Edward Curtis, but time did not allow.
Entry price was $15 per senior and there is free underground parking below the building.
Really wished we could have stayed for live presentation about Edward Curtis, but time did not allow.
Entry price was $15 per senior and there is free underground parking below the building.
Written January 28, 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.
Cal W
7 contributions
May 2022
Edward Curtis spent 30+ years photographing native americans in the late 1800's and early 1900's, in the last twilights of their civilizations. The museum is currently showcasing perhaps the best single collection of his work. It is truly gripping and stunning.
Written May 30, 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.
Thank you - Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis is currently the largest exhibit of its kind. We are extremely proud to be hosting this world class event until April 30, 2023.
Written November 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane P
Region of Waterloo, Canada512 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Expensive museum - $25 per person. Lots of western stuff (saddles, guns) but not very well marked. Overheard a staff person say that most of the museum rooms are used for special exhibits. During our visit, these were focused on two artists. Gift store has typical souvenirs - nothing special. Recommend spending your time & money at the Heard Museum instead.
Written February 26, 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.
sola123
Toronto, Canada526 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Plan to spend a good couple of hours if you really want to explore the many interesting exhibits. The week I was there included a great exhibit of jewellery,
paintings, artifacts, saddles, other cowboy equipment and historic western gear. Weekday afternoon is perfect, with just a few people so lots of time to get close to exhibits. Well curated and explained, easy to do a self guided tour.
paintings, artifacts, saddles, other cowboy equipment and historic western gear. Weekday afternoon is perfect, with just a few people so lots of time to get close to exhibits. Well curated and explained, easy to do a self guided tour.
Written October 7, 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.
Michael M
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
We first visited the museum several years ago and were completely enthralled with the quality and quantity of art on display. The scuptures were many, and the array of oil paintings was vast. We were struck during this visit on how much of the art is no longer there. The first floor is overwhelmed with photography of a single person. While interesting, it is not worthy of the space it consumes. The second floor is mostly the work of a small handful of artists, and much of the art is only tangentially related to the West. Lastly, the entrance fee is excessive. We won't be going back again. Save your money, they're living on their laurels.
Written January 11, 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.
Robert K
Sedona, AZ6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Excellent museum with many interesting historical artifacts and stories. Building is architectural stunning and the historical journey is fascinating. Good view of the western cowboy but the information on indigenous Indians is captured….worth the price and allow at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours
Written April 29, 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.
How much time to see the museum so we can plan accordingly
Written March 3, 2018
Most museum guests spend one and one-half to two hours exploring the museum’s two floors. Docent-led tours (starting at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.) are 45 minutes in length, with each tour focusing on different exhibitions. You can leave for lunch and return the same day without paying again if you retain your museum sticker for re-admission. We look forward to seeing you!
Written March 3, 2018
How much time to see the museum so we can plan accordingly
Written March 3, 2018
I think 2.5 hours was good for our group. No one was rushed and it gave a good amount of time for everyone to enjoy what interested them.
Written March 9, 2018
Does the museum offer wheelchair (free or rental), for visitors that are not able to walk for long distances?
Written January 24, 2017
Thank you for your question. The museum has two wheelchairs on-site that guests can sign out at the main Visitor Services desk. The wheelchairs are free of charge, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Written January 25, 2017
Are the nearby public garages free?
Written June 16, 2016
Thanks for your question, Marilyn. Yes, the City of Scottsdale’s parking garage beneath the museum is free of charge. The garage’s entrance is located in the alley between Goldwater Blvd. and Marshall Way, just north of the museum building.
Written July 18, 2016
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