Heard Museum
Heard Museum Phoenix: A Must-Visit for Art Lovers
Looking for things to do in Phoenix? If you’re an art lover, the Heard Museum is a must-see destination. The museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. This non-profit museum is dedicated to the study and preservation of Native American and Indigenous art and culture. With over 17,000 objects in its collection, the Heard Museum houses one of the largest repositories of pre-European contact Indigenous art and artifacts in the world. The museum regularly hosts workshops, lectures, films, concerts, festivals and other events that are open to the public. The Heard also has two locations: The original location at Stratford Upon Avon Drive near Central High School in east central Phoenix as well as a new location in uptown Phoenix where you can find new exhibitions year-round.
Check Out These Exhibits at the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum has several permanent and temporary exhibits that are worth checking out. The Spirit of Native American Art: The Heard Museum Collection is a permanent exhibition that displays more than 260 objects from the museum’s collection. The Mythic Creatures exhibition features a collection of masks, sculptures and textiles from the museum’s African art collection and other collections. Other permanent exhibitions include Southwestern Artists, Changing Hands: The Artist’s View, Housed: Contemporary Quilts and Textiles from Native American Communities and two special exhibitions: Looking for the Southwest: The Photography of Edward Curtis and Disrobing the West: Indigenous Women and the Colonization of the American Imagination.
Heard Museum’s Most Famous Artifacts
- The War Shield of the Apache Tribe: This shield is on display in the Mythic Creatures exhibition and is one of the most popular artifacts at the museum. It was acquired by the Heard Museum in 1926.
- The White Buffalo Hide: This hide was acquired in 1901 by the founder of the Heard Museum and is the most sacred of all buffalo hides. It is currently on display in Southwestern Artists exhibition.
- The Huichol Maguey Cactus: This cactus was acquired in 1938 and is one of the most famous exhibits in the museum. It is currently on display in the Spirit of Native American Art exhibition.
- The Navajo Rug: This rug was acquired in 1955 and is another famous exhibit at the museum. It is currently on display in the Changing Hands exhibition.
The Desert Gallery: An Important Part of the Heard Museum
The Desert Gallery, located within the museum, is an important part of the Heard Museum and houses many of the museum’s most famous pieces. The Desert Gallery is an indoor-outdoor space that allows visitors to experience art in a new way by bringing pieces outside of the museum walls. The Desert Gallery is located on the south side of the museum near Central Avenue and the Phoenix Indian School. It houses sculptures, paintings, weavings and other artistic creations from a variety of artists. The Desert Gallery also hosts events such as music, dance and poetry nights. These events are open to the public and are a great way to experience the art and culture of the museum in a new way.
Other Attractions at the Heard Museum
- The Courtyard Café: This café offers a wide selection of foods, desserts and drinks in a casual setting that is perfect for enjoying a snack or meal while at the museum.
- The Children’s Corner: This is an interactive space with different activities and exhibits designed for tots and children under 12 years old.
- The Heard Museum Shop: This store is a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs and also supports the museum’s mission by featuring art and artifacts from the museum’s collection.
- The Outdoor Sculpture Garden: This outdoor space is home to a collection of sculptures donated by artists and collectors. The Sculpture Garden is open during museum hours and is a great place to wander and take in some culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the desert and gardens.
Bottom Line
The Heard Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and people interested in Native American culture and history. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions, events and programs that are worth checking out. The museum is also a great place to bring the family as it offers a wide range of exhibitions, activities and programs that are suitable for all ages. If you’re looking for things to do in Phoenix, check out the Heard Museum. You’ll be glad you did!
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