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Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

3830 N Marshall Way · Scottsdale, AZ

Why you should go…

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a 43,000 square foot museum in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona that opened in January 2015 on the former site of the Loloma Transit Station. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it presents rotating exhibitions of Western art, culture and historic artifacts drawn from 19 states in the American West, Western Canada and Mexico. The building holds eight exhibition galleries, a theater and auditorium, a sculpture courtyard and a museum store.

  • #museum
  • #history
  • #art
  • #western

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Nightlife
    Quirky Fun

    Rusty Spur Saloon

    Free

    A former saddle shop turned honky-tonk, with live country music and sawdust on the floor every night.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Old Town Scottsdale

    Free

    Western-themed storefronts, art galleries, and patio bars packed into a walkable historic district.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Scottsdale

    Free

    Sonoran Desert resort city known for upscale resorts, Old Town galleries, golf, and desert recreation.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

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    Family Favorite

    Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

    Under $25

    A large firefighting museum across from the Phoenix Zoo, with over 130 restored fire trucks, pumpers and gear.

    3.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park

    Under $25

    State history museum at Papago Park covering Arizona from the frontier era through statehood.

    3.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Heard Museum

    Under $25

    One of the world's foremost collections of Native American art and culture, in a Spanish Colonial building.

    8.4 mi awayMore like this