Phoenix Art Museum551

"Cool art. In a cool place."

The Phoenix Art Museum's catchphrase says it all. A constant temperature of 72 degrees with 50% humidity makes it not only a safe environment for Monet, but also the perfect place for Valley families to chill out, year-round.

A recent $50 million expansion project increased interior space to 203,000 square feet and redesigned over 47,000 square feet of the facility's exterior spaces, adding impressive architectural elements. The museum, first opened in 1959, now boasts a canopied entrance plaza off Central Avenue and a striking, glass-enclosed lobby highlighting graceful desert landscaping and a contemporary waterfall. A dynamic six-screen display allows visitors to view museum information and activities at a glance.

The new four-level Ellen and Howard C. Katz Wing for Modern Art houses six new galleries and four newly reconfigured galleries. Kids will love the gravity-defying cantilever staircase, while stroller-toting moms will appreciate the easy access of the central elevator. The dramatic addition also boasts a 48-foot-high atrium, light wells, and balcony overlooks that provide spectacular views of the new Sculpture Garden.

There's plenty to enjoy in the original gallery space, of course. Families won't want to miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms - exquisite dollhouse-sized recreations of historic interiors - or the interactive PhxArtKids Gallery (formerly the ArtWorks Gallery), a colorful nook on the second floor that provides hands-on and "brains-on" fun for all ages.

A limited number of KidsPacks are available for checkout at the front desk. These child-size backpacks provide children ages 6-11 with activity cards, puzzles, looking activities, and other creative challenges that correspond to featured art pieces. Families will also want to check out a free bilingual audio guide, featuring entertaining audio art stops designed especially for children.

The museum offers extended hours and free admission from 3pm to 9pm every Tuesday.

Guided tours are included in the price of admission. Tours last one hour and are offered daily at 1pm (featured exhibitions) and 2pm (Masterworks tour, also offered at 11am on Saturdays). Both tours are repeated on Tuesdays at 6pm. The museum also offers a variety of carefully arranged tour options for school and adult groups. Group tours must be arranged several weeks in advance and are subject to the relevant admission fees.

Family Fun Days are offered monthly, as are Teen Seen events and activities for ages 12-18. Ongoing programs also include Movies at the Museum each Sunday at 2pm, and Music at the Museum, scheduled throughout the year. Most events are free or are included with admission; check our event calendar for details.

The Art Museum Café by Arcadia Farms offers casual dining Tue-Sun, 10am-4pm. The menu features sandwiches, fresh salads, and desserts. A children's menu is also available.

The newly expanded Museum Store is open during normal museum hours and features a wide variety of exhibition-related items, handcrafted jewelry, stationery, gift items, toys, and books.

Family memberships are available.