Each May The International Council of Museums designates a day as International Museum Day. In 2012, International Museum Day is on Friday, May 18. The theme for 2012 is "Museums in a Changing World. New Challenges, New Inspirations." Several Central Arizona Museums host special events throughout the month of May to focus attention on our wonderful museums.
Of course, we have many wonderful museums in the Greater Phoenix area that offer free admission on a regular basis, and some are free every day. See a list of Phoenix area museums with free admission.
Phoenix Museums With Special Events For Museum Day in May
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Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park
"Concentrating on Arizona in the 20th and 21st centuries, the museum is filled with stories about World War II and its effects in Arizona, stories about the rise of desert cities, and stories about Arizona popular culture." 1300 N. College Avenue, Tempe.
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m -
Arizona Military Museum
The Arizona Military Museum houses displays relating to the military history of Arizona and Arizonans who served in the military including Conquistadors, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, Arizona Territory, Indian Wars. Spanish-American War, The Border Incident (Punitive Expedition), WWI, WWII (including a special display about the Bushmasters), Korean War, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Army Air Corps, USAF, and the AZ National Guard. The museum is located on the Papago Military Reservation at 5600 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ.
In 2012: (usually participates, but no information about 2012 yet) -
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa is celebrating May Museum Month with a special Birthday Party. The block in front of the museum on Macdonald Street will have a live band, dinosaur bounce houses, crafts, games and food vendors. Bookman's is sponsoring the event. The entire museum will be open and free with cake and ice cream served in the lobby (while supplies last).
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. -
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
The Rock Art Center, a 47-acre nature preserve, archaeological site, and museum, protects the largest concentration of Native American rock art in the Phoenix Valley. The interpretive trail takes visitors back 5000 years when ancient people marked boulders with thousands of petroglyphs. 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Glendale.
In 2012: Two-for-one museum admission on May 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. -
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
"Arizona’s most Western museum." Map to downtown Wickenburg.
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -
Heard Museum
"One of the world’s finest destinations for learning about American Indian arts and cultures." Map to Heard Museum.
In 2012: (usually participates, but no information about 2012 yet)
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Pueblo Grande Museum
Pueblo Grande Museum is the site of the prehistoric Hohokam's archaeological ruins of the platfom mound, ballcourt and canal systems. In addition our outdoor interpretive trail has replicated housing and agricultural systems. Inside are three exhibit galleries and a theatre that focus on the Hohokam, archaeology, native people, and the southwest. Map to Pueblo Grande Museum. See the video!
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. -
River of Time Museum
Follow the timeline of the Lower Verde River Valley from its geologic origins to its present day panorama. Fountain Hills.
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. -
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Presents exhibitions on contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design. Map to SMoCA in Scottsdale.
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. -
Superstition Mountain Museum
The Superstition Mountain Museum collects, preserves and displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction and the surrounding region. Located on the Apache Trail.
In 2012: Free admission on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Visit the Central Arizona Museum Association for more information about museum offerings in the Phoenix area.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
