Where to go in Tucson for Art Galleries & Museums

ARIZONA HISTORY MUSEUM
The highlights of this museum include a history of transportation in Arizona, including a wagon and a 1912 Studebaker. Visitors can also get a glimpse of the state’s mining history with many underground treasures and a replica of an underground mine.
949 E. 2nd St., Tucson
arizonahistoricalsociety.org
(520) 628-5774
THE ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
Surround yourself in the natural beauty of the Sonoran desert as you hike over two miles of winding trails. Glimpse wildlife in their natural habitats, check out the hummingbird aviary or head inside the museum to peruse the aquarium, art galleries and animal shows.
2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson
desertmuseum.org
(520) 883-2702
ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM
This anthropological museum located on the campus of the University of Arizona boasts the largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery. It also offers public programs throughout the year that celebrate native cultures.
1013 E. University Blvd., Tucson
statemuseum.arizona.edu
(520) 621-6302
CONTRERAS GALLERY AND JEWELRY
If you want to get a feel for the culture and community of artists in Tucson, this cute gallery located in the city’s Warehouse Arts District has a new fine art group exhibition on the first Saturday of every month. There is also beautiful custom-made jewelry available for purchase.
110 E. 6th St., Tucson
contrerashousefineart.com
(520) 398-6557
DECO
Bespoke jewelry, salvage items and art inspired by the neon signs that light up the Tucson streets are all featured inside this offbeat, sister-owned gallery.
331 S. Olsen Ave., Tucson
decoarttucson.com
(520) 319-0888
IGNITE SIGN ART MUSEUM
Jude Cook has spent most of his career creating and restoring neon signs. Now he’s sharing his illuminating collection of pieces with those interested in the city’s bright past and shining future.
331 S. Olsen Ave., Tucson
ignitemuseum.com
(520) 319-0888
DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN
Known for his impressionist paintings of angels and native children, there are more than 15,000 pieces of Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia’s works in the permanent collection of this historic museum designed by the artist. Original artworks are also available for purchase.
6300 N. Swan Road, Tucson
degrazia.org
(520) 299-9191
DESERT ARTISANS’ GALLERY
Representing Southern Arizona artists for more than 30 years, this member-owned and-operated gallery features captivating works of art, including paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic; photography; jewelry; pottery; and works in metal, glass and wood.
6536 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson
desertartisansgallery.com
(520) 722-4412
ETHERTON GALLERY
Photographic icons along with local and regional artists have graced the walls of this gallery for more than four decades. In addition to featuring artwork from other mediums, there are free programs and events throughout the year.
340 S. Convent Ave., Tucson
ethertongallery.com
(520) 624-7370
MADARAS GALLERY
The gallery presents the bold, Southwestern artworks of Diana Madaras, along with works by 26 guest artists. There is something for everyone, from original paintings and canvas reproductions, to sculpture and unique Southwestern gifts and keepsakes.
3035 N. Swan Road, Tucson
madaras.com
(520) 615-3001
MINI TIME MACHINE MUSEUM
Dedicated to the preservation and display of antique and contemporary miniatures, the museum showcases more than 500 miniature houses and room boxes, with each one containing dozens if not hundreds of tiny objects. The concept was born out of the notion that visitors are seemingly transported to different eras by the stories and history of the pieces in the collection.
4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson
theminitimemachine.org
(520) 881-0606
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART TUCSON
In addition to displaying revolving modern exhibits featuring the work of local, regional, national and international artists, this converted downtown Tucson firehouse frequently hosts poetry readings, concerts, dance recitals and many other events that highlight the region’s creative community.
265 S. Church Ave., Tucson
moca-tucson.org
(520) 624-5019
PHILABAUM GLASS GALLERY
Eye-catching glass vases, paperweights, platters, stemware and sculptures grace the interior of this former Tastee-Freez restaurant. It’s also the only all-glass gallery in southern Arizona.
711 S. 6th Ave., Tucson
philabaumglass.com
(520) 884-7404
THE TUCSON DESERT ART MUSEUM
This museum boasts one of the best collections of Hopi and Navajo textiles in Arizona. These saddle blankets, optical art textiles and Yei weavings are displayed alongside special historical exhibits and artwork from Maynard Dixon, Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt and Gerald Cassidy.
7000 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson
tucsondart.org
(520) 202-3888
TOHONO CHUL
Nature and creativity meet in this 49-acre landmark considered to be “one of the world’s 10 best botanical gardens” by Travel + Leisure. When you’ve completed your desert tour, head inside the gift shop to sneak a peek at the local artworks.
7366 Paseo del Norte, Tucson
tohonochul.org
(520) 742-6455