Phoenix Art MuseumAbout Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum is a major art museum in Phoenix, Arizona, established in 1959 and known for a broad collection spanning historical and contemporary works.
The institution was founded in 1959 and has expanded its exhibition and public programming over subsequent decades to encompass additional collections and education facilities. It has hosted major traveling exhibitions and developed a notable fashion and design collection as part of its modern and contemporary programming.
Sited on Central Avenue in Midtown Phoenix, the museum sits within the city’s cultural corridor and is accessible by local transit and road routes.
- Collection size: The museum’s holdings exceed 18,000 works, making it one of the largest art collections in the southwestern United States.
- Location in city: Located on Phoenix’s Central Avenue arts corridor, adjacent to other cultural institutions in Midtown Phoenix.
What to See#
- Major collections: Holds major collection areas including American and European art, Asian art, Latin American art and modern and contemporary art, with rotating temporary exhibitions.
- Fashion and Design Gallery: Maintains a Fashion and Design Gallery that presents historical and contemporary costume and textile exhibitions on a regular basis.
- Sculpture Garden: Contains an outdoor Sculpture Garden used for display of 20th and 21st century sculpture and occasional performances.
Nearby Attractions to Phoenix Art Museum
Best Time to Visit Phoenix Art Museum
Indoor attraction-choose times to avoid school groups (weekday mornings are quieter).
Weather & Climate near Phoenix Art Museum
Phoenix Art Museum's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 42°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 20° | 13° | 19 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 23° | 15° | 19 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 25° | 17° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 30° | 21° | 6 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 17° - 35° | 26° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 22° - 40° | 31° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 26° - 42° | 34° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 26° - 41° | 33° | 30 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 38° | 30° | 21 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 15° - 32° | 24° | 17 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 25° | 17° | 16 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 5° - 20° | 13° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Phoenix Art Museum
The museum is a short drive from downtown Phoenix; on‑street parking and a garage are available. Valley Metro bus routes and light rail connections serve Central Avenue nearby-the Central/Thomas light rail station is a 10-15 minute walk.
Tips for Visiting Phoenix Art Museum
- Visit on a Thursday evening for extended hours and fewer crowds in special exhibitions.
- Check the museum's website for rotating exhibitions and free community events-Phoenix Art Museum often hosts late nights and film screenings.
- Pair a visit with a walk through Steele Indian School Park (a short drive) to see outdoor public art and to avoid downtown parking stress.