Scottsdale Arts and Culture Journey
While there are many cultural events happening throughout the year in Scottsdale, there are some cultural venues that can be enjoyed all year round. Here are our picks for your Scottsdale arts and cultural journey—enjoy!
Day 1 – Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West
Begin your journey with the Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West and its exhibits of Western and Native American art, artifacts and cultural treasures. Past exhibits have included authentic Old West cowboy gear, Hopi pottery, Kit Carson’s pistol and message pouch, and Native Buffalo robes. Conveniently located on the free downtown trolley line, the museum is accessible from any part of the city.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West
3830 N. Marshall Way Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 686-9539
info@scottsdalemuseumwest.org
Day 2 – Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) features modern and contemporary art from around the world, and is a critical part of Scottsdale culture. Exhibits are pulled from the worlds of music, literature, art, dance, performance art and film. Stroll through the museum’s exhibit spaces or attend one of the museum’s lectures or programs. Past programs have included piñata making and Japanese flower arranging. The outdoor courtyard has one of James Turrell’s Skyspaces; it’s worth the trip just to see this beautiful space.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7374 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ
480.874.4666
Day 3 – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West in Scottsdale is a National Historic Landmark. Constructed over a period of twenty years by Wright and his apprentices and set in a Sonoran Desert Preserve, Taliesin West is a perfect example of Wright’s later architectural style. The buildings rise up and off the desert rocks and appear to be part of them at the same time. There are several tours, including the Panorama Tour, the Night Lights Tour, and Desert “Shelter” Tour.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
12345 North Taliesin Drive
Scottsdale, AZ
480.860.2700
Day 4 – ASU Kerr Cultural Center
A one-of-a-kind historic adobe performing arts venue, ASU Kerr Cultural Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. It showcases a wide variety of performing arts shows, including its well-known jazz concerts. There is sure to be a musical or theatrical performance scheduled during your visit that you will enjoy at this mecca of Scottsdale culture.
ASU Kerr Cultural Center
6110 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480.596.2660
Day 5 – Main Street Scottsdale Art Galleries
If you enjoy art, you need to visit the internationally recognized Main Street Galleries in downtown Scottsdale. You can stroll through the galleries on your own and view the work of over 1,000 artists in 40+ galleries. And, every Thursday night the galleries open their doors for the Scottsdale ArtWalk. Serious collector or casual browser, you won’t want to miss visiting this Scottsdale art mecca.
Day 6 – Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
Located in nearby Mesa, the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is home to exhibits focusing on the story of military aviators. Tour vintage WWII planes, take a ride in a B-17, and view exhibits on aircraft and war memorabilia including displays from WWII and Vietnam.
Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
2017 North Greenfield Road
Mesa, AZ
Day 7 – Food & Drink Tours
One of the best and most enjoyable ways to get to know a city is through its food. And, Scottsdale does enjoy good food and drink! There are many food-oriented tours and some combine food with the history of the city. Walk, bike, or Segway your way through town while drinking and dining. Tour options include craft beer, wine, fine dining, coffee & dessert tours, and happy hour tours.
