In 1929, pioneer settlers Dwight and Maie Heard built a museum in a Spanish Colonial building in order to showcase their collection of American Indian artwork, which is today considered to be one the finest Native American collections of its kind in the country. The Heard Museum is open to the public daily, year-round except on Easter Sunday, July 4th, and Christmas Day, so everyone can enjoy the sizable collection.
There are now two locations for the Heard Museum: one in north Scottsdale and one in central Phoenix. The original museum in downtown Phoenix has been greatly expanded since 1929 and can be easily accessed via the North Central Avenue rail stop or by car. Parking on the grounds is free. The grounds also house an American Indian art shop and a café, as well as a sculpture and native plant garden—so save some time to eat, shop, and take a relaxing stroll outdoors.
The Heard Museum collection includes high-quality art and craft pieces from pre-Columbian times up to the present day. The museum explores the American Indian way of life through exhibitions and art demonstrations. Learn the history and stories of some of North America’s indigenous people by exploring the 12 galleries filled with more than 40,000 objects. Paintings, carvings, sculptures, and Hopi Katsina dolls are all on display. Join a guided tour to see the museum's highlights, and be sure to stop by the video display showing Native Americans from the region’s major tribes discussing art, daily life, and their relationship with the land.
Educational programs are great for both children and adults. Families can enjoy hands-on activities like making weave beads, Yaqui paper flowers, and Apache burden baskets. The Heard Museum also offers a lecture series, as well as hosting artefacts markets and other events, one of the most popular of which is the annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Check their website for a full list of events and activities, as well as to find days with free guided tours and free admission.
