Best Museums in Tucson

Ettore "Ted" de Grazia, Tucson's most famous painter, left his studio/gallery in the Catalina foothills for the public to enjoy as a museum of Southwestern art. The building is made from adobe, which is common for this hot and arid area, and is surrounded by cactus and other desert plants. De Grazia was fascinated by the colors and cultures of the American Southwest, and that is what his art is all about. Gallery tours can be scheduled and take 90 minutes.

Located on the scenic Gates of Pass Road and surrounded by stately saguaros, the International Wildlife Museum invites visitors to take a grand tour of the fauna of the earth. African antelopes share their space with big polar bears here, who despite being taxidermied look very much alive. Apart from stuffed animals, the museum also features wildlife films, dioramas, and interactive computer games. If you are planning on bringing a larger group, discounted group rates are available.

Tucson Museum of Art proudly features pieces created by artists in American West and Latin American. Most of the pieces are also contemporary modern in nature. The museum also features works by some of Arizona's most talented artists. Children under 12 and members are admitted free of charge and it's free for all on the first Sunday of the month. If art is what intrigues you, especially that of a local variety, then this place is a must-visit.

Center For Creative Photography is one of the nation's finest museums of photographic art. Founded in 1975 with the aid of world-renowned photographer Ansel Adams as part of the University of Arizona Art Complex, the Center is now an established institution offering public access to its large photo collection and research facilities. Today it is home to over 200 archival photo collections, as well as 90,000 photos by over 2,200 photographers. Gifts and photo publications are available at the on-site gift store.

Located on the University of Arizona campus, University of Arizona Museum of Art is home to a remarkable collection of Renaissance as well as 19th to 20th century art including works of such giants as Rembrandt, Rodin, Georgia O'Keefe, Rothko and Hopper. Apart from the permanent 15th century exhibit upstairs, there are changing exhibits around prominent artists and themes. The on-site bookstore and gift shop is a great place to pick up a souvenir as well.