Mesa, Arizona is a city that is home to numerous museums, each offering a unique perspective on the history, culture, and nature of the region. From natural history to aviation, from Native American art to antique cars, Mesa has something to offer for everyone interested in exploring the past and present of the area. Here are some of the most popular museums in Mesa, Arizona.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural history of the Southwest. The museum has a large collection of dinosaur fossils, including a complete skeleton of a Dilophosaurus, the state dinosaur of Arizona. Visitors can also see exhibits on the geology and ecology of the region, as well as displays on the native peoples who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The museum also has a replica of a Hohokam village, complete with a ball court and homes made from adobe bricks.
Mesa Historical Museum
The Mesa Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Mesa and the surrounding area. The museum has a large collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Mesa’s growth from a small farming community to a thriving city. Visitors can see exhibits on Mesa’s early pioneers, the history of the agricultural industry in the area, and the growth of the city’s downtown. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase books, souvenirs, and other items related to Mesa’s history.
Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts. The museum has a large collection of vintage aircraft, including World War II-era planes like the B-25 Mitchell bomber and the P-51 Mustang fighter. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and see the planes up close, or even take a ride in one of the planes if they book in advance. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase aviation-related souvenirs.
i.d.e.a. Museum
The i.d.e.a. Museum is a modern museum that is designed to inspire creativity and imagination in children. The museum has interactive exhibits that encourage kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in a fun and engaging way. There are exhibits on light and shadow, gravity, magnetism, and more. The museum also has a studio where kids can create their own art projects, as well as a gift shop where visitors can purchase educational toys and games.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is a modern art museum that showcases the work of contemporary artists from around the world. The museum has a rotating schedule of exhibits that feature a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video. Visitors can see works by established artists as well as up-and-coming talents. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
Mesa Arts Center
The Mesa Arts Center is a multi-purpose cultural center that hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. The center has multiple performance spaces, including a theater, a concert hall, and a black box theater, where visitors can see plays, concerts, dance performances, and more. The center also has multiple galleries where visitors can see exhibits of visual art, as well as classrooms where visitors can participate in art classes and workshops.
Arizona Museum for Youth
The Arizona Museum for Youth is another museum that is designed to inspire creativity and imagination in children. The museum has interactive exhibits that encourage kids to explore art, music, science, and more. There are exhibits on sound, color, texture, and other elements of art and design, as well as a large play area where kids can climb and explore. The museum also has a studio where kids can create their own art projects, as well as a gift shop where visitors can purchase educational toys and games.
Superstition Mountain Museum
The Superstition Mountain Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and lore of the Superstition Mountains, a range of mountains near Mesa that are said to be home to a legendary lost gold mine. The museum has exhibits on the history of mining in the area, as well as displays on the local flora and fauna. Visitors can also see exhibits on the Apache Indians who once lived in the area, as well as artifacts from the early days of the town of Goldfield, which was founded in the late 1800s.
Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is a museum dedicated to the history of the earth and its inhabitants. The museum has exhibits on the evolution of life on earth, as well as displays on fossils, rocks, and minerals. Visitors can also see exhibits on the human body and the brain, as well as a large collection of insects and other arthropods. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
Arizona Railway Museum
The Arizona Railway Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of railroads in Arizona. The museum has a large collection of vintage locomotives, railcars, and other railroad artifacts, as well as exhibits on the history of railroads in the state. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and see the trains up close, or even ride on a vintage train if they book in advance. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase railroad-related souvenirs.