Best Museums in Scottsdale
Arizona Travel Guide lists the best museums in Scottsdale, including the fabulous Musical Instrument Museum, art museums, and history museums.
The city of Scottsdale, which neighbors Phoenix and is known for its chic shops and galleries, is also home to a number of excellent museums and here we bring you the best of them.
Best Museums in Scottsdale
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
This museum showcases the art, culture, and history of the American West and is highly rated for its exhibits and collections. It features a wide range of exhibits that include Western art, artifacts, and historical items. Visitors can explore artworks, cowboy gear, Native American crafts, and much more, all related to the American West. https://scottsdalemuseumwest.org
Penske Racing Museum
A must-visit for motorsport enthusiasts, this museum displays a remarkable collection of racing cars and memorabilia. The museum houses an impressive collection of over a dozen Penske team race cars, including Indy Cars and NASCAR vehicles. You can get up close to these high-performance racing machines and learn about their history and significance in motorsports.
In addition to the cars, the museum features exhibits dedicated to legendary drivers associated with Team Penske. These exhibits provide insights into the careers and accomplishments of notable racing figures. You can also explore a variety of racing memorabilia, including trophies, racing suits, helmets, and other items that showcase the rich history of Team Penske and its impact on the world of racing.
https://www.penskeautomall.com/
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
SMoCA’s permanent collection includes a range of contemporary artworks that are periodically showcased. It provides a snapshot of the museum’s commitment to contemporary art over time.
The museum also hosts a variety of programs, including artist talks, workshops, and events that provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the art and artists directly.
Musical Instrument Museum
Scottsdale’s Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) offers an extensive collection of musical instruments from around the world and provides an immersive musical experience. In fact it’s the largest collection of musical instruments in the world. See our separate page on the Visiting the Musical Instrument Museum.
Scottsdale Historical Museum
The museum is housed in the historic Little Red Schoolhouse, which adds to its charm and historical significance. You can explore the well-preserved schoolhouse and learn about its history.
The museum features a collection of photographs and exhibits that document the history of Scottsdale. These displays showcase the evolution of the city, including its early settlers, development, and key milestones. Visitors can also learn about the founder of Scottsdale, Winfield Scott, and his contributions to the establishment and growth of the city.
Scottsdale Railroad Museum
The museum is housed within the historic Peoria Depot, providing a unique and authentic setting for exploring railroad history. Inside the museum, you can find a collection of historic artifacts related to railroads. These artifacts include memorabilia, tools, and equipment used in the operation of trains.
The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of railroads and their impact on the development of the region. These exhibits often include photographs, documents, and interactive displays that tell the story of the railroad era. One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to explore vintage train cars. Visitors can step aboard and get a sense of what it was like to travel by train in the past.
If you’re a model train enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the model train displays at the museum. These miniature railways depict various scenes and eras of railroad history.
https://www.therailroadpark.com/rides-and-attractions/exhibits/
Hall of Flame Fire Museum
The museum houses a vast collection of historical firefighting equipment, including vintage fire engines, hoses, helmets, and uniforms. You can get up close to these artifacts and learn about their role in firefighting history.
The museum showcases a wide range of firefighting vehicles from different eras. You can see horse-drawn fire carriages, early motorized fire trucks, and modern fire apparatus, providing a comprehensive view of the evolution of firefighting technology.
Taliesin West
Taliesin West was the winter home and desert laboratory of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark open to the public. You can take guided tours of the property to explore the unique architecture of Taliesin West, learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative design concepts and see how he integrated the structures with the surrounding desert landscape.
The site also houses a collection of artifacts and furnishings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. You can view these pieces and gain insight into his design philosophy. In addition, Taliesin West features landscaped gardens and terraces that offer stunning desert views.
OUR PICK OF THE GUIDES
From that blues bar you haven’t visited yet to the desert hike you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Phoenix & Tucson.
- Cool things to do in and around the cities: Kick back at a Spring Training game or squeeze into the grandstands of El Gran Mercado for some lucha libre. Bike the famed Loop in Tucson, kayak Tempe Town Lake, and lace up your boots for an urban hike in the Phoenix Mountains. Support local BIPOC writers at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and taste what’s on tap at a women-owned brewery. Savor Sonoran-style food like tamales and carne asada or try authentic Tohono O’odham fry bread.
