Music lovers should head to the Musical Instrument Museum which has a collection of 15,000 musical instruments as well as multimedia exhibits. The collection of musical instruments comes from every corner of the world. Many so strange, they are exhibited along with an instructional video. Visitors get the opportunity to learn diverse music styles that exist around the globe. The museum also has live performances held at its theater.
Located close to the city of Scottsdale, the Camelback Mountain watches over Phoenix, Arizona's sweeping semi-arid plains from a spectacular elevation of nearly 2704 feet (824.17 meters). The mountain gets its name from the resemblance it bears to the unmistakable shape of a camel's hump. There are two trails- Echo Canyon and Cholla which beckon rock climbers and make for challenging hiking excursions. Antelope squirrels, hawks, and snakes are the landscape's most widely spread inhabitants. The Praying Monk red sandstone formation is arguably the site's most noticeable sight.
The Desert Botanical Garden was opened in 1939 to preserve the area's pristine desert environment. Today, the garden helps save endangered plants, with the focus still on native flora and a special emphasis on succulents. The cactus collection is world-renowned and between March through May, the seasonal blooms are spectacular. The garden hosts several events throughout the year, some of which include the popular 'Butterfly Habitat' during the spring and the 'Luminarias' during the holiday season. If you come during the summer months, don't forget your hat and sunscreen.
One of the largest in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum includes a staggering collection of exhibits from the world over. Permanent displays in this facility include miniature interiors as well as 20th-century art. Featured pieces cover contemporary art and fashion design with international exhibits from Europe, Asia, Latin America as well as Western America. Interactive, hands-on activities are featured for kids at the PhxArtKids space. Traveling displays are often included in the museum's highlights. Exhibits include popular works by Ubertini, Nicolas Lepicie, Max Beckmann, Robert Henri, Eugène Boudin and many more.
Founded in 1929 by Dwight B. and Marie Bartlett Heard, this museum houses tributes to American Indian art and culture. At the Heard Museum, permanent displays are showcased along with traveling exhibits displaying the rich heritage of the people. Home of approximately 40,000 artifacts, the museum has on display American Indian jewelry and more than four hundred Hopi katsina dolls. Heard Museum also has an exhibition that narrates the stories of Native Americans in 19th-century boarding schools.
If you are in Phoenix and enjoy going on easy treks, then Papago Park is the place for you. With its sandstone buttes, marked paths and slight elevation, it is perfect for family hiking trips and there are plenty of easy mountain bike paths. The most notable attraction of the park is the hole in the rock formation, which formed over thousands of years most likely from water erosion. For the more adventurous, visitors can climb the face of the rock for an unparalleled view of Phoenix. Additionally, the park is close to famous attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
Arizona Buddhist Temple carries the distinction of being the oldest Buddhist temple in the state. Built in the 1930s, it was closed for a time during World War II, then ravaged by fire and rebuilt in 1961. Affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America and Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan, the temple is open to all people to hear the Dharma together as one family. This is in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha and Shinran Shonin. Educational programs include teachings of Buddhism for Pre-K through high school, as well as adults. Credit cards are not accepted.
Highlighting graduate students of Arizona State University art program's work, Grant Street Studios is a hidden Phoenix gem. The gallery is tucked away in a historic industrial building in the warehouse district of the city, and is responsible for spurring an art revival in the area. From sculptures, paintings, installations and other unique pieces, visitors are bound to find intriguing art.
Cosanti, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is an architectural haven envisioned by Italian architect Paolo Soleri in 1956. This historic site showcases Soleri's innovative ideas on urban planning and sustainable design. The unique concrete structures and bronze wind bells created on-site against the backdrop of the serene desert setting are truly a sight to behold. It stands as a tribute to Soleri's dedication to harmonizing human living with the natural environment. The building, an architectural wonder in itself, is a designated Arizona Historic Site making it a must-visit attraction in Scottsdale.
Indulge in a city escape and discover the breathtaking beauty of the sun-drenched Sonoran Desert, characterized by striking peaks and distinctive wildlife. Pinnacle Peak Park stands as an ideal hiking spot for both adventure seekers and tourists in search of thrills. Take in the unparalleled and magnificent views of the gorge from the summit. The park offers essential amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, a parking area, a drinking fountain, and a ramada for added convenience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Music lovers should head to the Musical Instrument Museum which has a collection of 15,000 musical instruments as well as multimedia exhibits. The collection of musical instruments comes from every corner of the world. Many so strange, they are exhibited along with an instructional video. Visitors get the opportunity to learn diverse music styles that exist around the globe. The museum also has live performances held at its theater.
The Theatre Artists Studio is a performing arts facility that aims to promote local artists in Scottsdale. Plays, comedy acts, workshops and such other programs are regularly held at this art hub. Featuring 2 stages, public performances are held in the 96 seater auditorium. The stage design enables audiences to enjoy the act in a more relaxed and interactive environment. The studio can be rented for private events as well. Do check their event schedule for regular updates and events.