Summary
In 1929, Dwight and Maie Heard established the Heard Museum in central Phoenix to showcase their personal collection of art and artifacts. Today, this museum emphasizes both traditional and contemporary Native American art, boasting over 35,000 artifacts displayed across ten exhibit galleries.
Heard Museum Permanent Exhibits
Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including:
- History and Collections of the Heard Museum: Located in the Sandra Day O’Connor Gallery, chronicling over seven decades of the museum’s history.
- We Are! Arizona’s First People: An interactive exhibit featuring Arizona’s 21 federally recognized tribal communities.
- Remembering Our Indian School Days: Showcasing historic photographs and first-hand narratives of the Native American boarding school experience.
- Every Picture Tells a Story: An interactive exhibit featuring over 200 cultural and fine art pieces that narrate life experiences.
- HOME: Native People of the Southwest: Showcasing masterpieces and personal accounts of the Southwest.
Heard Museum Facilities
The Heard Museum not only provides a venue to appreciate native art but also emphasizes the accurate representation of Native cultures. It offers lectures, guided tours for school groups, and is home to the Billie Jane Baguley Library and Archives, reinforcing its commitment to education and research.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are available three times daily, offering an enriching experience that lasts approximately 45 minutes and is included in your admission fee. This opportunity allows visitors to delve deeper into the art and cultures represented at the Heard Museum.
Special Events at the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum frequently hosts special events, programs, and festivals that celebrate Native art and culture. Signature events include the Heard Museum Spanish Market, the annual Indian Fair & Market, and the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Furthermore, various programs such as artist demonstrations, performances, and workshops are available for public enjoyment.
Kachinas and Jewelry
One of the unique aspects of the Heard Museum is its extensive collection of Native Southwest jewelry, complemented by approximately 1,200 kachina dolls donated by the late Senator Barry M. Goldwater and the Fred Harvey Company. These pieces reflect the rich artistic traditions of Native culture.
Corporate Meetings and Weddings
The Heard Museum provides beautifully designed spaces suitable for hosting corporate events and weddings, accommodating from 20 to several hundred guests. Its Spanish Colonial-style architecture paired with tranquil desert landscapes creates an ideal setting for special occasions.
Location, Directions, Admission Prices
The Heard Museum offers a range of amenities, including a gourmet café and a unique gift shop. The café operates daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy a meal without an entrance fee.
Heard Museum Address
2301 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004-1323
Contact Information:
602-252-8848 Recorded Information
602-252-8344 Shop
Operating Hours: Every day except New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
General Admission Prices (as of September 2016)
Adults: $18
Seniors (65+): $13.50
Students with valid student ID: $7.50
Children (6-12): $7.50
Children under 6, Heard Museum members, and Native Americans are free.
Directions
The Heard Museum is conveniently located on Central Avenue, between McDowell Road and Thomas Road. Free parking is available on-site.
By Car
If traveling from I-10: exit at Seventh Street, heading north towards McDowell Road, where you will turn left (west). Continue to Central Avenue, then go north until you reach the museum.
By METRO Light Rail
Access via the Central Avenue/Encanto station.
All dates, times, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.
