Founded in 1893 and located on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, the Arizona State Museum (ASM) is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate dedicated to investigating and celebrating the ancient indigenous and enduring Native cultures of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. When you visit this historic institution, you step into a world showcasing over ten millennia of human habitation, lifeways, art, and communication. You can explore rich collections featuring pottery, jewelry, woven baskets, textiles, and clothing, alongside a vast photographic collection of over 350,000 prints, negatives, and transparencies detailing regional ethnology and prehistory.
Notably, the museum houses the world's largest collection of Southwest Indian pottery, protecting 20,000 historic vessels in a specialized, state-of-the-art vault. Beyond physical artifacts, ASM offers vibrant public programming including lectures, workshops, hands-on activities, and educational travel tours. However, visitors should note that the museum's public building—the Raymond H.
Thompson Building—has been closed to the public since August 2024 due to necessary repairs on its outdated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire safety systems. Checking online exhibit resources beforehand ensures you stay informed on current outreach and research offerings from this premier southwestern cultural center.
What to see at Arizona State Museum
- World's largest Southwest Indian pottery collection holding 20,000 vessels
- Over 350,000 historical photographs documenting Southwestern and Mexican prehistory
- Diverse collections of Native American textiles, baskets, clothing, and jewelry
- Smithsonian Institution affiliate exploring more than 10,000 years of regional culture
Visiting tips
Check the museum's website before planning your trip, as the physical building has been closed to the public since August 2024 for system repairs.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Flexible
How to get there & what’s nearby
Arizona State Museum is easy to reach on Tucson’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mosque Tucson and John P. Schaefer Center for Creative Photography. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tucson travel guide.
See the full Tucson travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.