The heard museum is an amazing place to spend a couple of hours with an absolutely deceptively large collection fit in a relatively small footprint. Very conveniently located next to the light rail station. Also participates in Bank of America Museums on Us promotion.They focus on Native American culture and there were special exhibits when I went in September 2021 of the way that Native Americans were treated on the reservations which gave a good glimpse and insights that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Extremely pretty sculptures located both inside and outside of the museum. The tribal lands map and all the jewelry available on the reservations was extremely impressive and you’re unlikely to be able to find such an in-depth of Native American history anywhere else in the world.
Incredible place, so much to know and learn about the Native American history, and how so much of it was systematically erased, and yet the Native Americans cling to their history, their heritage and their legacy like it was something invaluable.The boarding school exhibit was really something. Visit this museum and educate yourself on one of the essential elements of America—the Native American culture, and history.There are a lot of free parking spaces outside the museum. I’ll be back here again when I’m in Phoenix.
The Heard Museum offers two tours every hour or so. one is a little longer than the other. The tours are excellent. Their tour guides must volunteer for 9 months before they are allowed to take people on the tour. Their knowledge of what youre looking at is invaluable. So disappointed last week when I took my son for his first visit and they no longer offer the tours I think its due to covid. I told my son just walking around looking at Indian stuff is about 5% of the experience that you would get with a tour. I hope they bring back the tours
Seriously do not have enough good words to say about this Museum. The curator of their contemporary exhibit is amazing. Im always excited to see whats new and whats more its always something different and thought provoking. The architecture alone is worth going for as the building and wrought iron are beautiful as are the grounds. Plus, they are child friendly which you might not automatically expect. Weve been taking our kids at least once a month for years and love doing the hands on activities that tie into the main exhibit as a family. Im hoping that this is brought back soon as due to COVID it was closed.
Great place to visit for education on Native American culture and history. We visited when the Navajo weaving exhibit was on display and it was so fascinating. Most sobering exhibit was the one on the Indian School Experience. If you plan on eating at the cafe afterwards, try to make a reservation the day before your visit as the cafe closes around 2PM. We visited on a Tuesday and the cafe was very busy. Waited about an hour for a table.
Amazing place. I definitely recommend to visitors as well as residents. The art, historic artifacts, history and culture of the people who first lived here is beautifully and respectfully displayed. The best is also the most heartbreaking. Be sure to visit the room devoted to the removal of children from their families to be placed in Indian boarding schools. If you are unfamiliar with that part of US history, brace yourself.😪
This was my first Fridays here and I loved it! The food truck was a nice surprise too. I will be coming back for sure.
Great collection of native art - both new and historic. Some of the contemporary art is stunning. Dont miss the exhibit upstairs about the Indian boarding schools.
I had a great evening wondering the fabulous exhibits. For a First Friday it wasnt very busy (First Friday is free admission). I did NOT enjoy the super loud dj music on the front lawn and dining patio areas. It didnt fit the ambiance of the museum.
Incredible museum! This is a wonderful place to learn more about Native history and modern experiences. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful. I was surprised by how much there was to see—pottery, katsina dolls, Navajo rugs, the art exhibit, sculpture garden, and more. The film was a bit long, but worth it to learn more about the Sunrise Dance tradition especially. Loved it and would highly recommend this museum to anyone.
What a great experience! Some world class art for the positive feelings. A Navajo exhibit of weaving! A traumatic learning experience on Native American children being sent to Indian Schools by the federal government. Overall this museum was a chance to look at culture of the Indiginous people of North America.
Great experience of the Native American history in Arizona. I loved the spirit doll room (kachina dolls) the best.
The exhibition on the Indian Schools was informative and disturbing.
Very Educational. I was so moved in watching the stories and listening to the lived experiences of the various Indian tribes. Away from home was so tough. As a Black American, the unfortunate shared experience of people of color is saddened.
The Boarding School exhibition is a must view. An amazing permanent collection and Im not just saying that because they have something of mine in their basement.
Interesting museum of native American art and history. Has dolls,pottery and rugs just to name a few. Lovely little Cafe attached.
Excellent venue for any occasion! Great staff and amazing food.
Enjoyed it. Map stunk. I remember way more local history before.
I visit the heard museum every time I go to phoenix. Beautiful art. When the Frida Kahlo exhibit was in town I waited for maybe a half hour to get in, but that was back in 2018
Learn your Indian School origins and more.
Smithsonian quality exhibit and history of American Indian art. Will want to visit this beautiful museum again.
Excellent place vibrant with art and history and stories of the people it exhibits. The building is beautiful too. The staff is friendly.
I feel I went to the wrong place because my experience was vastly different than everyone else. Exhibits were emotionless and did not provoke thought or insight into important prior or current native American living. Its was all tapestries, pots, dolls, and bead work from 1840-2020, but thats it. Small exhibit on schools was in the right direction but even that exhibit lacked the art and personal depth to add insight into what they went through, and what generations after feel about the experiences their parents and culture went through. Nothing insightful or thought provoking beyond the surface of oh thats terrible. It felt very white washed and G rated to the point of feeling like Ive already been there, seen that and was REALLY hoping to see some powerful artwork or emotion driven concepts and pieces that would catch your eye and make you think, oh wow, what happened to make someone want to create this?.They also refuse to let you bring in water despite medical conditions, and everything is behind glass so you cant even spill on it by accident. Also have to mention that there was an absurd amount of security guards. Every turn had someone in uniform staring at you, Ive never seen this before at other art/museum places. Usually they have workers dressed nicely to talk to or get more insight, which this place did not.Solid 3/10, I just think I expected more for the price and out of Phoenix. Did not learn anything new or feel like I felt the highs of lows of their culture and society.
Really incredible museum. The exhibit on Indian Boarding Schools is especially powerful.
Beautiful museum! I highly recommend it.
The Indian Schools exhibit is a must see. Extremely eye opening.
My first time here. My Fiancé took me it was a great experience!
This is an absolutely beautiful museum filled with some amazingly curated things. I feel like it often gets overshadowed by the Phoenix Art Museum, (which I love) but this place is a gem. Keep an eye on the website for the rotating exhibits and temporary stuff, this place has a tendency to get some very very cool things that I feel like I would be unlucky to get to see otherwise. It is also part of a few museum reciprocal programs, making it an even better deal if you get a membership.
Engaging interaction with Native American art.
The exhibit on Indian Schools is a must see. This is a fantastic museum.
I was very impressed with this museum. I learned so much more than I anticipated and it really sparked my interest in learning more about the area’s history and culture. The artwork is beautiful and the historical exhibits are truly powerful. I got my ticket free through the Phoenix Public Library
Our first time visit, wonderful informative experience.
Clean Well Organized and Respectful of 1st Nations People. 🙌🏽❤🦅🐺
Great exhibitions. Reasonable entry fee. Nice outdoor lunch cafè. We spent the entire day there.
The handiwork in weaving rugs, basketry, the craftsmanship of jewelry, of Kachina, astounded me. I also toured Boarding School history, I thought it pertained to real people, relatives, of my days, and in light of the graves of thousands of Indigenous children. I also enjoyed a fabulous luncheon.
This museum was way more than I expected. Upon arrival, I was asked if I wanted an introduction and I said yes. The man working was happy to tell me all about the museum. There is much to learn here and is easily a very emotional experience. The layout is great and very informative.
Went for first Friday of the month, as it was free admission. I definitely want to go back and pay the price of admission. Its definitely worth it. There is so much to take in and educate yourself about. Highly recommend visiting, whether you are already interested in Native American art or not. Very highly recommend if you arent familiar at all. Beautiful patio areas. I wish more people visited museums, its really worth it. We will be coming back to see more of the exhibits!
The Heard Museum features exhibits that span the history, art, and culture of the Native Americans. Well laid out in a large area. Educational as well as fun. Walk free or take a tour. A bit on the pricey side especially the museum store but the items are authentic and beautiful. There is a cafe for drinks and snacks as well. Individual day passes are 25.00 but there are passes for 3 visits and a year long all access pass as well. The Phoenix library also features culture passes that gain entry for two people for free. Altogether a great experience. Recommend to anyone from the inquisitive to the native American enthusiast.
Educational, peaceful, and lots to see.
The Heard Museum in Phoenix is wonderful place that honors Native American history, while educating others about their rich heritage. It is also important for people to realize the true struggles Native Americans had, and the wrong that was done it them. There are displays that will blow your mind with their beautiful and detail, and others that will break your heart. Free nights are available so everyone has the opportunity to go. You will have a Lovely evening here!
Excellent museum with many great exhibits. Learned a lot! The courtyard is also lovely; I got a coffee from the cafe and sat on a bench in the shade and it was very pleasant.
Best Museum for native Indian art
The Indian School exhibit is amazing. Lots of beautiful items, many with messages.
Well organized with a helpful and knowledgeable staff. Beautiful display of artifacts and stunning display of art and jewelry for sale in their gift shop. I cant say enough about this place. Its more than a museum when you include a bookshop and eatery.
Very good history lesson that I was unaware of and stunning native American art and artifacts. Worth while.
Wonderful museum and center filled with the stories and history of the Native American tribes of this region and beyond. Amazing to see all of the artifacts and the different exhibitions. Fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
Ive been going to the Heard Museum since I was a kid. Their collection of Native American artifacts and current items is breathtaking. But there is so much more that that. They help us to step into the cultures and understand the beautiful way the Native Americans value and respect all life. Look at the monthly calendars to see what great lectures and events they have. The museum is wheelchair friendly.
Amazingly beautiful, will be coming back for sure. Make sure you give yourself enough time to explore all the exhibits, as there is a lot to take in!
The Home displays is educational and done nicely with the audio provided through their website. Put this on your to do list. Highly recommend!
If you like Native American culture, I highly recommend this place.You can spend a whole day👍
My wife and I loved this gem! I learned something new in every corner. The exhibits were fantastic. We ate at the cafe and the lavish museum store on site. Food and coffee were great and the gifts for sale were unique.
A very in depth look at native culture in the southwestern United States. They had an entire exhibit about the Indian boarding schools, which I didnt even know about. This is probably the biggest collection of Native art Ive ever seen, much of it traditional but some more modern.
The Rich History and Sacrifices of the American Indian and Their Ancestors. The True and Real Americans.
Great educational museum. Learned so much about the native american boarding schools.
A detailed portrayal of Native American people & their culture is showcased here. We had an amazing guide who explained everything with such good examples. A must visit in Poenix for sure.
Fantastic museum well worth a stop if you’re in Phoenix. We’re here about three hours. Took a couple of the free guided tours, volunteers were excellent.
Must visits besides permanent gallery: the special art exhibit and upstairs history of Indian boarding schools.
I Love the Heard Museum! A must go to if you come to Phoenix. The exhibitions are beautiful. Some of them are eye opening. The kachina dolls are beautiful, the pottery and Navajo rugs are breathtaking. Stop by the cafe and the gift shop afterward.
Really amazing! Have kids leave their phones in the car and enjoy.. give yourself 3 hours and watch all of the short movies..
This is a meticulously cared for and stunningly beautiful museum in the heart of Phoenix dedicated to the history and culture of Native American people. It is humbling and touching and provides an insight into a culture that is oft overlooked and underappreciated in American history. Admission is only $20. The museum shop has a great assortment of Native American gifts and theres a cafe as well. A wonderful place to visit and a must see for anyone with an interest in Native American culture.
What a beautiful museum. Artwork is astonishing.
This was my fourth visit, and, by far, the best. It was organized and had expanded exhibits. The Indian School exhibit was so well done, I didnt even have time to get through it all. I cant wait to go back!
This museum is a true gem of original native artwork. There are some pieces of historical significance and some collections of great memorabilia. From the relatively obscure to famous artist, their work is shown here.
Definitely worth seeing if you could only pick one museum in Phoenix. Especially if you’re not from the Southwest. It’s a very well kept museum with plenty of artifacts from all over the region, a must-see for anyone interested in Native American art, culture & history.
An outstanding museum featuring a mixture of Native American history and Native American art.Free docent led tours are available and are a great way to receive an overview of the museum and the history of the Native American people of the Southwest.Some highlights of the museum:The museum has a large selection of pottery featuring the different styles from the various tribes with explanations on how they have evolved.The Katsina collection is simply outstanding and features the Goldwater collection.There is a rotating modern art display highlighting the evolution of Native American art.The history of the Native American Boarding schools is something everyone should see to learn the history and impact of the schools on Native American tribes and their culture.
Great place to come if you would like to know the history of the native Indians. I learned so much by visiting just this one time. I highly recommend you visit this museum
My sister had her wedding at the Museum. It was just beautiful. The staff was excellent helpful supportive and made our time there extremely wonderful. I would recommend this venue to anyone. The enviroment is beautiful and each area from the wedding Outdoors to the inside reception and the courtyard dinner was just amazing. Id highly recommend this as a wedding venue oh and the best part our cocktail hour and private viewings of the museum itself!
What a beautiful place filled with exhibits that evoke tragic and important memories of the Southwest.The most important is the exhibit on Indian boarding schools. The preeminent museum in Phoenix dedicates about a quarter of its space to a dark and forgotten era in our history. There’s a sadness to it that stays with you long after you’ve driven off.The Navajo textile exhibit is stunning. I spent an hour in there soaking in the beauty. Some of the pieces are over 130 years old.The kachina dolls are a good palette cleanser and appropriately sandwiched between. The heavier exhibits.I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this 90 year old institution.
The mission of the Heard Museum is to be the worlds preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of American Indian art, emphasizing its intersection with broader artistic and cultural themes. They do it well! Most impressive organization with an even more impressive collection. A must see. And the personal group tour is killer. Our tour guide was an incredible wealth of information and when she noticed a native-American in our group she invited him to fact-check what she was saying, and to also answer questions from the group, which he did willingly, enhancing the experience. And if youre hungry when you visit please have a meal right inside the compound at the museum cafe. A surprising menu with entrees that are close to gourmet at reasonable prices.
Beautiful Indian creations organized by the tribes from who crafted them. Guide nicely explained how the regions where the tribes came from influenced the work. History of the Indian influence and treatment of the Indians fascinating. Museum store offers beautiful selections of jewelry, art, sculpture, carvings, rug work and more from native artists.
Always a great place to go for Native American art. The Indian Schools exhibit is truly eye-opening!
A great and important refuge for the Native American story - unbelievable art work. The tours are very informative and the guides extremely knowledgeable! An awesome experience and must see place when visiting Phoenix AZ!
Fantastic museum! Great blend of history and contemporary works of art. I visited with my family and we thoroughly enjoyed it. A wonderful educational and cultural experience!
As an artist I Love to visit the Heard Museum ..always great.Posted photos of current exhibitions. Kudos to all the artists modern and traditional!All very interesting & educational 😎 Rich W.
Nice museumNot worth what we paidStill a little confused on the purpose of the museumI hope it is really 2 spread awareness of how bad the American Indians were treated & 2 help them or is this profit of what took from them hmmm.Dont know -confusedVery sad 2 hear about the boarding schools I dont think that was a fair deal either ..
Very good information and history. The building about the Indian Schools was a hit in the gut.Website does not indicate free admissions on 1st Friday after hours. We found out on a review but not about the hours. Neither is there mention of military discount program.
Detailed history that you cant find in a textbook. We need more people sharing truth platforms! Loved it.
Amazing collection of Native American art and artifacts. Powerful exhibit on boarding schools. Dont miss this museum.
Great museum with lots to see! Great history! They also have events here which are informative and entertaining.
I love this place. Living in Phoenix this was my go to place to take my visitors from out of state. Anyone whom would ask me what to do in Phoenix I would recommend this museum. The gift shop is amazing and has one-of-a-kind pieces and artwork. The staff and volunteers are amazing. The art and artifacts are gorgeous.
Fantastic museum. I was incredibly moved by what I saw. I had no idea about a lot of Native American modern history and the exhibits here were extremely informative. I particularly enjoyed the Indian School exhibit. It was very eye opening and made me see how Native Americans were treated in a different light.Museum staff were very well informed and answered all my questions. I’m not sure if they were paid or volunteers, but you can definitely tell they were committed.Definitely stop by if you can. It’s an incredible experience. Well worth the museum admission. Phoenix Art Museum is right down the road, which is also a fantastic experience.
I love me a good museum, and they did not disappoint. I was interested in learning about the history of the area and walking through the exhibits was an education. They take you on an incredible journey through time.
It is a good place to know about Native American history. Ive enjoyed various fusions of modern and Native American art. Entry is $25 per adult. $9 for student
Great day exploring the collections at the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. Artifacts include art from both Native American and indigenous tribes from around the world. We were lucky enough today to watch hoop dances from the Hopi tribal members.