The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West invites visitors to see regional history from a new and intriguing perspective. It brings stories from the West to life through art and historical relics from a variety of cultures. Piece together the rich past of the American West through the temporary and permanent collections in this profound museum.
Admire works of art and tools crafted by Native American people. Among the historical items are blankets for Navajo chiefs and pottery pieces made by the Hopi. Explore the large array of cowboy relics and study the contemporary works from the artists of the West. The Western Spirit Trail mural has a three-dimensional appearance and tricks your eye into believing you are in the Old West.
Make your way through the sculpture courtyard and watch a film in the theater. Pick up souvenirs in the gift shop.
Guided tours take place three times per day. Chat with a docent about the history of the museum. It first opened in 2015 and operates in a sleek and modern two-story building. Check the online schedule for the various events and educational activities organized in the complex.
Note that the site opens Tuesday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon. In winter, it stays open until evening on Thursdays. There is a fee to enter the museum, with discounts for seniors, active military personnel, students and kids. Museum members and toddlers enter for free.
The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is between the Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Scottsdale districts. It is a short walk south from the Arizona Canal Trail.
While in this area, consider stopping at surrounding landmarks such as the Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale City Hall and the Greasepaint Theater, where the Scottsdale Community Players conduct youth-centered performances.
