Free Museums in Tempe Town Lake

"The largest art museum in the Southwestern United States, the Phoenix Art Museum houses hundreds of thousands of works of art and is home to a sculpture garden, a cafe, a research library, auditorium and the PhxArtKids gallery. Open for mingling and group gatherings, the museum also invites visitors to take in the aesthetics of the facility during holiday parties, business luncheons and special ceremonies. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N."

"Although sometimes overlooked, this museum is considered the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. It houses a wide collection of more than 20,000 artistic articles of all kinds and from a diversity of origins such as American art, Latin American, or European art. In addition, you can also find occasional exhibitions, live concerts or various cultural events."

"For example, you can see art from America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe here. Furthermore, there are sections of the museum about modern art, contemporary art, fashion, design, and photography. In short, there is much to see here!"

"With an emphasis on fun, the Arizona Science Center's exhibits open up the world of science to kids and adults alike. From the "Forces of Nature" exhibit, which features interactive displays that explain the weather, to “All About Me,” an anatomy exhibit, there’s always something to learn. Check the website for seasonal exhibits and special events."

"Five stories high, the Arizona Science Center is the largest and most interactive museum in Phoenix. One full day is hardly enough to explore it. A great learning environment, the Science Center features hands-on exhibits from all branches of science."

"One of Phoenix’s unique museums, Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, is located on the ruins of 1500 years old Hohokam. It unravels the Hohokam and the southwestern tribes’ hidden treasures and gives a guided tour across the prehistoric mounds and the canal irrigation system’s extraordinary past. The former president of Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society got acquisition over the Hohokam village of Pueblo Grande and, in 1924, assigned it to the City of Phoenix."

"The Pueblo Grande Museum is a perfect place to learn about the Hohokam people who have lived in the Phoenix area from A.D."

"This attraction on the west side of Papago Park chronicles the history of firefighting, but is also the setting for the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which pays tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty or have been decorated for feats of heroism. In the museum’s galleries are more than 90 preserved pieces of antique firefighting equipment, the oldest dating back to 1725. These pieces come from as far afield as Japan, Germany and England, and include beautiful horsedrawn carts and motorised engines up to 1969."

"Dedicated to firefighters and firefighting, the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting showcases more than 130 wheeled pieces, from hand pumpers to big steam fire engines to modern fire trucks. There are also more than 10,000 smaller items on display that help tell the story of how humans have interacted with fire throughout history. Most visitors begin with the 10-minute introductory video and end in the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which honors those who have died in the line of service or been decorated for heroism."

"This is the last of the museums that we are going to visit in the city of Phoenix. It is not the typical museum that you find in any city so, in my opinion, it is one of the best museums you can visit. The pieces, collections, and history of both the Arizona fire department and other regions of the world, is an unforgettable experience."

"British artists Vicky Isley and Paul Smith have collaborated with science institutions over the past decade to create video installations that explore how large scale environmental changes have altered disease transmission. The exhibition, “Restless Balance: boredomresearch” is also the U.S. premiere of the video, “In Search of Chemozoa,” along with three earlier works that include animated robots navigating Venice’s polluted canals, flight patterns of mosquitos carrying malaria and intertidal snails adjusting to changed coastal conditions. Exhibition runs through April 24."

"One of the most overlooked museums in the Valley, the Arizona State University Art Museum houses thousands of pieces reflecting a wide range of themes and styles that include almost everything from southwestern influences to media art. The museum’s affiliation with the Ceramics Research Center also gives way to an impressive array of American ceramic pieces. ASU Art Museum, 51 E."

"And if that isn’t enough, the museum is housed at Arizona State University. So if you’re done exploring the museum, you can always explore the university grounds. The ASU Art Museum presents works from regional artists, and the exhibits are constantly rotating."

"Consider adding an IMAX or Planetarium show to your visit. This museum is fun for families with older children and teens, as well as young children."

"The Phoenix Police Museum has some really interesting exhibits for the whole family to check out. Children can put on actual police uniforms for the city of Phoenix and get “sworn in” by the officers that are there. You can explore a display of an 1881 police station and what it would have looked like back then."

"What better way to learn about the history of the Phoenix Police Department than by visiting the Phoenix Police Museum?. Here, you’ll learn a lot of cool and interesting facts of Phoenix law enforcement history from 1881 until today. That’s over 130 years of stories!"

"Run by the Arizona Historical Society, this small museum tells the story of Arizona. Plan on spending about an hour here."

"CityScape is situated near the Valley’s professional sports and entertainment centers. A few steps from CityScape, is Talking Stick Arena, Chase Field, The Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona State University’s downtown campus, and various government agencies. The shopping center occupies two city blocks and has over 20 shops such as Urban Outfitters, Lucky Strike, Hotel Palomar Phoenix, The Corner, Stand Up Live, Copper Blues, Charming Charlie, The Arrogant Butcher, Five Guys, Jimmy John’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, The Breakfast Club, CVS Pharmacy, and a lot more."

"Located 2 blocks from Hyatt Regency Phoenix, CityScape is the place for dining, nightlife, shopping, entertainment, business, events and celebrations."

"The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) invites visitors into its cultural space for a celebration of Latino culture. The organization also strives to empower local artists and make them part of a greater arts and culture network. Inside, visitors can explore ALAC’s Galeria 147, the main exhibition area that features the work of artists as well as musical shows and dance features."

"This is not just one of the free museums in Phoenix you should visit when in the downtown area. The Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center is also a great hidden gem that holds events for local artists from Hispanic and Native communities to showcase their work. It’s truly a beautiful organization helping a great cause."

"This gallery and gift shop right downtown showcases the talent of Latin American artists. Visitors say, “This little out of the way gallery is worth the hunt – everything Mexico is there in all its splendor."

"Costello Gallery features work by a number of fabulous local, national and international artists at various stages of their careers. With more than 40 years of combined experience in the art business, this gallery showcases some of the best art you’ll find in Scottsdale."

"Fried fish of various types, along with shrimp and chicken platters or even burgers, are all fair game here. For a trip to Flavortown, though, you should try a fish sandwich (made with the fish of your choice). We recommend the catfish, hands down!"

"Pierce St., Phoenix, 602-267-1266, thebreadfruit.com Take an evening sojourn to Jamaica, savoring jerk chicken grilled over pimento wood or Red Stripe curried shrimp while sipping a rum-laden cocktail, courtesy of the husband-and-wife team of chef Danielle Leoni and spirits specialist Dwayne Allen. It’s so classy, it kills us, mon."

"Breadfruit and Rum Bar is a stone’s throw from the Downtown Farmers Market, offering some of the most exciting cocktails in the state. With more than 150 premium rums, this is a Caribbean dream in tasteful surroundings. It’s not cheap, but you will leave with wobbly legs having dined well on island-themed food."

"This highly-awarded Downtown Phoenix drinking place is not like your regular bar or anything else you can find in the Valley. You can’t resist a drink whenever you go there. The Breadfruit has a collection of some of the best rums that you can find in Arizona, over 150 to be precise."

"Superb food and service are hallmarks of this highly regarded national chain whose Scottsdale location takes design cues from Frank Lloyd Wright in the form of natural materials and strong geometry. It's fitting that the work of a master architect should dovetail with the accomplished preparation of succulent, dry-aged steaks and chops. Whet your appetite with chilled caviar or fresh oysters before diving into a porcini-rubbed Delmonico, lamb chops, or a veal chop with roquefort butter."

"When you’re craving red meat, head to The Capital Grille, renowned for dry-aged steaks, and an excellent wine list to accompany, the Capital Grille is still able to host large groups. But, the restaurant is perfect for an intimate evening. Expect old school wait-service, well-crafted meals, and attention to detail at The Capital Grille."